For almost a thousand years, the Tower of London has been a royal palace, a fortress, a prison and a treasury. William the Conqueror began the White Tower after his conquest of England in 1066, and the castle on the Thames has grown around it ever since. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What to see
The Crown Jewels
In the Jewel House you will see the crowns, sceptres and orbs used at coronations – still in use today.
The White Tower
The original keep holds the royal armouries, with suits of armour made for Henry VIII.
The Yeoman Warders
The famous “Beefeaters” live in the Tower and lead tours full of stories of plots, executions and escapes.
The ravens
Legend says that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall – so several are always kept here.
Tips
- Book online and arrive at opening time; head straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds.
- Join a Yeoman Warder tour – it is included and the best way to start.
- Combine with Tower Bridge, right next door.
