Tower of London: The UK capital’s Tower of Power

After a London that’s less about the high rise and more about the lower level? Step back in time at the Tower of London. This is very much on the tourist map. Swap this millennium for the last one on a historical rollercoaster.

The Tower of London is easily accessible by London Underground, train, bike, DLR, and bus. It’s a five-minute walk from Tower Hill tube station on the District and Circle lines. As it is from Fenchurch Street overground.

The opening hours of the Tower of London are Tuesday to Saturday 9:00am to 4:30pm in winter and until 5:30pm in summer. On Sundays and Mondays, the Tower’s open for business from 10:00am to 4:30pm in winter, up until 5:30pm during summer months. The Tower closes from the 24th to 26th December and on the 1st January also.

If you want to make the most of a visit to the Tower of London, you should stay for at least three hours. If pushed for time, however, you can be gone from the Tower in 60 minutes. Or anywhere in between.

Highlights include taking in the Crown Jewels. This glittering accessories collection features items still worn by the Queen of England. There are crowns from the ages and diamonds hailing from destinations as far flung as India and South Africa.

Or you can be regaled with tales from the mouths of the Yeoman Warders aka Beefeaters. These guardians have been looking after the Royal Family since the 15th century. A Yeomon Warder tour of the Tower begins every half hour and lasts around 60 minutes.

You may be in the heart of the city but you can still check out the wildlife at the Tower of London. The jet-black ravens’ fortunes are inextricably linked with the Tower. Their wings are clipped to prevent them from leaving as they’re considered a lucky omen.

Adult tickets begin at £25.00 for basic entry, although you can get an online discount of £1.90. Children pay a reduced fee of £12.00 (£10.50 online). Prices are correct at the time of going to press.