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- Tower of London
- History
- Inside
- Highlights
- Beefeater Tour
- Fusilier Museum
- Visitor Facilities
- White Tower
- Crown Jewels
- Prison
- Christmas
- London Theatre Tickets
- Harry Potter London Tours
- London Eye
- Madame Tussauds London
- Westminster Abbey
- London To Windsor Castle Tours
- Up At The O2 Climb
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium
- London To Stonehenge Tours
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower Bridge
- The Shard
- Frameless London
- Heathrow Airport transfers
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- London City Passes
- National Express London
- Kew Gardens
Contents
All You Need to Know About the Tower of London
Discover centuries of history at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From royal palace to prison, this iconic fortress holds the crown jewels and has witnessed pivotal events in British h...
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Plan your visitDid you know?
The Tower of London has served as a royal menagerie, housing exotic animals like lions, elephants, and polar bears.
The crown jewels held at the Tower of London are so valuable that they cannot be insured, making them truly priceless.
The White Tower, the central building of the Tower of London, has walls that are up to 15 feet thick and were built using over 70,000 tons of limestone.
Tower of London Tickets and Tours
Combo (Save 10%): Tower of London with Crown Jewels + London Eye Tickets
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£52.92
Combo (Save 10%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels
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Plan your visit to Tower of London
Opening hours
Getting there
Tower of London
- Timings: 9am - 5:30pm (On some Sundays and Mondays it opens at 10am)
- Last admission: 3:30pm
The Wharf
- Timings: 7am - 7pm, everyday
Note: The Wharf closes on days when there are gun salutes.
Gun Salutes
Gun salutes take place at 1:00 pm, and the Wharf closes at least an hour beforehand. The next gun salutes will take place on the following dates:
- Her Majesty The Queen's Birthday: 17 July 2024
- His Majesty The King’s Accession Day: 08 September 2024
- His Majesty The King's Birthday: 14 November 2024
Closed on: 24th to 26th December and 1st January
Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit London is early in the morning before the crowds arrive, particularly between June and September when the climate is at its best.
Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
The Tower of London is located on the northern bank of the River Thames, near the eastern edge of the City of London.
Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (0.3 km)
Things to do at Tower of London
Each section of the Tower of London offers unique insights into the history and culture of England.
Explore the White Tower
The White Tower is the central keep of the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. The tower has four floors and houses exhibits of armour, weapons and medieval artefacts.
Tower of London White Tower
Browse through the Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels are housed in the Jewel House, located in the Waterloo Block of the Tower of London. The collection includes the crowns, sceptres, and other regalia used by English monarchs throughout history.
Tower of London Crown Jewels
Walk around the Tower Green
Tower Green is a grassy area in the Tower of London where many notable executions took place. Highlights include the scaffold where Anne Boleyn and other famous prisoners were beheaded.
Marvel at the Medieval Palace
The Medieval Palace is a series of rooms that were used by English monarchs in the 13th and 14th centuries. Highlights include the King's Bed-chamber, the Wakefield Tower, and the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist.
Learn the history of the Bloody Tower
The Bloody Tower is a tower located on the south side of the Inner Ward. It was the site of several notable events, including the imprisonment and suspected murder of the Princes in the Tower.
Visit the Beauchamp Tower
The Beauchamp Tower is located on the east side of the Inner Ward. It was used as a prison for high-ranking prisoners, and many of them left graffiti on the walls that can still be seen today.
Who built the Tower of London?
The Tower of London, a fortress with over 900 years of history, is renowned for its architectural and historical significance. The White Tower, built by William the Conqueror in 1078, exemplifies Norman military architecture. Over the centuries, monarchs have expanded and modified the Tower, each adding unique architectural elements. Richard I, known as Richard the Lionheart, constructed the inner ward from 1189 to 1199, featuring Gothic-style rounded windows and arches. Henry III, ruling from 1216 to 1272, added the outer ward, including the palace and Crown Jewels. Edward I, who reigned from 1272 to 1307, further enhanced the Tower with the Bloody Tower and Tower Green. This blend of styles makes the Tower of London a fascinating example of medieval military architecture.
More about Tower of London
Tower of London—UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1988, the Tower of London was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value to humanity. The UNESCO designation acknowledges the tower's historical importance as a symbol of royal power, as well as its architectural significance as a well-preserved example of Norman military architecture.
The Tower of London's designation as a World Heritage Site also recognizes its cultural significance as a place where many important events in English history took place, including the imprisonment and execution of notable figures such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. The UNESCO designation helps to ensure that the Tower of London remains protected and preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tower of London
Why is the Tower of London famous?
The Tower of London is famous for its rich history, cultural significance, distinctive architecture, and the Crown Jewels. It has served as a royal palace, prison, and place of execution throughout its history, and is associated with famous historical figures and myths.
Is it safe to visit the Tower of London?
Yes, it is safe to visit the Tower of London. The attraction has implemented a number of safety measures to ensure the well-being of its visitors and staff. These measures include timed entry, capacity limits, social distancing protocols, and enhanced cleaning procedures.
How much are Tower of London tickets?
Depending on the type of ticket you purchase, there are different prices available starting from €40.86.
What can I do at the Tower of London?
At the Tower of London, you can explore historic buildings and exhibitions, enjoy guided tours by guards, witness the Ceremony of the Keys, participate in interactive activities for children, and attend special events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Who designed the Tower of London?
The Tower of London was not designed by a single architect. The design and construction of the Tower spanned multiple centuries and involved various architects and builders. The earliest parts of the Tower were built by Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester, and the design was based on Norman military architecture.
When was the Tower of London built?
The construction of the Tower of London started in 1066.
How can I get to the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is located in central London and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the tube, bus, train or riverboat. It is recommended to use public transportation or walk as parking in the area is limited.
How many entrances does the Tower of London have?
The Tower of London has a main entrance on the south side, known as the Middle Tower, which faces the Thames River. There are also entrances on the east and west sides of the complex, known as the Byward Tower and the Bell Tower respectively.
