The iconic royal fortress-castle that sits on the north bank of the Thames River was constructed back in 1078 by William the Conqueror. Since then, it has served different purposes as a royal palace, a place of execution, and a political prison. But over the years it has survived and today is among the most fascinating landmarks and most visited tourist attractions in London.
A visit to the Grounds of the Tower offers several highlights. The Jewel House impresses with the monarchy's most exquisite collection counting 23,578 gems. The most prominent treasure must be the Imperial State Crown decorated with 2,868 diamonds and 269 pearls, as well as 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.
One of the most striking observations you're going to make is the wide presence of ravens all over the premises. These birds are well-cared for and even have their own guard. According to ancient superstition, ravens are the guardians of the Tower and can't leave it, otherwise, the Crown will fall and England along with it.
The guards of the Tower of London, also known as Beefeaters or Yeoman Warders, are an object of special interest as well. Nowadays they are mostly guides and entertainers rather than wards. They are great narrators of intriguing tales and will bewilder you with the horrors of imprisonment, torture, and execution which once took place in the Tower of London. Free tours with Yeoman Warders run every 30 minutes, starting from 10:30 am to the last one scheduled for 3:30 pm for summer and 2:30 pm for winter.
Execution site is the favourite of many. Despite its grisly fame, it has seen relatively few decapitations. Some of the most notorious scaffolds were those of the Henry III's second wife Anne Boleyn, and the humanist Sir Thomas More. Watch out for the ghosts. However, ghosts seem not to like crowds and are more likely to disclose themselves only in private which is nearly impossible at such a popularity rate.
Tower of London is open all year, but it's most crowded in the summer months. So if you choose this season, try to come either early in the morning or during the lunch time which is early afternoon, when the crowds are thinner. Also buy tickets online beforehand to save your queue waiting time. Generally, winter is much less crowded than any other season.
Practical info
What is the best time to go to the Tower of London?
Despite being open all year round, summer months tend to be busier. For a quieter experience, it is best to visit in winter where queues tend to be shorter. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance to save time. To avoid crowds, visiting in the morning or early afternoon is recommended. Bank holidays tend to be more crowded and should generally be avoided. Show more
What is the location of the Execution Site at the Tower of London?
Tower Green is the location where the Execution Site at the Tower of London was situated, located just beside the chapel. Some of the most famous executions carried out occurred here, including those of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife, as well as that of Sir Thomas More. Today the site is very popular with tourists keen to learn about its dark history and those who lost their lives there. Show more
Why are ravens important at the Tower of London?
The ravens have become iconic symbols of the Tower of London for their association as guardians of the Crown. Legend has it that if the birds ever left, the fall of the monarchy and the country would follow. Today, this legend continues and visitors can learn more about the birds from the Yeoman Warders, who will also try to spot them. Interesting to note also, the ravens have their caretakers, called the Ravenmaster. Show more
What is the role of the Yeoman Warders?
The Beefeaters, also known as the Yeoman Warders, are the traditional ceremonial protectors of the Crown Jewels and the Tower of London. Their role also involves taking care of visitors and showing them around. All Yeoman Warders have served in the British military for at least 22 years and wear traditional Tudor uniforms. Every 30 minutes, they give free tours providing insight into the site's lives, architecture, and history, as well as the prisoners held in the past. Show more
How many gems decorate the Imperial State Crown?
The Imperial State Crown is one of the main attractions in the Jewel House of the Tower of London and is stunningly decorated with 2,868 diamonds and 269 pearls. The crown is further adorned with sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, totalling to 17, 11, and 5, respectively. It is considered one of the most expensive collections of jewellery globally, weighing over a kilogram and being valued at considerable cost. Tourists visiting the Tower of London can also enjoy a fascinating insight into the crown's historical importance. Show more
