Jewel Tower, London
Nestled between the prominent landmarks of Parliament on one side and Westminster Abbey on the other, this site is the sole significant segment of the Palace of Westminster complex that has managed to remain unaltered since medieval times. Constructed during the 1360s to house the treasures of Edward III, it once served as an integral part of the palace's defensive fortifications, explaining its fortress-like appearance. A substantial portion of the original interior has been preserved, including the ribbed stone ceiling on the ground floor, adorned with intricately carved stone images of both human figures and animals.
The Jewel Tower later functioned as a records office for the House of Lords but lost its official role when the rest of the historic palace was ravaged by fire in 1834, leading to the relocation of ancient documents to the safer confines of the Tower of London. Today, it hosts an exhibition delving into the building's history, featuring a model illustrating the lost medieval palace.
For those seeking a glimpse into British political history, especially when Parliament tours are fully booked, this site provides an excellent alternative. Additionally, visitors can explore remnants of the moat and a medieval quay in close proximity.
The Jewel Tower later functioned as a records office for the House of Lords but lost its official role when the rest of the historic palace was ravaged by fire in 1834, leading to the relocation of ancient documents to the safer confines of the Tower of London. Today, it hosts an exhibition delving into the building's history, featuring a model illustrating the lost medieval palace.
For those seeking a glimpse into British political history, especially when Parliament tours are fully booked, this site provides an excellent alternative. Additionally, visitors can explore remnants of the moat and a medieval quay in close proximity.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: 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.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Jewel Tower on Map
Sight Name: Jewel Tower
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
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.
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 II
The Harry Potter movies and London go together like Butterbeer and a cold winter night at Hogsmeade. While much of the magical world was brought to life with computer-generated images and studio sets, quite a few iconic scenes were filmed right in the heart of the British capital, transforming ordinary city spots into wizarding landmarks. Here's a look at six more London locations where the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
South Bank Walking Tour
London’s South Bank, stretching along the southern side of the River Thames, roughly between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge, is one of the most interesting and liveliest parts of the British capital. Here, London’s old soul and modern edge shake hands... and then probably go grab a pint together. Famous for its arts, culture, food, and scenic riverside walks, the area has a long and... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
City of London Walking Tour
The City of London, often referred to simply as the City (with the capital C), is the historic and financial core of the British capital. Despite being just over one square mile in area (for which reason it is also lovingly dubbed the Square Mile), it holds immense importance as the original site of Londinium, the Roman settlement founded circa 43 AD. Over the centuries, this small patch of land... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
London's Historic Pubs Walk
If there’s 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
Covent Garden Walking Tour
A shopping and entertainment hub on the eastern fringes of London's West End, Covent Garden is a district historically associated with the former fruit-and-vegetable market – currently a shopping spot popular with locals and tourists alike.
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 18 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...