Tower of London: Is it worth a visit?

February 22, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The Tower of London is one of the most famous fortresses in the world and an indispensable monument in the English capital. Every year the fortress is visited by more than three million tourists, but is a visit to the Tower of London worth it? In this blog we are going to tell you all about it.

History of the Tower of London

Construction of the Tower of London began in 1078 at the request of William the Conqueror during his invasion of England. It then became a fortress, a royal palace and still later a prison, where a large number of people who disrespected the monarchs were imprisoned, tortured or even executed. This earned it the nickname ” Tower of Terror.” The tower remained in use as a prison until World War II. Even then, prisoners of war were locked up there. Today, the Tower of London is best known for the crown jewels on display there.

Who was executed in the Tower of London?

Many people died at the Tower of London. Among the most famous are three of King Henry VIII’s wives: Anna Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Jane Grey.

What is there to see in the Tower of London?

The Tower of London covers 5 acres with various dungeons, ramparts and buildings that refer to the building’s three functions: fortress, royal palace and prison. And during your visit to the Tower of London, you can walk freely through the different parts of the tower and discover more than 1,000 years of British monarchy history.

1. The crown jewels in the Tower of London

Today, the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House are the main attraction of the Tower of London, and for good reason. These jewels, crowns and swords have been on display in the tower since 1661, and the splendor of these crown jewels will leave you amazed. There are several exhibits where you can admire a total of 23,000 gems, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This diamond is one of the most precious and oldest stones in the world and is mounted on one of the crowns you can admire in the Tower of London.

2. The White Tower

The White Tower was built in 1078, making it the oldest part of the Tower of London. Today, the White Tower houses the collection of royal armor and the beautiful chapel of St. John the Evangelist. Also on display are ancient execution implements that were used in the Tower of London’s macabre past.

3. The ravens of the Tower of London

Did you know that the Tower of London was known for its ravens? These six birds are not insignificant and are even true symbols of the Tower. There is even a legend that says if the ravens leave the tower, the kingdom collapses. To ensure that these ravens stay in the courtyard, some of their feathers are cut off and most importantly, they are protected by a ” Raven Master.” Therefore, a visit to the Tower of London is not complete without seeing one of these “ravens.

4. The Bloody Tower

As the name suggests, the Bloody Tower symbolizes the sinister history of the Tower of London. Several executions, murders and torture took place here. Today, there are also old torture instruments on display. It will give you chills!

5. Beauchamp Tower

Several towers were used to confine prisoners, but Beauchamp Tower was mainly used for high-ranking prisoners and people close to the monarch. Interesting to see are the engravings the prisoners left on the walls. They are still clearly visible and show the misery and despair of the prisoners.

6. Beefeaters from the Tower of London

In addition to the ravens, the Beefeaters, also called Yeoman Warders, are also symbols of the Tower of London. These guards used to live in the Tower of London and their purpose was to protect the Crown Jewels and supervise the prisoners. Nowadays, the Yeomen Warders perform mainly a ceremonial role. They welcome visitors and share their knowledge and anecdotes about the tower during free tours. But even if you don’t go on tour with one of them, you can always have a chat with them if you have questions or comments.

Tour of the Tower of London

The Tower of London is a place with a rich history. To really understand it, a guided tour is almost a necessity . There are guided tours every 30 minutes with none other than a beefeater! Of course, they are in English, but if you understand the language a little, you can enjoy a moment off the beaten path with someone passionate about the place. Tours are included in most admission tickets.

Entrance tickets to the Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most popular attractions in London. Therefore, we highly recommend that you book your admission tickets online in advance so that you can take advantage of skip-the-line access on the spot. Admission tickets are available from £42.03

London Pass: save up to 50% on admission tickets

The Tower of London is one of the attractions included with the London Pass. With this benefit pass, you can save up to 50% on admission tickets to various sights and attractions in london.

Opening hours Tower of London

The Tower of London is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (until 4:30 pm on Sundays). It is closed from December 24 to 26 and on January 1.

Where is the Tower of London located?

The Tower of London is located on the banks of the Thames, not far from the Tower Bridge.

Is the Tower of London worth a visit?

Yes ! The Tower of London is a must-see in the British capital. The fascinating history and valuable objects on display there are definitely worth a visit. You really learn a lot about the history of England.

How long does a visit to the Tower of London take?

Allow at least 2 hours to fully enjoy the Tower of London.

Special offers for a city break to London

Are you going on a city trip to London and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions in London, then take advantage of the offers below!