Tower of London
A royal fortress begun by William the Conqueror that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nearly a thousand years. Its highlights include the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, guided tours by Yeoman Warders, and the legend of the six ravens.
The Tower of London was begun by William the Conqueror in 1078. Over nearly a thousand years it served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory, a mint, and the home of the Crown Jewels. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its highlights include the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House, including the English crown, sceptres, and orb, as well as the 530-carat Cullinan diamond, the Star of Africa. Visitors pass through on moving walkways, and photography is not allowed. Also worth seeing are the Norman White Tower and its royal armour collection, Tower Green, where Anne Boleyn and others were executed, and the Bloody Tower with its legend of the Princes in the Tower. Six ravens are kept at the Tower, and legend holds that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.
Free guided tours led by Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters and dressed in Tudor uniforms, run about every 30 minutes. They are lively and humorous, and highly recommended. Adult admission is about 35 pounds, and buying tickets in advance on the official website offers discounts. Arrive at opening time at 9 a.m. and head straight to the Jewel House to avoid the queues. Allow about 3 hours for the visit. The site has many stone steps and narrow spiral staircases, so visitors with limited mobility should take care.
The Ceremony of the Keys takes place every night at 9:53 p.m. Free tickets must be requested on the official website several months in advance.
Tower Hill Underground station is a 3-minute walk away. From the Tower, head southeast to reach Tower Bridge.
Opening hours
09:00–17:30 (Sun & Mon open 10:00; until 16:30 in winter)