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 (1207–72), 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"—uncrowned boy king Edward V and his brother—by 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—the crown, orb, and scepter—were 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 (1207–72), 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"—uncrowned boy king Edward V and his brother—by 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—the crown, orb, and scepter—were 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 "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.
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
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
Harry Potter Walking Tour II
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’s journeys includes both, newly-invented as well as some long-standing locations.
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
On Part II of the self-guided Happy Potter Walking Tour, you... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 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
London Introduction Walking Tour
After the Roman invasion of 43 AD, the settlement of Londinium came into being. Things went well enough until 61 AD. Then Queen Boudica and her Iceni warriors arrived. They burned the town to ashes. They were not just rowdy tourists. Londinium had died but it rose again and it flourished until the Romans left in the 5th century.
With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
With the Romans gone, Londinium was Anglo-Saxon Lundenwic. Until... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
Perhaps one of the most famed and influential bands of all time, whose music has transcended generations, The Beatles continues to be a source of entertainment many decades after the group was formed (1960) and split up (1970).
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 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...