Overview
Begun in 1066 by William the Conqueror, this thousand-year-old fortress has served as royal palace, prison, treasury, and execution site. Many royals — including Henry VIII's second queen Anne Boleyn — were executed here, and 'Tower of London ghosts' are the stuff of legend. The Crown Jewels collection, kept here since 1303, contains 23,578 gemstones including the 530.2-carat, 4kg Cullinan I diamond — utterly dazzling. The free guided tours by the red-uniformed Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) are a highlight, and six resident ravens are always kept because legend says Britain will fall if they ever leave. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission about GBP 33.60. 5-minute walk from Tower Hill tube or Tower Bridge.
Opening Hours
09:00-17:30 (until 16:30 November-February; Sun-Mon opens at 10:00)
Travel Tips
The free Beefeater guided tours leave every 30 minutes and are wonderfully entertaining. To see the Crown Jewels without queuing, arrive right at opening.
Hotels near Tower of London
Hotels and guesthouses in London, Tower Hill, London
Other attractions in London
Big Ben & Palace of Westminster
London's iconic Gothic Houses of Parliament and its world-famous clock tower.
British Museum
One of the world's greatest museums, home to the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and 8 million artifacts.
Tower Bridge
The Thames landmark, a working bascule bridge with a popular museum inside.
Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of the British monarch — famous for the red-coated Changing of the Guard.
London Eye
A 135m Ferris wheel on the South Bank — a 360-degree panorama of London.
St Paul's Cathedral
A masterpiece of English Baroque by Christopher Wren — venue of Princess Diana's wedding.
Borough Market
London's foodie mecca — a thousand-year-old market gathering British and global ingredients in one place.