The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 as a symbol of his power and authority over England. The Tower has served various functions throughout history, such as a royal residence, a prison, a treasury, a mint, an armory, a zoo, and a museum. The Tower is also famous for being the home of the Crown Jewels of England, which are displayed in a secure vault within the castle.
The Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, attracting over two million visitors every year. The Tower offers guided tours, interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and special events for visitors of all ages. Visitors can explore the various buildings and structures within the Tower complex, such as the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, the Traitors’ Gate, and the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. They can also see the iconic Beefeaters, who are the ceremonial guards and tour guides of the Tower, and the ravens, who are said to protect the Tower from disaster.
The Tower of London is not only a fascinating place to visit, but also a significant part of British history and culture. The Tower has witnessed many important events and personalities in history, such as the execution of Anne Boleyn, the imprisonment of Sir Walter Raleigh, the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, and the Great Fire of London in 1666. The Tower has also inspired many legends and stories, such as the ghost of Lady Jane Grey, the Princes in the Tower, and the curse of the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Grade I listed building.
Tower of London Tickets: Prices & Discounts
If you want to visit the Tower of London, you can buy tickets online or at the gate. The prices vary depending on the date and time of your visit, and whether you are eligible for any discounts. For example, you can save up to 10% if you book online in advance. You can also get discounts for students, seniors, families and groups. For more information, please visit the official website.
Where Is Tower of London Located?
The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.
How to get to Tower of London?
There are many ways to get to the Tower of London, depending on where you are coming from and what mode of transport you prefer. Here are some of the options:
- By tube: The nearest tube station is Tower Hill, which is served by the Circle and District lines. From there, it is a 5-minute walk to the Tower of London.
- By train: The nearest train station is London Bridge, which is a 15-minute walk to the Tower of London. You can also take a bus (routes 15, 42, 78, 100 or RV1) from London Bridge to Tower Hill.
- By bus: There are many bus routes that stop near the Tower of London, such as 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1. You can use the Transport for London website or app to plan your journey by bus.
- By river: You can take a riverboat service from various piers along the Thames to Tower Pier, which is right next to the Tower of London. Some of the riverboat operators are Thames Clippers, City Cruises and Thames River Services.
- By bike: There are cycle routes and bike parking facilities near the Tower of London. You can also use the Santander Cycles scheme to hire a bike from one of the docking stations nearby.
- By car: Driving to the Tower of London is not recommended as there is limited parking space and congestion charges apply in central London. However, if you do drive, you can use the Tower Hill car park or the Lower Thames Street car park, which are both within walking distance of the Tower of London.
Tower Of London Opening & Closing Hours / Days
The Tower of London is open every day except on 24-26 December and 1 January. The opening hours are from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) and from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm (Sunday and Monday). The last admission is at 5:00 pm.
The Best Time To Visit The Tower Of London
The best time to visit the Tower of London is on a weekday, preferably at opening time, to avoid long queues and crowds. August is the busiest month, so it might be wise to avoid it if possible.
Tower Of London Tips
Here are some tips for visiting the Tower of London:
- Buy your tickets online in advance to save money and avoid long queues at the entrance.
- Plan to spend at least three hours exploring the Tower and its exhibits, such as the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Medieval Palace.
- Join a free guided tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who will tell you stories and secrets about the Tower’s history.
- Check the website for special events and exhibitions that may be happening during your visit, such as reenactments, ceremonies, and festivals.
- Enjoy the views of the River Thames and the Tower Bridge from the Tower’s walls and gardens.
