Tower of London (London)

10th Century famous landmark fortress, home of the Queens crown jewels, Beefeater guards and ravens.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
No smoking
Guided tours
Gift shop
Information provided
Learning facilities
Audio guide

Food and Drinks

Restaurant
Tea Room
Picnic area

Introduction

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most famous fortresses and has seen service as a royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo.

The Tower is still home to the Queens crown jewels and the famous Beefeaters who guard the jewels and look after the ravens who inhabit the tower.

The White Tower is a huge and beautiful stone building which houses an exhibition of Tudor, Stuart, Hanoverian and Windsor arms and armour “Fit for a King”. This vast collection begins by exploring armour created for both the battle and sports fields with an unmissable chance to see Henry VIII’s and Charles 1’s spectacular armour.

History to the present day

First built by William the Conqueror after his victory against Harold II in 1066. The tower bagan its life as a simple timber and earth enclosure tucked in the south-east angle formed by the joining of the original east and south stone walls of the old Roman town of Londinium Augusta, the original structure was completed by the addition of a ditch and palisade along the north and west sides.

This enclosure then received a huge structure of stone which in time came to be called The Great Tower and eventually as it is known today The White Tower. This formed the basis of a residential palace. Since the first foundations were laid more than 900 years ago the castle has been constantly improved and extended by the addition of other smaller towers, extra buildings, walls and walkways, gradually evolving into the splendid example of castle, fortress, prison, palace and finally museum that it proudly represents today.

Food and Drinks

The Armouries restaurant is a spacious restaurant serving homemade food all day, inside the Tower. Choices include hot freshly cooked dishes to sandwiches, cakes and refreshments. Open Tue to Sat 9.30am-5.00pm, Sun to Mon 10.30am-5.00pm (March to October). Tue to Sat 9.30am-4.00pm, Sun to Mon 10.30am-4.00pm (November to February).

Grounds and gardens

Tower Green is located within the grounds of the tower, where some of the great names in history died by order of the state. Tower Green contains a memorial to the people who died there such as two of Henry VIII wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard and the Queen of 9 days Lady Jane Grey.

Other facilities

The Chapel Royal of St. Peter and Vincula is a working community chapel. It is used for Sunday services and occasional weekend ceremonies.

Tours are carried out during the day by the Yeoman Guards.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , London, , United Kingdom

Opening Times: 1st Mar-31st Oct, Tue-Sat 9.00am-5.30pm, Sun-Mon 10.00am-5.30pm. 1st Nov-28th Feb, Tue-Sat 9.00am-4.30pm, Sun-Mon 10.00am-4.30pm

Directions: From Fenchurch Street Station, exit on to Mark Lane. Turn left on to Byward Street, which leads to Tower Hill and the Tower of London.

From London Bridge Station, cross the bridge over the River Thames and turn right on to Lower Thames Street. After a 15-minute walk the Tower is located on your right.

Nearest Underground Station: Fenchurch Street and Tower Bridge

By Bus: routes: 15, 42, 78, 100 and most sightseeing bus tours

By River: Exit at Tower Pier which depart from Charing Cross, Westminster and Greenwich.

More photos of Tower of London

Canons

Inside the Tower

Chapel