In London, there is an amazing fortress that holds a reputation all over the world. It is said to be full of wonders to explore, sights to see, and stories to be told within its walls. The Tower of London has become one of the most iconic places in history. Today the Tower of London attracts about two million visitors per year. It was built in the early 1080s by William the Conqueror. He started off by building a massive stone tower at the center of his London fortress. As centuries passed, successive monarchs added to the fortification. The Tower served as a fortress, palace and prison.
If you only have 1 hour to visit, you have time to see the Crown Jewels, pay a visit to the White Tower built by William the Conqueror, which today houses displays from the Royal Armories’ collection and walk through surprisingly rich colors and comfortable furnishings of the Medieval Palace. If you can stay for 2 hours, join one of the famous Yeoman Warder tours and hear exciting tales from the Tower’s past, and then follow the route above. If you’re not in a rush, other things to see and do include enjoying lunch in the New Armories’ Restaurant and visiting the Traitors’ Gate.You can also take an audio tour. Personal interaction makes it an awesome experience, and you can choose five different tours about the Medieval Palace, imprisonment, executions, the dazzling Crown Jewels or learn about what it’s like to live in the Tower today.
The hours of operation for the Tower of London vary throughout the year. In the summer, March 1 through October 31, the hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-17:30 and Sunday-Monday 10:00-17:30 with the last admission at 17:00. During the winter, the Tower of London is open through November 1 to February 28 on Tuesday-Saturday 9:00-16:30, and Sunday-Monday 10:00-16:30 with the last admission at 16:00. If you are interested in a tour, the last Yeoman Warder tour starts at 14:30 (winter), and 15:30 (summer). All the internal buildings close 30 minutes after the last admission. The Tower is closed on December 24-26 and January 1. It is always recommended that visitors allow at least 2-3 hours. During busy times, lines, (known as queues in London,) are likely to form within the Tower. Also, if visiting during school holidays or in the summer, more time may be needed for your visit to allow for a thorough exploration of the Tower.
The cost of admission for visits through March 1, 2009 and February 28, 2010 is £17.00 per adult and £9.50 children ages 6 through 16. Children under the age of 5 are free of charge, and the Tower strictly enforces that they must be accompanied by an adult at all times. You may book by telephone, in person, and most conveniently online.
Visit and discover for yourself some of the Tower’s sights, stories, and most importantly its history. For more on traveling to London and things to do while you are there, visit this website dedicated to Britain travel.
