Tower of London is one of the most valuable monuments in the capital of Great Britain.

The official name of the Tower of London, mentioned in historical documents, is His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and this name accurately describes the function this beautiful monument has served over the centuries. I can imagine that when you come to London, the Tower of London might not be your main destination, but it’s worth considering a visit to the castle, if only because of its history and the Crown Jewels displayed in the fortress’s dungeons.

In the article below, I will briefly discuss the history of the Tower, its exploration, and provide you with plenty of useful information and interesting facts that, I hope, will help you make decisions and navigate your visit.

Tower of London tour, prices, opening hours and some other tips

What to do and see in London and how much it costs

London is a city full of attractions of all kinds. Museums, art galleries, modern and futuristic buildings attract tourists from all over the world. However, like in any capital city, there are unique places that are closely tied to this city.

Among the attractions considered symbols of London are certainly the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the British Museum, and of course, the Tower of London. The imposing fortress with its rather grim appearance and walls towering high above the banks of the Thames has served many functions over the course of its thousand-year history and has often been the centre of events that changed the fate of the kingdom.

You will learn about everything that happened in the Tower of London by strolling through its spacious interiors. However, before you cross the fortress gate, you must buy a ticket. It’s best to do this in advance online, which will save you time spent in long queues at the ticket office. I recommend purchasing a combination ticket, which allows you entry to other attractions in London and save you some money.

When buying a ticket, you will be required to choose a specific time to enter the fortress. It’s important to consider this carefully and not be late, as the guards strictly adhere to formalities and may not let you in, especially in summer when there are so many visitors it seems as if the whole world suddenly descended on London just to enter the Tower of London.

Once inside the castle, be sure to visit the Three Towers (the White Tower, the Wakefield Tower, and the Lanthorn Tower), which once formed the luxurious Medieval Palace. It was a richly decorated and comfortable quarters for the monarch and his family. Today, most of the rooms have been restored and furnished with replicas of furniture and items used in the Middle Ages. Here I must add that the furnishings are not particularly impressive, and I believe that the interiors of Malbork Castle in Poland are much more interesting and better prepared.

In the further part of the article, I will discuss other noteworthy places that you shouldn’t miss.

Tower of London opening hours

The Tower of London is open at:

  • Monday and Sunday: 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 15:30)
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 15:30).
  • The waterfront around the fortress is open daily from 7:00 to 19:00.

Opening hours may vary during public holidays and special events in London. So before you start planning your trip, check it out on the official website.

Tower of London ticket prices

  • As always, I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance due to the popularity of this attraction.
  • The adult ticket costs £35.
  • The concession ticket costs £18.
  • If you are a member of the Tower of London club, your visit to the fortress is free and unlimited throughout the year. Membership prices currently start from £55 for an annual fee.

Prices change very often, so do not take the above information for granted.

Tower of London address

  • Tower of London, Londyn, EC3N 4AB.

To ensure a successful visit to the Tower of London, you should plan your trip carefully. Practical information gathered for you in the section below will help you with this.

Tower of London practical information that will be useful when visiting

Tower of London and Tower Bridge in London
  • To explore the historic site, you’ll definitely need a map. You can download it from the official Tower of London website or request one at the entrance.
  • Remember that the Tower of London is nearly a thousand years old, so some of its elements may be worn or damaged, especially stone stairs, walkways, and floors inside. Exercise caution in areas marked as less safe.
  • There are no luggage storage facilities in the Tower, and some rooms may not allow entry with large bags or backpacks. Keep this in mind before coming to the fortress.
  • The Tower of London offers many facilities for people with disabilities, but unfortunately, not all areas are wheelchair accessible.
  • You can have a meal and a coffee in the Tower of London, although the prices are far from average. Therefore, I recommend eating before coming.
  • You’ll find a souvenir shop in the monument.
  • You can explore the Tower of London with an electronic guide, which costs an additional £5.
  • Throughout the fortress, you can take photos (in rooms without flash) except in the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels are kept.

Tower of London the history of the old fortress

The Tower of London is often referred to as the Bloody Tower, and this name fits it very well. The old and grim walls of London’s castle have witnessed many dark and bloody events, and the stories told about it can send shivers down your spine.

The construction of the great fortress began in the 11th century at the behest of William the Conqueror, King of England and Duke of Normandy, who, after seizing the English throne, began a ruthless struggle for influence and power. As history tells us, William didn’t do things by halves—if he wanted something, he went for it and usually got it, much like his father, Duke of Normandy, Robert I, also known as Robert the Devil.

The stronghold is located in the Tower Hamlets district of London and is separated from the famous City of London by a vast space known to locals as Tower Hill. It was there, on a small hill, that crowds gathered to witness numerous executions. The great and dark structure was intended from the beginning to be a symbol of Norman rule over English lands, but over time, it became a symbol of oppression exerted on London by the new king.

The first building to appear on the Thames was the White Tower, from which the fortress took its name. Subsequently, a complex of several buildings enclosed within two rings of defensive walls and a deep moat was constructed. Over the years, the Tower of London was expanded, and its various parts served various functions.

Initially, the palace standing in the central part of the fortress was a royal residence, but eventually, it became a notorious prison, a royal treasury, an armoury, and even a royal zoo. In other parts of the fortress, there were, among other things, the Royal Registration Office and a treasury where the Crown Jewels of England are kept to this day.

For centuries, it was believed that he who ruled the Tower of London ruled England. Therefore, it was often besieged, but its mighty walls managed to repel the attackers. The defensive function of the Tower of London ceased to be significant only when artillery began to be used on a large scale.

Today, the Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions, not only in London but in the whole of England. The monument is under the care of the charity organization Historic Royal Palaces and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tower of London and places you should pay special attention to

The White Tower is the most famous castle keep in the world, and certainly the best known. Its task was to deter attackers and command respect from the inhabitants of London. Today, the White Tower is a symbol of the city and the whole of Great Britain.

Below, I will list the places that particularly appealed to me, and I’m sure you will like them too.

Romanesque chapel of Saint John the Evangelist in the White Tower

Romanesque chapel of Saint John the Evangelist in the White Tower

Inside the White Tower is the famous 11th-century Romanesque Chapel of St. John the Evangelist. It is the best-preserved Norman building in the world and is considered by many to be the most beautiful place in the entire Tower of London. Although long queues form at the entrance to the chapel, you shouldn’t miss it.

Since 1100, the chapel has been the site where newly appointed knights underwent the ritual of absolution and spent the night in prayerful vigil. This custom lasted until 1312, when it was transferred to the Tudor-era church named after St. Peter ad Vincula, and the space of the old chapel was transformed into a storage room for books and documents. It served this function until 1877 when Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, restored its original purpose.

Today, the chapel is once again a place of worship and is used for services and ceremonies conducted by the chaplain residing in the White Tower.

Royal armoury in the White Tower

Royal armoury in the White Tower

In the armoury housed within the White Tower, you will see a plethora of military equipment collected there by successive custodians.

One of the most valuable exhibits is the tournament armour of Henry VIII, crafted in 1515. It was meticulously forged in a labor-intensive and thoughtful manner. The armour is adorned with intricate details and armoured components designed to protect the monarch. It is one of the six surviving suits of armour belonging to Henry VIII.

You will also see gilded armour belonging to Charles I and James II. They occupy an honourable place in the exhibition space dedicated to the history of the English kings. In this part of the exhibition, the most precious exhibits are displayed, and they have been prepared to look realistic. Wooden figures of people and horses, dressed in original armour and armed with weapons, play the role of knights.

In the armoury, you will find many elements of weapons used by the English nobility and ordinary soldiers. Pay attention to the Giant Armour, as well as its counterpart, the Dwarf Armour. I’m sure you will find many more interesting artefacts in this wonderful place, and we look forward to hearing about them.

Traitors’ Gate in the Tower of London

Yeoman Warders the tower guards are an integral part of the Tower of London

The Traitors’ Gate is the gate leading to the castle and is located in the wall on the riverside. It was through this gate that prisoners were brought into the Tower. The prison authorities made sure that the entrance was full of emotions: in front of the gate and on the shore, along which the boat sailed, the heads of recently executed criminals smiled at the prisoners on long poles.

Yeoman Warders the tower guards are an integral part of the Tower of London

Yeoman Warders the tower guards are an integral part of the Tower of London

The Yeoman Warders were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard, the personal bodyguard of the reigning monarch, who travelled under their protection on every journey.

Henry VIII decided that they should also guard the entire Tower of London. Currently, the Tower’s guardians are an integral part of the castle’s landscape and have the right to wear the magnificent red uniform, which has the status of a state uniform and is worn on all state occasions such as the coronation, the monarch’s birthday, or important meetings. There are always 32 warders, and both men and women can hold this position.

To become a Yeoman Warder, a prospective candidate must have at least 22 years of military service, reach a designated military rank, and be decorated for long service and honourable conduct.

For over 700 years, the Yeoman Warders have continued the Ceremony of the Keys. It takes place every day when the outer gates of the fortress are closed for the night, and the warders hand over the keys to the monarch’s representative in the Tower of London, who is the governor.

In my opinion, the best way to start exploring the Tower of London is to take advantage of the Yeoman Warders’ assistance as guides. Tours led by the warders are very vivid, entertaining, but they can also be scary because these people are not shy about telling the fortress’s history.

Such tours start every 30 minutes near the main entrance to the Tower and are included in the ticket price. Moreover, remember that these tours are conducted only in English. So, if you don’t speak the language, it’s better to walk around the castle at your pace, using your sources of knowledge.

Yeoman Warders Tower Guards facts, information, and curiosities

  • The Yeoman Warders are the guardians of the Tower of London and the personal bodyguards of the monarch.
  • To become a Yeoman Warder, one must have at least 22 years of military service.
  • In the past, when a ship entered London, it had to first dock at the Tower Stairs and deliver part of its cargo to the guardians. This tradition is still celebrated today, and the captain of every warship that docks at the wharf must present a barrel of rum or brandy to the warder as a traditional payment.
  • The Beefeater Gin bottle features the figure of a Yeoman Warder in traditional state uniform.
  • Each warder receives a bottle of Beefeater Gin on their birthday.
  • Every recruit in the guard takes the same oath as the first Yeoman did.
  • Centuries ago, when a recruit joined the ranks of the Yeoman Warders, his substantial salary was deposited into a special account and paid out to him upon retirement. However, part of the money went into the hands of the warder who recruited him. If a Yeoman Warder died before retirement, the entire sum of money went to the recruiting colleague. Over time, the tradition of toasting recruits with the phrase “May you don’t die a Yeoman” emerged.

The Crown Jewels of England at the Jewel House

The Crown Jewels of England have been housed in the Tower of London since 1661. This magnificent and priceless collection boasts over 23,000 gemstones stored separately or set in royal insignia, some of which are still used during state ceremonies or, for example, during the monarch’s opening of Parliament.

In the Jewel House, you will not only be able to admire the famous jewels but also gain knowledge about their origins and who and when they were used by. An interesting element of the exhibition is the films depicting the coronation processions of the last monarchs of England.

You will also find descriptions of individual elements of the royal regalia, from the smallest pin to the Crown of St. Edward. All jewels used in ceremonies are returned to the treasury immediately after their conclusion.

This place is wonderful; at least I felt overwhelmed in the presence of such wealth and splendour. The most valuable items in the Jewel House include:

  • The Imperial State Crown is a magnificent crown worn by the monarch after the coronation ceremony and during official occasions such as the opening of Parliament. Its elements include:
    • The Black Prince’s Ruby, a gemstone located in the front of the Imperial State Crown. Although not actually a ruby but a semi-precious stone, its history dates back to 1367 when it was taken from a Muslim king of Granada, making it a priceless treasure.
    • The Stuart Sapphire, located at the back of the crown. It likely belonged to King Charles I, whose son James II illegally took the jewel out of England after being deposed in 1688. The stone returned to England in 1838 and was set into the crown.
    • The Cullinan II Diamond, a stone weighing over 317 carats, set at the front of the crown. It was cut from the largest diamond ever found and presented to Edward VII in 1907 by the Transvaal government on his 66th birthday.
    • St. Edward’s Sapphire, according to legend, was taken from the ring of Edward the Confessor when his body was moved to a new shrine in the 12th century.
  • The Koh-I-Noor Diamond, one of the world’s most famous diamonds. It likely originated from the Golconda mines in India and has an extraordinary history, passing through the hands of Mongol emperors, the Shah of Iran, several Afghan emirs, and Indian maharajas. The diamond arrived in England in 1849 and was presented to Queen Victoria.
  • The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 and has been used in all ceremonies since then. In 1910, the largest diamond in the world, the Cullinan I, weighing over 532 carats, was added to the sceptre. It was cut from the same stone as the Cullinan II diamond in the Imperial State Crown.

The Crown Jewels of England information and interesting facts

  • The heart of the Crown Jewels collection is the English coronation regalia and sacred items used during coronation ceremonies.
  • The collection contains over 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones.
  • The currently used crown jewels date back to 1661. Previous ones were destroyed after the execution of King Charles I.
  • All crown jewels leave the Tower of London only during ceremonies such as the opening of Parliament, coronation, or royal baptisms.
  • The crown jewels have survived many theft attempts, including a well-planned and almost successful attempt by Captain Blood in 1671.
  • The collection includes some of the largest and most valuable gemstones in the world.

Other features of the Tower of London you should see include:

  • The Tower of St. Thomas was built by Henry III’s son in 1279. It stands near the Thames waterfront. A royal barge was once moored under the tower, and the gate leading to the waterfront is now called the Traitors’ Gate.
  • King Edward I’s bedroom in the Tower of St. Thomas has been reconstructed based on available historical documents.
  • The Lanthorn Tower was originally part of Henry III’s wife’s residence. Unfortunately, it was destroyed, and the current building dates back to the 19th century. Inside, materials have been gathered to help visitors understand life at court.
  • The Wakefield Tower was built for Henry III in 1240 as a royal lodging and was initially located right on the banks of the Thames, so the king could sail up and access his rooms directly from the boat. It contains an audience chamber. Most of the interior decorations are replicas, including the royal throne, which in my opinion is ugly and cheaply made, but what do I know.

Ravens in the Tower of London

Ravens in the Tower of London

It is said that Britain and the Tower of London itself will fall and be consumed by time if six ravens residing there ever leave. King Charles II believed in this prophecy and insisted that the Tower ravens be protected by royal decree. Interestingly, this order was issued despite strong opposition from the court astronomer John Flamsteed, who disliked the large birds as they caused chaos in his observatory located atop the White Tower.

The ravens currently residing in the Tower bear the names Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar, Branwen, and Rex. They are highly intelligent creatures, each with its personality. They can mimic sounds, play games, and even solve complex tasks. I witnessed one of the birds shouting in English at a group of children running on the lawn in front of the White Tower. At the same time, another raven was picking up small litter thrown on the sidewall and depositing it into the bin. I watched these remarkable creatures with great interest for about half an hour.

The Tower ravens have divided the fortress’s territory into territories and are vigilant to ensure that tourists behave properly. Remember not to approach the birds, especially not to touch them, as they can peck painfully if they feel threatened. Feeding them is also prohibited, as they must adhere to a strict diet to remain healthy and strong—remember what will happen if they are missing!

One of the Yeoman Warders, known as the Raven master, is responsible for caring for the birds. His task is to ensure the safety of the ravens. To prevent them from flying too high, their wings are periodically clipped. Another reason the ravens remain in the castle is the excellent living conditions provided to them by the warders. They are fed twice daily with a mixture consisting of mice, rats, chicks, and other delicacies that the ravens consider treats.

Throughout history, even in recent times, there have been cases where some birds were discharged from duty or simply expelled due to bad behaviour. Some learned to curse, others stole, and still others were such gluttons that they snatched snacks from tourists. One of the birds expelled from the fortress now resides near a pub in the East End district, where it has become a giant attraction.

Tower of London as a prison

Tower of London as a prison

The Tower of London gained fame primarily as a prison where opponents of the crown were sent. Often, shortly after crossing the castle walls, they disappeared without a trace or met a spectacular and painful end. In the Middle Ages, the phrase “sent to the Tower” meant that a person had been captured and would likely never be heard from again.

The castle served as a prison for almost its entire existence, but its darkest time was in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this period, many well-known figures were held in the Tower, including Elizabeth I, who would later become Queen of England.

Despite the terrifying stories that circulated over the centuries, only a few people were actually executed within the fortress itself. Most executions took place on Tower Hill, nearby. According to documents available in the castle museum, 112 executions of important and well-known individuals took place on the hill.

Religious propagandists, who contributed to the Tower’s bad reputation, were also sent to the prison. They arrived in groups, and upon release, they told terrifying, often exaggerated or entirely fabricated stories of what they had seen. However, the greatest fame came to the building in the 19th century, when writers and poets described the London prison in their works as a place of torture, violence, and death.

During both World Wars, the fortress also served as a prison, this time for traitors and spies. According to available records, 12 Englishmen working for Nazi Germany were executed there.

The first prisoner confined in the Tower in 1100 was Ranulf Flambard, a Norman bishop who became a scapegoat, accused of embezzlement and financial fraud, likely instigated by the king himself. The last prisoners were the Kray twins, Ronald and Reginald, who formed a criminal gang operating throughout London. They were convicted of murder, extortion, kidnapping, pimping, and bribery. In 1952, after the Tower closed as a prison, they were transferred to another facility.

Tower of London information and interesting facts

  • The Tower of London was built in 1066.
  • The fortress consists of three parts: the outer ward, the area around the White Tower, and the inner ward.
  • The current layout of the castle was established in 1285.
  • The London landmark is the most visited attraction in the UK.
  • Yeoman Warders, numbering 32, have been serving in the Tower for over 700 years.
  • There are always at least 6 ravens living in the Tower of London. If the birds were to disappear, the Tower and the entire UK would fall.
  • The royal crown jewels are stored in the underground chambers of the London fortress.
  • The Tower Warders and their families permanently reside in the Tower of London.
  • The White Tower is 30 meters high with walls 3.5 meters thick.
  • Executions were carried out at the Tower Green. It was here that two of Henry VIII’s wives were executed by starvation.
  • The Tower is said to be haunted by countless ghosts, as recounted in numerous legends.

Polish version

Other attractions in London worth visiting