The Tower of London

From the Crown Jewels to bloody tales of torture and death, the Tower of London is bursting with history to delight and terrify visitors in equal measure.Built in 1066, these ancient stone walls have been used as a palace, prison, royal mint, execution site, armoury and even a zoo! And now this UNESCO site is ready to welcome you.

Visitor Information: The Tower of London

• The Tower of London

  Description

  The Tower of London, officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. With over 1,000 years of history packed into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower offers a wealth of experiences for visitors keen on diving deep into England’s past.

  Stepping Back in Time: Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England, the Tower of London has had a fascinating and somewhat gruesome history. From a grand palace early in its history, it has served variously as a royal residence, treasury, menagerie, armoury, the Royal Mint, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England.

  See the Crown Jewels: A visit to the Tower is not complete without viewing the dazzling Crown Jewels. This impressive collection of ceremonial and symbolic objects includes the crowns, sceptres, orbs, and swords used by the British monarchy. The Star of Africa, the largest colourless cut diamond in the world, is also on display here.

  Walk in the Steps of the Kings and Queens: Exploring the medieval White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, visitors can marvel at the Norman architecture and see the Line of Kings exhibition – displaying royal armours and weaponry. The Tower Green, where high-profile prisoners like Anne Boleyn were executed, is another must-see.

  Meet the Tower’s Famous Residents: The Tower of London is also home to the famous resident ravens. Legend has it that if these ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. To ensure this doesn’t happen, they are well cared for by their own designated Raven master.

  Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of royal pageantry, or simply love exploring unique and fascinating places, the Tower of London is a must-visit destination that promises a day packed full of discovery. Remember to enjoy the Yeoman Warder tours, where the guards (also known as Beefeaters) entertain with tales of intrigue, imprisonment, and execution. Their storytelling brings the history of this remarkable place to life.

• Highlights

  Not to be missed when visiting

  The White Tower: Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It houses fascinating exhibitions and displays including the Royal Armouries collection. This impressive display showcases some of the most significant pieces of armour and weaponry from the Tower’s long history, including suits of armour worn by famous monarchs such as Henry VIII and Charles I.

  Crown Jewels: One of the Tower’s most famous attractions is the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of precious gems and ornate regalia that has been used in coronations since the 17th century. Visitors can view the jewels up close in the Jewel House, where they’re housed under tight security. Don’t miss the chance to see the Imperial State Crown, which features a staggering 2,868 diamonds!

  Yeoman Warder Tours: Join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tour to learn about the tower’s history, legends, and the role of the Beefeaters themselves. These distinctive figures are a key part of the Tower’s history and tradition, and they’re responsible for guarding the site and sharing its stories with visitors. They’re easily recognizable in their traditional uniforms and hats, and they’re always happy to answer questions and pose for photos.

  Medieval Palace: Visit the Medieval Palace, a recreated 13th-century royal residence within the Tower complex.

  Tower Green and Execution Site: Discover Tower Green, where notable figures, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, met their tragic end.

  Ravens of the Tower: See the famous ravens that reside within the tower, with a legend that states if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.

  Bloody Tower: Learn about the infamous “Bloody Tower” and its association with the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower.

  The Beefeater Museum: Visit the Beefeater Museum to delve into the history and traditions of the Yeoman Warders.

  The Royal Menagerie: Explore the history of the Tower’s former Royal Menagerie, which once housed exotic animals gifted to the monarch.

  Traitors’ Gate: View Traitors’ Gate, the infamous entrance to the Tower used for prisoners, including Anne Boleyn.

  The Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula: Visit the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. This historic church has been the site of many notable events throughout the Tower’s history, including the burial of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s wives. Visitors can explore the chapel’s beautiful architecture and learn about its fascinating past.