Tower of London

An iconic fortress, royal palace, and infamous prison — where British history comes alive.

The Tower of London is one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic historic landmarks, situated on the banks of the River Thames in central London. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, it was originally built in 1066–1067 by William the Conqueror to serve as a fortress and to establish Norman control over London.

At the heart of the complex stands the White Tower, a striking stone keep. Over the centuries, the Tower has played many roles — a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, an armoury, a treasury, a mint, and even a royal zoo.

One of the Tower’s most famous functions was as a prison for high-profile figures such as Anne Boleyn (second wife of King Henry VIII), Lady Jane Grey, and Guy Fawkes. The Tower is also home to the dazzling Crown Jewels of England, still used in royal ceremonies today.

Another enduring legend is that of the Tower Ravens — it is said that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. To this day, the Tower maintains a resident group of ravens under the watchful care of the Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London draws millions of visitors annually. It offers a fascinating journey through British history, with ancient stone walls whispering stories of intrigue, power, and resilience.

• By car: Around 10–15 minutes from central London. Limited parking is available — public transport is strongly recommended.

• By London Underground (Tube):

  • Nearest station: Tower Hill Station (District & Circle lines), about a 5-minute walk to the Tower.

• By bus:

  • Routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1 stop near the Tower entrance.

• By river boat:

  • Alight at Tower Pier (Thames Clippers), about a 2–3 minute walk to the Tower.

• By taxi / ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt, etc.): Approx. 10–20 minutes from key areas such as Westminster or Oxford Circus.

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid the busiest crowds.

• Book tickets online in advance to get a better rate and skip long queues.

• Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the entire site, including the Crown Jewels, White Tower, battlements, and exhibitions.

• Don’t miss the excellent free Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tours, which bring the history of the Tower to life.

• Wear comfortable shoes — there is a fair amount of walking and some uneven surfaces.

• Photo tip: The riverfront area with Tower Bridge in the background offers perfect shots.

• If visiting in winter, the Tower is beautifully illuminated in the evenings — great for night photography.

• Opening hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Sunday & Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

  • Last admission: 5:00 PM

• Admission fees (as of 2025):

  • Adults (18–64): £34.80

  • Children (5–15): £17.40

  • Seniors / Students: £27.80

  • Children under 5: Free

• Restrictions:

  • Drones are prohibited in the Tower grounds.

  • No flash photography inside the Crown Jewels exhibition.

  • No pets allowed, except assistance dogs.

  • Visitors should wear appropriate clothing suitable for the weather and setting.

The Tower of London is not just a tourist attraction — it is a living testament to a thousand years of British history. Each stone and corridor echoes stories of royal intrigue, tragedy, and triumph.
Take your time to soak in the atmosphere — the experience here is as powerful as the stories it holds.
And don’t forget to look out for the resident ravens, guardians of one of Britain’s most treasured sites.