About Tower Of London
Why To Book Tower Of London Tickets?
Highlights:- The Tower of London is a 1000-year-old UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site and a must-visit when in London.- The highlight of the Tower are the ravens which are also known as the ‘Guardians of the Tower’.- Venture to the Tower Green where executions took place.- The Crown Jewels on display will bedazzle you, so ensure you check them as well at the exhibition.- The Yeoman body of 32 men is a big highlight here. Also nicknamed as ‘Beef Eater’ they are known to guard the towers since the Tudor times.
Inclusions:
- The UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1086 by William the Conqueror. You will also spot the ravens who are said to be the protectors of the tower also known as the Guardians of the Tower.
- The British Crown Jewels will take your breath away as you lay sight of the wondrous gems and crowns on display.
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History Of Tower Of London
What’s Inside The Tower Of London?
One of the biggest highlights of the Tower of London is the Jewel House. This part of the Tower boasts a glistening collection of 23,578 gemstones that make the Crown Jewels. There are armed Royal guards in the Jewel House protecting the rich heritage of the royal family. The royal insignia collection is still used by The Queen for important ceremonies. Those pieces of Jewellery that are currently in use are marked ‘in use’. Even the illustrious diamond Kohinoor is placed in the Jewel House.
Head later to one of the most fascinating exhibitions showcasing the tournament armour worn by Henry VIII and the gilded armour of Charles I and James II. The Line Of Kings Exhibition is located in the White Tower and is home to unique and skillfully crafted pieces made by both common soldiers as well as noblemen. If you are a seeker of the wisdom of history and unimaginable interesting stories then this exhibit will open your windows towards ancient and age-old craftsmanship.
When the Tower of London was constructed, the White Tower was the first structure to be uprooted. Without a doubt, it is one of the most famous castles in the world and has stories of awe and fear in equal measures associated with it. The innards of the Tower have a Chapel that is dedicated to St.John, the Evangelist. It also is home to the Royal Armouries collection with other age-old valuable treasures and more.
The Yeoman Warder also called the Beefeaters are the ceremonial guards who have been protecting the Tower of London for ages. The best part of taking the tour is to engage with their warm and funny demeanour while sinking into the interesting facts and history they share. The guided tour with the ceremonial guards is free of cost and hence a good step to take.
For centuries it is believed that the ravens form an important part of the Tower’s mythos and beliefs. They are known as the guardians of the Tower and it is believed that there are 6 ravens present in the Tower. It is also said that the wings of the ravens are clipped so that they do not fly off as a disaster may befall England. The current 6 ravens present are called Jubilee, Gripp, Harris, Erin, Rocky, Merlina, and Poppy.
The Tour also houses a Royal zoo which used to be home to several exotic animals such as the Polar Bear Lion, Elephants, alligators, and many others. The Zoo is no longer a part of the Tower but this exhibit will be an interesting one as it allows you to check out the sights and sounds of the animals with the interactive tech-oriented display.
Facts You Didn't Know About Tower Of London
- The fascinating facts surrounding the Tower of London can sweep you off your feet.
- There are superstitions that six ravens are always kept at the Tower. The wings of the ravens were reportedly clipped to prevent them from flying off the tower.
- At present, the Martin Tower of the Tower of London has 23,500 jewels that have an estimated value of £20 billion.
- It is shocking but true that the Tower of London has seen 22 executions. The last execution was of a German spy called Josef Jakobs in 1941.
- There are also some Ghost stories associated with the Tower. It is believed that the Tower houses several ghosts including Henry VI, Dame Sybil, Catherine, wife of Henry VIII, and even a bear from the zoo which was a part earlier.
- In 2012 November, the tower’s key to the internal lock was stolen. The lock was replaced but the keys are yet to be found.
- The Tower of London is also decreed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
- In the 1200s the Tower of London had a royal zoo that had animals like bears, lions, kangaroos, and more. It was later shut down in 1835.
Know Before You Visit the Tower Of London
Location - The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.
Timings - The opening days and hours will always vary.
01 June to 18 September:Daily: 09.00-17.30. Last timeslot: 16.00 - 16.30.
19 September to 31 OctoberDaily:Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30.Tuesday - Saturday: 09.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit is surely on a weekday, yet it still gets crowded if you arrive later. Hence it is best to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
How to reach:
By Car: The Tower of London is 2.7 miles away from London City Center and is easily accessible by car. If you drive your own car or take a cab, you can reach there in 20 minutes.
By Metro: If you decided to tread via metro, then the Location is only 1.2 miles away from London Bridge Mainline station. This will take approximately 14 minutes via cab or private car. Then you can find a train that runs from London Bridge to London Cannon street every 6 minutes.
Tips To Visit Tower Of London
- When you are outside the premises, the White Tower is visible with its striking structure. But the Tower of London is way bigger than that. By merely looking at the exterior, do not assume that it will take less time. The Tower has several walkways, exhibits, and buildings and in order to explore everything, you will need at least 4 hours.
- If you want to avoid thick crowds and have a better experience, you need to avoid bigger tour groups, school tours, and the general public. In order to enjoy a better experience visit in the opening hours of the Tower.
- If you arrive early then head straight to the Crown Jewels exhibit first. This is one of the most popular attractions here and fetches more crowds. If you visit here first, you can get a good view of the exhibit without any compromise.
- There is also something called the After-hours Twilight tour which takes you through the extensive history. If you want to know more about it, you can take the tour available in selected Sunday evenings which will be taken by one of the Yeoman Warder.
- The tower walls offer magnanimous views but you should walk the raised outer perimeter wall as you can get stunning views of the London skyline including the Gherkin Skyscraper.
- Do note that tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the Tower. Also, no baggage facility is present at the tower. Hence it is recommended to travel light and not get any big bags inside.
- If you want free access to the Tower of London tour then you can buy the London explorer or the London Royal Palace Pass.
- The Tower of London goes back to mediaeval times hence wheelchair accessibility is limited. Only the Jewel Tower and Crown Jewels exhibition are wheelchair accessible.
Facilities At Tower Of London
Gift Shops - You can take back gifts and souvenirs that represent the different elements of the Tower. Some of the shops include Beefeater Shop, White Tower Shop, Jewel House Shop, and Ravens Shop.
Audio Tour - If you want to gain better insights into the Tower of London, an audio-guided tour also is a great way to go. You can get stories from Mediaeval Place to executions. You can also book audiobooks when you buy the ticket.
Restaurants - If you love feasting on a delectable English meal then head straight to New Armouries Cafe. Their menu is extensive and has everything under the sun to satiate your hunger. If you are not up for a full meal and want to have snacks on the go, then you could explore a good range of gourmet sausages and more.
*Free Wi-Fi *- Visitors can access unlimited free Wi-Fi when in the Tower.
- Restrooms & Baby changing - The toilets are full accessible behind the Jewel House, at the Armories Cafe, and near the Salt Lake. There is limited toilet access for disabled visitors at Cradle Tower. There are many baby changing stations during the visit that include Brick Tower ladies toilet, New Armories Cafe, and Cradle Tower ladies toilet.
Know More About Tower Of London
FAQs
How long does it take to go around the Tower Of London?
If you choose to visit every part of the Tower of London, then it will surely take a good 4 hours.
What is the best time to visit the Tower Of London?
The best time to visit the Tower of London is on a weekday and in the morning or afternoon hours.
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How old is the Tower Of London?
The Tower is close to 925 years old and was established in 1097.
What attractions are near the Tower Of London?
There are some very good experiences near the Tower of London that include, The London Dungeon, London Eye, Sea Life London Aquarium, Houses of Parliament, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, and many more.
What is so special about The White Tower?
The White Tower has on display the historic Royal Armouries collections that also include the 350-year-old exhibition, Line of Kings, and other treasures. There also are other unique armors on display that include Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II.