Deciding what to see in London can be hard. The tower of London is one of the most iconic monuments in the UK. Considered one of the best preserved medieval castles in history, as well as being a UNESCO site, the monument is visited by millions every year. If you’re planning to visit and wondering if its worth it, you’re in the right place. Keep reading, and we will help you make up your mind.
Is a Trip to the Tower of London Worth it?
Short answer: Absolutely! If you’re a fan of castles and enjoy uncovering the secrets of its former residents, then it’s a must-see!
Set in banks of the river Thames, the UNESCO-protected Tower of London is a renown monument in the city of London and often considered one of the most important European landmarks of the middle ages.
This building marks the beginning of a new era in Britain, the Norman Conquest of 1066, and the fascination we seem to have in this country with castles everywhere. However, the tower is much more than just a castle. From keeping the crown jewels to its role as a prison, much history has seen the walls of this incredible fortress.
So, let’s dive in!
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The Ultimate Tower of London Guide
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How Much Time Do you Need?
The tower of London is a huge site that, on average, if you see everything without skipping even major sites, will take between 2 to 3h. Depending on your schedule and your interests you will have to prioritise certain areas of this monument.
Must-See Spots
Exploring the Tower of London’s complex of buildings requires some planning to make the most of your visit and avoid getting lost. We can divide the areas of interest into three main categories: fortress structures, specific exhibits like museums and galleries, and various experiences available.
Here’s our curated selection of must-see spots at the Tower of London:
The Fortress
Short on time? You can stroll along most of the fortress’s perimeter from the outside without purchasing a ticket. You’ll still marvel at its grandeur, architecture, and catch glimpses of its history through informative panels.
However, we highly recommend venturing inside, as that’s where the real treasures lie. While you can explore most of the battlements within the tower, doing so can be time-consuming. Instead, we suggest prioritizing key locations. Don’t miss out on the White Tower, an iconic symbol of power and history within the fortress. And be sure to explore the Bloody Tower, where chilling stories of past prisoners will send shivers down your spine. Not for the faint of heart!
The Exhibits
A must see in the tower of London is the exhibits for the crown jewels. This is a great way to experience the history of the British monarchy. Besides you will get to see some truly beautiful artefacts unlike any other in the world. You also should stop by the line of Kings exhibit which includes historic royal armour from the kings of England. Finally, a popular attraction for those not squeamish is the torture at the Tower exhibition, located at the lower Wakefield Tower.
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Not ready to book a tour? Check out ourLondon Guide for more resources.
The Experiences
There are a lot of seasonal events in the tower. From jousting demonstrations, re-enactment events, gun salutes and much more. These events change with the season and day of the week and are subjected to a timetable. But of course the most common experience most people want to see at the tower are any of the guard ceremonies.
Every day the guards take place in the ceremonial opening, the ceremony of the word and ceremony of the keys. For those eagerly anticipating the Changing of the Guard, our London walking tour is your golden ticket to securing that coveted front-row seat you’ve been dreaming of!
Is A Guided Tour Of The Tower of London Worth It?
Short answer: certainly!
Navigating the Tower of London can feel overwhelming with its vast size and bustling crowds. A guided tour offers a practical solution, ensuring you don’t miss any key elements and can explore efficiently. Plus, it often includes skip-the-line access, saving you from long queues, which can be quite lengthy even with pre-booked tickets.
Most importantly, a guided tour enhances your connection with the site’s rich history.With over 1000 years of captivating tales waiting to be discovered within these walls, you’ll explore military history, royal intrigue, daring escapes, and fascinating legends. From knights to kings, prisoners to palaces, your expert guide will share all the intriguing details, ensuring your visit is well worth it.
So why settle for a basic walk when you can embark on an immersive journey through time with a guide who makes history come alive?
Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love going on a tour of this site:
Great Tour Guides
Seeing the castle with a knowledgeable guide who’s passionate about what they do and sharing this historical site with you will make all the difference. Great tour guides want you to know the facts but they also want to share interesting stories with you that really bring the place to life.
It’s all about the experience, and the best guides know how to keep things interesting and fun. You’re on vacation after all! They’ll also love answering your questions and will try to tailor the tour to your interests wherever possible.
Small Groups
Small group tours are the way to go. You don’t want to get lost in large groups unable to hear your guide or even see what they’re talking about in the attraction.
In small groups, you’ll be able to enjoy the conversation with your guide and fellow travellers. It’s a more intimate experience and you’re much more likely to make some new friends along the way.
Combine Attractions
Combination tours save you money, time, and the stress of sorting out transportation logistics.
Most Popular Tours Of the Tower of London
By now you are probably wondering which are the best tours to visit this monument. Well, that is what we are here for! This is our list of most popular tours where you can visit the Tower of London and enjoy fun and rich cultural experiences.
Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
Want to see the famous Beefeaters and Britain’s crown jewels while you’re in London? Wouldn’t it be great to glide down the Thames by boat, too? This Tower of London tour takes you to one of the city’s most intriguing attractions in style, as you travel along the river to this 11th century castle that became a prison for many of England’s most infamous characters. With your engaging local guide, you’ll climb the towers and learn all about the often-grisly history of this fascinating place.
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London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
Want to see London’s most iconic attractions in just one day? This jam-packed London day tour makes the most of your time in this historic city, taking you from Westminster to the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and beyond! With an expert local guide, your in-depth city tour lets you skip the line to see London’s best sites without the long wait, and you’ll even take a ride along the River Thames by boat for a unique perspective on the city. It’s the ultimate day tour in London!
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Are you the kind of traveller who only books the most exclusive tours? Then we have you covered. No one tells the stories of the Tower of London better than a Beefeater, so you’ll get a private meeting with one inside a room in the Bloody Tower that most people miss! Afterwards, your expert guide will give you an in-depth tour to discover more about Tower Green, the Bloody Tower, Traitor’s Gate, and so much more. And of course, you have early entrance to the crown jewels too!
See tour photos, itinerary, price, and description
See the best of London in a day
Not ready to book a tour? Check out ourLondon Guide for more resources.
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