tower of london tourist information

8 things you need to know about the Tower of London

By Historic Royal Palaces

The White Tower, Tower of London, looking south-east (2019) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

1. The White Tower: 1000 years of history

William the Conqueror started building the White Tower shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The mighty Norman castle was a symbol of royal power not seen before in England. It was intended to both protect and intimidate the City of London.

It’s hard to imagine in the hustle and bustle of modern London, but the White Tower would have soared over medieval London, challenged only in height by Old St Paul's Cathedral. 

2. Uses of the Tower

The Tower of London has been many things throughout its long history. It was designed to be an important royal fortress, palace, and prison. It has also been home to the Royal Armouries, The Crown Jewels, and even the Royal Menagerie. 

The Tower of London has welcomed visitors since at least the 1500s. Millions of visitors come to marvel at the Tower's sights and learn about its history. Since 1988 the Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Portrait of Henry VIII of England (Around 1537) by Hans Holbein, the Younger Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

3. Famous inhabitants of the Tower

Some of the most famous people in British history have lived or stayed at the Tower. These have included monarchs Edward I, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Queen Elizabeth I. Other famous inhabitants included poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the Duke of Wellington. 

Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London (2017) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

The Tower has also been home to centuries of people who have run the day-to-day business of the Tower. These have included the Constables, Governors, and of course quite a few ravens! The Tower has also been home to Yeoman Warders and their families for more than 500 years. 

Onthoofding van Anna Boleyn, 1536 (1699) by Luyken, Jan Rijksmuseum

4. Famous prisoners of the Tower

Many famous prisoners were imprisoned at the Tower of London. These have included Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes, and the Kray twins. No prisoner was more famous than Queen Anne Boleyn who was executed at the Tower in 1536. 

Monument commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot Monument commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot Historic Royal Palaces

The Tower has a grisly history as a place of interrogation and even torture. Subjects of this treatment included victims of religious persecution as well as enemies of the crown. The famous Gunpowder plotters of 1605 were interrogated in the Council Chamber of the King's House. 

The Byward Tower mural, Tower of London (2015) by James Brittain Historic Royal Palaces

5. Hidden treasures

Sadly, there are parts of the Tower which can't easily be shared with all our visitors. These include secret cells where some of our most famous prisoners were kept, amazing archaeology, and wonderous works of art. One of the most breath-taking is the mesmerising Byward Angel . 

A True and Exact Draught of the Tower Liberties (16th Century) by John Gascoyne and William Haiward Historic Royal Palaces

6. How many Towers?

Although the White Tower is the best known and most iconic, the Tower of London has 23 named towers, and that's not to mention all the smaller turrets. The many buildings at the Tower have facilitated stores, a royal mint, and even an observatory. 

The Flamsteed Tower (1914) by H.M. Office of Works Historic Royal Palaces

The architecture of the Tower of London is a fascinating combination of Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, and modern buildings. In particular the Tower was subject to a significant neo-gothic overhaul in the 1800s. You can learn more from our architectural drawings collection. 

The Princes in the Tower (c1831-99) by Unknown artist after an original painting by Hippolyte-Paul Delaroche Historic Royal Palaces

7. Representations of the Tower in art

There aren't many buildings in London that have been painted, drawn, and written about as much as the Tower of London. As the backdrop to some of the most famous events in British history it is not surprising so many artists have been inspired by its grandeur, history and myths .

Yeoman Warder tour, Tower of London (2022) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

8. Ready to welcome you!

The Tower of London and its people can’t wait to welcome you. Teams of Yeoman Warders, Wardens and a host of heritage professionals are ready to make your visit special. Come and marvel at the Crown Jewels, see the ravens, and journey through 1000 years of history and stories.

Come and discover more about the Tower of London's rich history. Visit the Historic Royal Palaces website .

Virtual Art Tour: Rubens's London masterpiece

Historic royal palaces, dishing up the thyssen, museo nacional thyssen-bornemisza, the address of vermeer's little street discovered, rijksmuseum, virtual tour: the council chamber in the king's house, johannes lutma, an amsterdam artist in silver, a history of jewels at the tower of london, the night watch, the chapel royal & royal peculiar of st peter ad vincula: audio-guided tour, the love letter, henry viii's tudor palace virtual tour, rembrandt van rijn (1606 – 1669).

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16 insider tips for visiting the tower of london.

The Tower of London has been a fixture on London’s landscape for over a thousand years. With its rich – and often gory – history, it is a must-see attraction for Londoners and visitors alike.

But how can you make the most of your Tower of London visit?

This is where I can help you. Drawing on first-hand experiences and the knowledge of my friend Lisa who is a volunteer at the Tower, I am sharing top insider tips for visiting the Tower of London.

It is also packed with practical information you will need to ensure an unforgettable visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks , including how to buy tickets.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

The Tower of London’s long and colourful history begins with William the Conqueror (r 1066 – 87), who built the White Tower

Although it was built as a fortress and a royal palace – it is one of the greatest European palaces – the Tower of London had several other roles. It was the site of a royal menagerie, the Royal Mint and armouries, and was used to store records of government.

However, the Tower gained infamy as a prison . Between 1100 and 1952, 8,000 people were incarcerated within its walls for crimes ranging from treason and conspiracy to murder and sorcery.

It was from here that Anne Boleyn was led to her grisly fate. Guy Fawkes was taken to the Tower of London after he was caught red-handed with the 36 barrels of gunpowder intended to reduce the House of Lords to rubble. 

Today, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and the world-famous Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters.’

Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

1. buy your ticket in advance.

Don’t be a hostage to fortune.

Pre-pandemic, the Tower of London attracted close to 3 million annual visitors. Visitor numbers are rapidly recovering.

The Tower of London carefully manages visitor numbers and ticket availability is limited at busier times. Pre-book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKET FOR THE TOWER OF LONDON

2. Get there early to avoid the crowds

Looking for the best way to visit the Tower of London? Get a head start on the tour groups and the gaggles of schoolchildren looking like mini construction workers in their hi-vis jackets.

Aim to arrive at the Tower of London as they open their gates to visitors. This will give you precious time before it fills up and will secure your place in line for the Crown Jewels.

3. Consider booking an early access tour

You can also visit the Tower before the official opening time by booking an early-access tour with a Beefeater. Perfect if you want to experience the magic of the Tower of London with far fewer people. 

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR EARLY ACCESS TOUR

Alternatively, why not join a before-hours Tower of London tour with the opening ceremony? It’s slightly more expensive but it does allow you to see an age-old ritual.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR EARLY ACCESS TOUR + OPENING CEREMONY

4. Pick up a free map at the entrance

This clear and super useful map is colour-coded according to the Tower’s main functions over the last millennium: fortress, palace and prison

5. Consider an audio guide

There is a lot to see at the Tower of London and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One way of making it easier on yourself is to pick up an audio guide.

As well as revealing the stories and secrets of the Tower of London, the guide also has useful information about what to see, where to eat and shop and how to plan your day.

6. Avoid visiting at the weekend

Inevitably, the Tower of London is busier at the weekend with locals making the most of their days off and those visiting London on a city break. If possible, visit the Tower of London on a weekday.

7. Don’t underestimate the time it will take to visit the Tower of London

This is one of my top Tower of London tips. Don’t be tempted to just give the site a cursory tick on your checklist of things to do in London .

The Tower of London is a big site with many historical buildings to explore, each with its own stories to tell. You also have to factor in queueing to see the Crown Jewels.

How long you spend at the Tower of London will depend on how busy it is, which determines access to the Crown Jewels, and how much of a history fan-girl or fan-boy you are.

On my last two visits, I spent half a day there. For me, this was the perfect length of time.

8. Make the Crown Jewels your first stop

With good reason, the Crown Jewels display is one of the most popular things to do at the Tower of London. This world-famous collection of gold and gem-encrusted ceremonial items worn by British kings and queens attracts visitors in their droves.

The queues to see the Crown Jewels can be epic. According to one of the Yeoman Warders, people have been known to wait in line for up to 90 minutes to see this sparkling collection.

Ignore everything else when you enter the Tower of London. Instead, follow the signs for the Crown Jewels, which are displayed in the Jewel House, located behind the White Tower. 

For security reasons, photography is not allowed in the exhibit.

9. Join a Yeoman Warder tour

One of the best ways to see the Tower of London is to join a tour led by a Yeoman Warder. Educational and entertaining in equal measure, tales of pain and passion, treachery and torture are delivered with style.

These 45-minute walking tours start from the moat at the Tower’s entrance and are included in the price of your admission ticket. The times of the tours are posted on a board at the entrance.

10. Check the opening times of the Tower’s parish church

The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is a must-see sight at the Tower of London.

A site of worship since before the Tower was built, it became the final resting place for many of the Tower’s executed prisoners under Henry VIII. These include Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

However, as the church is a popular venue for private events, opening hours can be unpredictable. Services are held there each Sunday and it’s not unusual for it to be used for weddings and christenings on Saturdays.

Aim to visit the Chapel Royal in the morning. Better still, check with a Yeoman Warder or volunteer at the start of your visit.

11. Make friends with the Yeoman Warders and volunteers

The Yeoman Warders and volunteers are rich wells of information. Don’t be shy. Approach them if you have questions.

And the Beefeaters are well practised in posing for photographs.

12. Try to see the Changing of the Guards

Did you know that Buckingham Palace isn’t the only place in London where you can witness the Changing of the Guard?

The Tower of London is protected by 22 guards, provided by different units on rotation. The sentries are changed every two hours and you can check times with one of the Yeoman Warders or a volunteer.

At 3 pm, a ceremony called The Word takes place. The Officer of The Guard and escort march to the Byward Tower to collect the Word, which is the password for after-hours entry to the Tower of London.

13. Walk along the battlements

A visit to the Tower of London isn’t complete without a walk along its battlements. This is an excellent way to discover the Tower’s different functions as a palace, fortress and prison.

Starting at the Salt Tower, explore the nine towers of Henry VII’s massive wall that was used to defend the fortress from attack. Some of these towers were once used as prison cells and you still see prisoner graffiti carved into the walls.

14. Watch out for those ravens

After the Beefeaters and Crown Jewels, the Tower of London’s most famous occupants are its ravens. Legend has it that the kingdom and the tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress (in fact there is one spare, just in case).

Although they are well fed by the Ravenmaster, the ravens are partial to sandwiches and crisps. My volunteer friend tells me that she spends a good chunk of her time shooing them away from visitors’ picnics.

15. Try to get tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys

‘Halt! Who comes there?’

These words have echoed down Water Lane for over 700 years. They are part of the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, during which the outer gates of the Tower of London are locked for the night and the keys passed to the Resident Governor.

I was lucky to attend this ceremony five years ago. The historical verve was almost tangible and I felt privileged to be in the deserted lanes of the Tower of London at night.

16. Consider timing your visit with the lifting of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is visible from the Tower of London. Unlike the other bridges across the Thames , Tower Bridge is a drawbridge, meaning that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to allow river traffic to pass through.

Tower Bridge lifts around 880 times a year and you can check the schedule here .

What to See at the Tower of London

Crown Jewels

Known collectively as the Coronation Regalia, these are the fabulous gold and gem-encrusted pieces used at the coronation of a sovereign.

These items in the Jewel House include trumpets and ceremonial maces, swords of state and coronation robes. The most famous are the crowns, some of which are used at state events today.

White Tower

Completed in 1100 AD, the imposing White Tower is one of the best preserved secular buildings from early medieval times. It is the oldest part of the Tower of London.

The Battlements

The impressive stone battlements that form the Tower’s walls have protected kings and queens since the mid-13th century.

Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula

Dating from the reign of Henry VIII, the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is the final resting place of two of his wives – Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard – as well as Sir Thomas More, John Fisher and Thomas Cromwell.

Traitors’ Gate

Those accused of treason entered the Tower through this notorious 13th-century watergate. They included Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas Moore.

Tower Green

Several British nobles were beheaded in this pretty space, away from the curious eyes of spectators. Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were among those that were executed here.

How to Get There

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames on the eastern border of the City of London. Its address is London, EC3N 4AB. An area map is here . It covers a vast area but you’ll find the entrance and ticket office on the western side of the complex.

It’s easy to get there by London Underground (Tube), Dockland Light Railway (DLR), mainline stations, bus or boat.

The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, a 5-minute walk. District and Circle Line trains stop here.

Other London Underground or DLR stations within a 15-minute walk are Aldgate, Aldgate East, Tower Gateway, Monument, Bank, London Bridge and Fenchurch Street.

By mainline train

The Tower is located within walking distance of the following mainline stations:

• London Bridge Station (10 -15 minutes)
• Liverpool Street Station (20 minutes)
• London Charing Cross Station (25 minutes)

By public bus

London bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1 stop close to the Tower of London.

By hop-on-hop-off bus

All major London hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) buses include the Tower on their routes.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR LONDON HOHO BUS TICKET

A very special way to arrive at the Tower of London is by boat. A river pass allows you to hop on and off for 24 hours at any of London’s main destination piers, including Westminster, Greenwich, London Eye and the Tower.

This is something that I have done as a local and is a wonderful way to explore London’s main attractions.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR LONDON HOHO CRUISE TICKET

The Thames River Boat is included in the London Pass and London Explorer Pass .

A black cab or minicab will get you to the Tower of London in comfort. Uber and Bolt operate in London.

If you are looking for a black cab after visiting the Tower of London, there are usually some waiting for a fare outside Starbucks, close to the Tower’s entrance. Turn right out of the exit close to Traitors Gate, which brings you onto the riverbank.

Don’t rule out walking to the Tower of London. It may be closer than you think.

For example; it’s a scenic and easy 20-minute stroll from The Shard on the opposite side of the river. St.Paul’s Cathedral is a similar distance to the west.

Opening Times

The Tower of London opens between 9 am and 10 am and closes between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm, depending on the season. The last admission is one hour before closing time.

Opening hours are seasonal and are subject to change, especially during the school holidays. It is closed from 24th until 26th December.

Check opening hours here .

Tower of London Tickets

Ticket price.

As of May 2024, it costs an adult £34.80 to visit the Tower of London and you can stay for as long as you like after your allocated arrival time. The following ticket types are also available: – Child (age 5-15) – £17.40 – Concession (age 65+ or 16-17, full-time student, disabled visitor) – £27.70 Children under the age of five go free.

Consider buying a membership for Historic Royal Palaces. For £65 for an individual membership, you get free and unlimited entry to these five historic royal palaces, including exhibitions:

• Tower of London
• Hampton Court Palace
• Kensington Palace
• Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Except for Hillsborough, all of these palaces are in or near London. Additionally, you get a 10% discount on admission to the wonderful Kew Gardens.

With just two visits, you will make your money back on your membership. If there are two of you and you buy a joint membership, the savings are deeper still.

I bought an annual membership in 2021 and did not regret it, revisiting the Tower of London (twice), Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and Kew Gardens.

What does your Tower of London Ticket include?

Your Tower of London ticket includes entry to the following:

• The Crown Jewels
• The White Tower
• Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
• Battlements
• Medieval Palace
• Bloody Tower
• Torture at the Tower Exhibition
• Fusiliers Museum
• Royal Mint exhibition

That’s a lot of bang for your buck. The tour of the Tower of London with a Beefeater is also thrown in for good measure.

An audio guide is not included with your Tower of London ticket. This can be purchased separately, either with your ticket or on arrival. You can collect your audio guide from the Acoustiguide desk in the Water Lane shop, just inside the main entrance.

Where to Buy Tickets for the Tower of London

Here are your main options for buying tickets for the Tower of London:

• In person at the ticket office at the Tower of London
• From the Historic Royal Palace’s website here
• From the GetYourGuide website here

It can pay to compare both the price of tickets and the refund policies of the official website and GetYourGuide. For example; with GetYourGuide you usually get the benefit of free cancellation within 24 hours of your scheduled visit.

Can you buy tickets on the day?

Yes. Subject to availability, you can buy your ticket for the Tower of London on the day, but I don’t recommend leaving it to chance.

How to save money on Tower of London tickets

Lucky you if you are a Tower Hamlets resident . Thanks to an agreement between the Tower of London and this London borough, you can visit the Tower of London for only £1. More information is here .

For most people, a London City Pass is a good way to save money on admission to the Tower of London. Entry to the Tower of London is included in both the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass . To determine if these sightseeing passes will be good value for you, check my review of the London Explorer Pass or this lowdown on the London Pass .

Are skip-the-line tickets available?

Fast-track tickets for the Tower of London aren’t available as such. That said, there are two ways that you can reduce your waiting time 1. Buy your ticket in advance or come armed with your London Pass or London Explorer Pass . That way, you eliminate the queue at the ticket booth. 2. Visit at a quieter time – or book an early access tou r here or here – to cut down the amount of time waiting in line at the security check. While you can’t avoid the queue at security, you can make it easier for yourself.

What to do if Tower of London tickets are sold out

As the Tower of London caps visitor numbers at busier times of the year by operating timed entry slots, you could find that the official website shows no availability (or you rock up at the ticket office to be given the same message).

If this happens, check if tickets are available through GetYour Guide here .

Failing that, identify a group tour that includes entry to the Tower. As a separate allocation of tickets is available for group tours, you may have more luck.

Here are a few options to consider:

Beat the crowds with an early-access tour with a Beefeater .

A before-hours Tower of London tour with opening ceremony .

Early access to the Tower of London Tour plus a Thames River Cruise

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

Visiting the Tower of London: Practical Information

The Tower of London has toilets across the site, including those for disabled visitors. There are also baby-changing facilities.

There is a buggy park outside the White Tower and at the Middle Drawbridge (those ancient cobbles don’t exactly lend themselves to pushchairs),

Free WiFi is available throughout the Tower Of London.

Luggage storage is not available and large bags are not permitted in the Tower.

Accessibility

HRP are committed to providing access and facilities for visitors with disabilities. There are a number of measures in place to assist those with disabilities and limited mobility and there is a full guide here .

That said, this is a historic building with steps, cobbled passageways and low doorways, and wheelchair access is limited.

Visitors with disabilities can bring an accompanying carer free of charge. These adult carer tickets can be obtained on the day of the visit upon presentation of proof of registered disability.

Eating & drinking

Eating and drinking facilities at the Tower of London are limited.

Your best bet is the reasonably priced New Armouries Café, which serves hot meals, sandwiches, soup, salads, cakes and pastries, hot and cold drinks and a children’s menu. They also do a great plate of fish and chips, one of the foods that you must try in London .

A smaller range of snacks and drinks are available from a few kiosks dotted around the complex but they may not be open, especially during the week.

Photography at the Tower of London

Photography is allowed at the Tower of London with two notable exceptions:

• The Jewel House
• The Chapel of St. John (in the White Tower)

The Yeoman Warders will happily pose for a photo, but it’s only polite to ask before pointing your camera lens towards them.

Use of tripods and selfie sticks is subject to prior arrangement with the Tower’s conservation team.

Thank you for reading my Tower of London tips

Although expensive, visiting the Tower of London is worth your hard-earned cash. As a historic site, it is hard to beat.

The Tower was the setting for some of the most famous moments in English history. From this UNESCO World Heritage site kings and queens wielded their power, shaping society and influencing our world.

If you have found this article helpful, take a look at some of my other articles on top attractions in London:

• Visiting the Sky Garden, London
• How to Visit The Shard for Free
• Tate Modern vs Tate Britain: Which is the Best London Tate Gallery?
• 35 Epic Things To Do Alone In London
• 30 Famous Streets in London You’ll Love

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner and has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

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13 Things To Know Before Visiting The Tower Of London

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• Activities and Interests
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The Tower of London is London’s top paid tourist attraction. Why should you visit? Here are two big reasons.

First, the Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site , and it’s associated with some of the most famous moments in English — and by extension, British — history.

Second, it’s fun. This is a fairly big site with many original historical buildings to explore, each offering something different.

I first went to the Tower after we moved to London and it was on “the list” — everyone’s list. Since then, I have visited many times over the years. In fact, I bought a membership so that I can drop in whenever I’m nearby and have a little time to spare.

Here are 13 things to know before planning a visit.

Claudio Divizia / Shutterstock

1. It’s A Fortress, Not Just A Tower

Before my first visit, I thought the Tower of London was just one tower. I was wrong. It’s a fortress. Two concentric walls enclose the original White Tower and its grounds, like the rings of a bull’s-eye. There are 21 towers connected by passages, stairs, and wall walks and by walkways on the ground outside.

2. The White Tower Was Built By William The Conqueror

The year 1066 is well known in the United Kingdom (there’s a satirical history book called 1066 and All That ) as the year of the Norman Conquest. This was a key event in history.

The simple story is that William, Duke of Normandy, sailed from France with his army and defeated the English King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.

Duke William became King William, known as William the Conqueror. He soon set about strengthening his position.

William had the White Tower built around 1100. This sturdy, square building with its distinctive four towers was both a symbol of power and a defensible place for people, weapons, and treasures.

When you visit the White Tower today, you can see how hard it would have been for an enemy to take it. The thick walls were built to last.

AMG_PHOTO / Shutterstock

3. It Houses The Crown Jewels

The White Tower became a treasure chest for the king’s valuables. That tradition continues in the Jewel House, home to the Crown Jewels .

It’s hard to believe that all the diamonds, gold, and precious stones here are real, but they are.

A continuously playing film of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ceremony shows how some of the Crown Jewels and royal regalia are used.

4. It Was Once The Equivalent Of A Luxury Hotel

The Tower of London is more of a fort than a palace. Still, when reigning kings and queens used to stay here, it served as the equivalent of a luxury hotel. The Medieval Palace shows this with a recreated royal bedroom, chapel, and throne room.

5. It Served As A Prison For A Variety Of Notable People

Not only was the Tower of London hard to access, but it was also hard to escape from. For that reason, it often served as a prison for traitors, political prisoners, unwanted wives, and rivals to the throne.

At 20, the future Queen Elizabeth I was detained here for two months by her half sister, Queen Mary I.

The walls of the Beauchamp Tower are covered in the graffiti of many past prisoners, often held for religious reasons. It’s a reminder of the deep rift between Catholics and Protestants that was torn open by King Henry VIII, the most famous of the Tudors.

Sir Walter Raleigh , the explorer who named the state of Virginia, lived as a prisoner with his family in the Bloody Tower for 13 years. You can see a recreation of his study there. Soon after his release in 1616, Raleigh brought Pocahontas here to meet his friend and fellow inmate, the 9th Earl of Northumberland.

Among the last prisoners were the Kray twins , later to become notorious London criminals. Their crime? Failing to stay when called to the national service in 1952.

Neil Mitchell / Shutterstock

6. It Served As A Place Of Execution

Not all prisoners left the Tower alive. A glass pillow near the Beauchamp Tower is a modern memorial honoring those who were executed by order of the state. The most famous are the queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Back then, execution by private beheading here, away from the jeering crowds, was a privilege.

The last Tower execution was of an enemy spy by a military firing squad in 1941.

7. It’s Still Home To Members Of The Military

The Tower has been used as an army garrison, and it now houses the Fusilier Museum .

It’s still home to some members of the military. The cottages along the walls accommodate the Yeoman Warders. This elite group consists of retired military men and women with exemplary records who now wear the ‘Beefeater’ uniform, not much changed since the Tudor days.

The other staff members include wardens in blue coats with red trim; people serving in the shops and at the ticket counters; and the costumed interpreters you may meet, especially at the Medieval Palace. I’ve always been impressed by the knowledge and the pride of all the people who work at the Tower.

Pro Tip: Take a free tour with a Yeoman Warder or a warden if you have the chance.

VDB Photos / Shutterstock

8. There Are Seven Resident Ravens

There’s an old story that if the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. True? Who knows, but the seven resident ravens are very well looked after.

They are magnificent birds — even if they can bite your finger off. I follow the Ravenmaster, Chris Skaife, on Instagram . His book helped me appreciate how much personality the ravens have and how devoted their human caretakers are.

9. It’s Said That Two Young Princes Were Murdered There

A darker legend is the story of the princes who once lived in the Tower. The 12-year-old King Edward V, as yet uncrowned, and his brother Richard were said to have been murdered there by agents of their scheming uncle, the future King Richard III.

It’s a tale as old as time, but every year it seems to lose more credibility. The princes did disappear, and that is of course tragically suspicious, but what happened? No one knows.

10. It Was Once Home To A Variety Of Exotic Animals

As you travel around the Tower, watch for the animal statues depicting lions, baboons, an elephant, and a chained bear. These were just a few of the exotic animals who once called the Tower area home. Starting with a gift of three big cats in 1235, many creatures given to the monarchs ended up in the Tower of London Menagerie.

It was entertaining for people to watch the exotic beasts, including the polar bear who would catch fish in the River Thames. Still, it’s very sad to think of the animals living in such confined captivity. In 1826, many of them were moved to the new London Zoo. That was the beginning of the end for the Tower of London Menagerie.

Pajor Pawel / Shutterstock

11. Visitors Can Experience The 700-Year-Old Ceremony Of The Keys

Treasury, prison, zoo, royal residence, army base ­– the Tower has served many functions over the years. One thing that hasn’t changed much, however, is the 700-year-old Ceremony of the Keys. Far more intimate than London’s other famous ceremony, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace , this is when the Tower is locked up for the night. They’ve been doing it the same way for centuries, and a small number of visitors get to tag along every evening.

Pro Tip: Tickets, though free, can be difficult to obtain. Follow the instructions on the Tower’s website to apply.

12. A Visit Is Educational As Well As Entertaining

The national grade-school curriculum highlights many of the people and events connected with the Tower. There are downloadable materials available on the Tower’s website to support this learning.

A visit to the Tower of London, however, can be an eye-opening, educational experience for people of all ages. It provides an opportunity to think about architecture and about power; about law and order, force, punishment, and injustice; and about greed and wealth.

The collection of armor for men and horses in the White Tower is unique. It’s almost shocking to see the change in King Henry VIII’s armor as the wearer grew from athletic young man to oversized bully standing beside his young son’s armor. How could Henry, who seemed to have once been decent, have turned into such a tyrant?

While the Tudors aren’t the only monarchs associated with the Tower, many of their stories happened here. Readers of Hilary Mantel, Alison Weir, and Philippa Gregory may feel some familiarity with the spot, even if they haven’t visited before.

Alexander Sviridov / Shutterstock

13. It Houses A Beautiful Chapel

My favorite place in the Tower complex is the Chapel of Saint John the Evangelist in the White Tower. Elizabeth of York died next door, days after the death of her two-day-old daughter. The sad story is that her grieving husband, King Henry VII, kept a lonely candlelit vigil in this chapel.

I also love the view of Tower Bridge from the wall walk, and the chilling simplicity of Traitors’ Gate. The tiny toy knight on display in the Medieval Palace is innocently charming.

What To Know Before You Go

The Tower is managed by a charity called Historic Royal Palaces . Their website gives lots of visitor information, including accessibility details for a range of needs. While the Tower grounds and buildings are partly accessible to people with wheelchairs, much is not. The website has a downloadable brochure with a map indicating the levels of accessibility of different locations.

Overall, this is a family-friendly site staffed by helpful, knowledgeable people. It can be very busy during the peak season, so if you’re traveling then, try to go as early in the day as possible.

For more to see and do in London, visit this page .

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .