Tower of London, London (must see)
Nowhere else in London does history appear as vividly alive as within this miniature city, founded by the Normans over a millennium ago. Throughout its existence, the Tower has served various roles, functioning as a fortress, a coin mint, a palace, an archive, and even housing the Royal Menagerie (the foundation of London Zoo). However, its most notorious role has been as a place of confinement and death. Countless individuals, including many nobles and even a few monarchs, spent their final days here, with some leaving their last thoughts etched into the walls of their cells. The Tower's stones have witnessed the shedding of royal blood, making it a place of grim significance.
Executions within the Tower were reserved for the aristocracy, with the most privileged meeting their end in the seclusion of Tower Green rather than facing the public spectacle at Tower Hill. Only seven individuals were granted this macabre "honor", including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII's six wives.
The White Tower, the oldest structure within the complex (comprising 20 towers in total), stands as its most prominent feature. Initiated by William the Conqueror in 1078 and later whitewashed by Henry III (1207鈥�72), it houses the Armouries, a remarkable collection of weaponry and armor. Across the moat to the right lies the riverside Traitors' Gate, where the most famous prisoners were rowed to their impending doom. Opposite is the Bloody Tower, infamous for imprisoning the "little princes"鈥攗ncrowned boy king Edward V and his brother鈥攂y their malevolent uncle, who subsequently claimed the throne as Richard III.
Not to be missed are the exquisite Crown Jewels housed in the Jewel House. The original symbols of royal authority鈥攖he crown, orb, and scepter鈥攚ere lost during the English Civil War, and the ones on display here date from the Restoration in 1661. The most dazzling gems were added in the 20th century, during the time when their nations were part of the British Empire.
You can take advantage of free 60-minute tours of the Tower, departing every half hour until mid-afternoon from the main entrance. These tours are conducted by the Yeoman Warders, otherwise known as Beefeaters, who have safeguarded the place since their appointment by Henry VII in 1485. Recognizable in their navy-and-red Tudor uniforms, they are often associated with Britain's armed forces. Keep an eye out for the ravens, too, for legend has it that the safety of the kingdom hinges upon their residency in the Tower.
Tip:
Purchase your ticket(s) online ahead of time and print them out to bypass the majority of the queues. Simply follow the signs designated for ticket holders for expedited entry.
Join one of the free Beefeater guided tours, which typically last about 45 minutes. These tours are both educational and enlightening, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Tower's rich history. Ensure you explore the entire perimeter of the Tower, as intriguing exhibitions are tucked away in various locations that you might otherwise overlook.
Executions within the Tower were reserved for the aristocracy, with the most privileged meeting their end in the seclusion of Tower Green rather than facing the public spectacle at Tower Hill. Only seven individuals were granted this macabre "honor", including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII's six wives.
The White Tower, the oldest structure within the complex (comprising 20 towers in total), stands as its most prominent feature. Initiated by William the Conqueror in 1078 and later whitewashed by Henry III (1207鈥�72), it houses the Armouries, a remarkable collection of weaponry and armor. Across the moat to the right lies the riverside Traitors' Gate, where the most famous prisoners were rowed to their impending doom. Opposite is the Bloody Tower, infamous for imprisoning the "little princes"鈥攗ncrowned boy king Edward V and his brother鈥攂y their malevolent uncle, who subsequently claimed the throne as Richard III.
Not to be missed are the exquisite Crown Jewels housed in the Jewel House. The original symbols of royal authority鈥攖he crown, orb, and scepter鈥攚ere lost during the English Civil War, and the ones on display here date from the Restoration in 1661. The most dazzling gems were added in the 20th century, during the time when their nations were part of the British Empire.
You can take advantage of free 60-minute tours of the Tower, departing every half hour until mid-afternoon from the main entrance. These tours are conducted by the Yeoman Warders, otherwise known as Beefeaters, who have safeguarded the place since their appointment by Henry VII in 1485. Recognizable in their navy-and-red Tudor uniforms, they are often associated with Britain's armed forces. Keep an eye out for the ravens, too, for legend has it that the safety of the kingdom hinges upon their residency in the Tower.
Tip:
Purchase your ticket(s) online ahead of time and print them out to bypass the majority of the queues. Simply follow the signs designated for ticket holders for expedited entry.
Join one of the free Beefeater guided tours, which typically last about 45 minutes. These tours are both educational and enlightening, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Tower's rich history. Ensure you explore the entire perimeter of the Tower, as intriguing exhibitions are tucked away in various locations that you might otherwise overlook.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Tower of London on Map
Sight Name: Tower of London
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bridges of London
Around thirty bridges span the Thames river in London, each with its own story. Our self-guided walk takes you to see nine such historical structures located in the heart of the city, starting from the storied Westminster Bridge and ending at the iconic Tower Bridge.
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
The latter has stood over the River Thames in London since 1894 and is one of the finest, most recognizable bridges in the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles
Charles Dickens Tour
Today's world's literature and mass culture are hardly imaginable without the works of Charles Dickens, recognized as the greatest British novelist of the Victorian era. A pioneer of 鈥渃liffhanger鈥� endings, Dickens remains one of the most-read English authors whose writings never go out of print and have been repeatedly adapted to stage, screen and TV.
Dickens was born in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Dickens was born in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Sherlock Holmes Tour in London
Among a myriad of other, real-life celebrities who have ever called London their home, perhaps the most famous is the fictional consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Conan Doyle. Indeed, the ingenious sleuth has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of London ever since the appearance of the first stories about him in the late 1880s. Years on, there are several... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Harry Potter Walking Tour I
The arrival of Harry Potter books, followed by tremendously successful Hollywood adaptation, has made London an even more popular destination now with the Harry Potter fans all over the world. The list of attractions in the city associated with Potter鈥檚 journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
On Part I of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jane Austen鈥檚 London
The celebrated English novelist Jane Austen primarily lived between Bath and Hampshire. However, London also held a special significance in Austen's life. Many of her novels drew inspiration from the capital, like Lydia Bennet and Mr Wickham鈥檚 elopement in 鈥淧ride & Prejudice.鈥�
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
One of Austen's cherished spots in London was Twinings, a renowned tea shop. Jane Austen was known... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...