Tower of London Travel Forum Reviews

Tower of London

Description

Step into a world where history comes alive at the Tower of London. This iconic fortress, steeped in centuries of intrigue and drama, stands as a testament to England’s rich past. From the moment you lay eyes on its imposing stone walls, you’ll be transported back in time to an era of kings, queens, and royal conspiracies.

Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, the Tower has worn many hats throughout its long and storied existence. It’s been a royal residence, a prison for high-profile captives, a menagerie, and even housed the Royal Mint. Today, it’s a treasure trove of historical artifacts and stories that’ll leave you spellbound.

The star attraction? Without a doubt, it’s the Crown Jewels. These dazzling symbols of the British monarchy are enough to make your jaw drop. I mean, have you ever seen a diamond the size of a hen’s egg? Well, you will here! The Cullinan I, set in the Sovereign’s Scepter, is just one of the many breathtaking pieces you’ll encounter.

But the Tower isn’t just about glitz and glamour. It’s got a dark side too. As you wander through its corridors, you’ll hear tales of prisoners, executions, and ghostly apparitions that’ll send shivers down your spine. The Bloody Tower, in particular, has some hair-raising stories to tell.

And let’s not forget about the Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters. These charismatic guardians of the Tower are walking, talking history books. Their guided tours are a mix of historical facts, juicy gossip, and dad jokes that’ll keep you entertained from start to finish.

One thing that struck me during my visit was how the Tower seamlessly blends the old with the new. While its foundations are firmly rooted in the past, modern exhibitions and interactive displays bring history to life in ways that appeal to visitors of all ages.

The Tower of London isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a journey through time. It’s a place where you can touch the walls that have witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in English history. Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of royal bling, or just someone looking for a fascinating day out, the Tower of London delivers on all fronts.

Key Features

• The Crown Jewels: A dazzling collection of royal regalia that’ll make your eyes pop
• Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters): Colorful guardians offering entertaining and informative tours
• White Tower: The oldest part of the fortress, now housing the Royal Armouries collection
• Bloody Tower: Site of many infamous imprisonments and alleged murders
• Tower Green: Where high-profile executions took place
• Medieval Palace: Recreated royal chambers from the 13th century
• Royal Beasts Exhibition: Learn about the Tower’s history as a royal menagerie
• Torture at the Tower Exhibition: Not for the faint-hearted!
• The Ravens: Meet the Tower’s famous feathered residents
• Fusilier Museum: Exploring the history of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
• Coins and Kings Exhibition: Discover the story of the Royal Mint at the Tower
• Tower Bridge view: Spectacular photo opportunities of this iconic London landmark
• Wall Walk: Stroll along the massive defensive walls for panoramic city views
• Crown Jewels Queue VR Experience: A virtual reality journey through the jewels’ history
• Ceremony of the Keys: The nightly locking-up ritual (advance booking required)

Best Time to Visit

Timing your visit to the Tower of London can make a big difference to your experience. Trust me, I’ve been there during peak season, and let’s just say, it was… cozy. If you’re not a fan of rubbing shoulders with hordes of tourists (and who is, really?), aim for the shoulder seasons – April to May or September to October.

During these months, the weather in London is generally pleasant (well, as pleasant as it gets in England), and the crowds are noticeably thinner. You’ll have more breathing room to explore at your own pace and snap those Instagram-worthy shots without photobombers.

If you’re set on a summer visit (June to August), brace yourself for longer queues and busier exhibits. But hey, the longer daylight hours mean more time to explore, and the Tower’s gardens look particularly lovely in full bloom.

Winter visits (November to March) have their own charm. The Tower takes on a mystical atmosphere when shrouded in London’s famous fog. Plus, you might catch some special Christmas events if you visit in December. Just remember to bundle up – those stone walls can get pretty chilly!

Regardless of when you visit, I’d recommend arriving early. The Tower opens at 9 am Tuesday to Saturday and 10 am on Sundays and Mondays. Being there when the doors open not only means shorter queues but also gives you a chance to see the Opening Ceremony – a neat little ritual that sets the tone for your visit.

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: plan your visit to the Crown Jewels first thing. It’s the most popular exhibit and tends to get crowded quickly. By heading there first, you’ll avoid the long queues that build up later in the day.

How to Get There

Getting to the Tower of London is a breeze, thanks to London’s excellent public transport system. In fact, half the fun is the journey itself – you get to see bits of the city along the way!

If you’re like me and prefer to travel like a local, the London Underground (affectionately known as the Tube) is your best bet. The nearest station is Tower Hill, served by the District and Circle lines. As you emerge from the station, you’ll be greeted by the imposing sight of the Tower – talk about a grand entrance!

Alternatively, you could take a bus. Several routes stop near the Tower, including the 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1. I once took the number 15 bus, which is actually a heritage Routemaster on some journeys. It was like stepping back in time before even reaching the Tower!

For those who enjoy a more scenic route, why not arrive by boat? City Cruises and Thames Clippers both stop at Tower Pier, right next to the Tower. There’s something special about approaching this historic fortress from the river, just as visitors would have done centuries ago.

If you’re staying in central London and fancy a bit of exercise, walking to the Tower along the Thames Path can be a delightful experience. You’ll pass by several other London landmarks on the way, and the views of Tower Bridge as you approach are simply stunning.

Cycling is another option, with several Santander Cycles docking stations nearby. Just be careful on the busy roads around the Tower – London traffic can be a bit, well, exciti

ng.

For those driving (though I wouldn’t recommend it due to London’s congestion), there’s no on-site parking at the Tower. Your best bet is the nearby Tower Hill Car Park, but be prepared for steep parking fees – this is central London, after all!

Whichever way you choose to get there, half the fun is in the journey. And remember, in London, getting lost is just another way of sightseeing!

Tips for Visiting

Alright, fellow adventurers, let’s talk strategy for conquering the Tower of London. First things first: book your tickets online in advance. Not only will you save a few quid, but you’ll also skip the ticket queue. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you breeze past the long line of people waiting to buy tickets at the gate.

Now, let’s talk timing. The Tower gets busy, especially during peak season. If you can, aim for a weekday visit. I once made the mistake of going on a Saturday in August, and let’s just say, it was cozy. Too cozy. Weekdays tend to be a bit calmer, giving you more elbow room to explore.

When you arrive, make a beeline for the Crown Jewels. It’s the most popular exhibit, and queues can get longer as the day progresses. Plus, starting with the sparkly stuff sets a pretty high bar for the rest of your visit!

Next up, join a Yeoman Warder tour. These guys (and gals) are not just fancy-dressed guards; they’re walking, talking history books with a stand-up comedy twist. Their tours are included in your ticket price and offer insights you won’t get from just wandering around on your own.

Speaking of wandering, don’t forget to explore the Wall Walk. It offers great views of the Tower complex and the city beyond. Just watch your step – those medieval builders weren’t big on even surfaces.

If you’re into photography, the Tower is a goldmine. But here’s a tip: bring a wide-angle lens if you can. Some of the interiors are pretty tight, and you’ll want to capture as much as possible.

Now, let’s talk sustenance. There are cafes inside the Tower, but they can be pricey and busy. I’d recommend packing a picnic and enjoying it in the moat area. It’s a great way to soak in the atmosphere and rest your feet.

If you’re visiting with kids, pick up a family trail guide at the entrance. It turns the visit into a fun quest and keeps the little ones engaged. And don’t miss the Royal Beasts exhibit – kids love learning about the Tower’s history as a royal menagerie.

For the history buffs among us, consider investing in an audio guide. It provides deeper insights into the Tower’s past and lets you explore at your own pace.

Lastly, wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven surfaces. Your feet will thank you later.

Oh, and one more thing – keep an eye out for the ravens. Legend has it that if they ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. No pressure, birds!

Remember, the Tower of London isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s a journey through time. Take your time, soak it all in, and let yourself be transported back to the days of kings, queens, and court intrigue. Who knows, you might even spot a ghost or two!

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