About The Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle located in central London, England. With a rich and storied history dating back over 900 years, it has served as a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a mint, a menagerie, and even a public records office. Over the centuries, the tower has been expanded and modified, and today it remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom, attracting millions of visitors every year who come to see the Crown Jewels, learn about its history, and see the famous Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who still guard the tower to this day.
About accessibility
The Tower of London is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Here are some notes for disabled visitors:
- Accessibility: The tower has ramps and lifts to provide access to all areas, and all exhibits are designed to be accessible for visitors with disabilities. There are also accessible toilets located throughout the site.
- Audio Descriptive Guides: Audio descriptive guides are available for visitors who are blind or visually impaired.
- Assistance Dogs: Assistance dogs are welcome at the tower.
- Wheelchair Loan: A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Accessible Parking: There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces near the tower, and visitors are advised to check availability in advance.
- Contact in Advance: Visitors with disabilities who need assistance are advised to contact the tower in advance to discuss their specific needs and to make any necessary arrangements.
The Tower of London is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors, and staff are always on hand to provide assistance as needed. By following these tips, disabled visitors can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at this historic landmark.
Notable exhibits
The Tower of London is home to many notable exhibits, including:
The Crown Jewels: One of the most popular attractions, the Crown Jewels is a collection of royal regalia and ceremonial objects that have been used for centuries in the coronation of British monarchs. Visitors can see the crowns, sceptres, orbs, and other priceless treasures on display.
The White Tower: This iconic building is the oldest and most famous part of the tower and was once used as a royal palace and a prison. Today, it houses the Royal Armouries Museum, which showcases a collection of historic weapons and armour from the medieval period.
The Yeoman Warders: These highly trained and experienced soldiers, also known as Beefeaters, have guarded the tower for centuries. Visitors can take a tour led by one of these guards to learn about the history and legends of the tower.
The Ravens: Legend has it that the kingdom and the tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the castle. The birds can be seen roaming the grounds and are a popular sight for visitors.
The Medieval Palace: Visitors can explore the remains of the once-luxurious palace, which was used by medieval monarchs as a residence.
The Execution Site: The tower was once a place of execution and torture, and visitors can see the spot where many famous historical figures, such as Anne Boleyn, were put to death.
The Royal Mint: The tower was once the site of the Royal Mint, where coins were made and stamped. Visitors can learn about the history of coin-making and see some of the original tools and machinery used.
These are just a few of the notable exhibits at the Tower of London. A visit to this historic castle is a must for anyone interested in British history and culture.
Food & drink
The Tower of London offers several food and drink options for visitors, including:
The Tower Restaurant: This upscale restaurant offers a variety of hot and cold dishes, as well as a range of beverages, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. The restaurant has a spacious and elegant dining room and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding city.
The Tea Room: This charming cafe serves a range of hot and cold drinks, as well as light snacks and pastries. Visitors can relax in a cosy and comfortable atmosphere and enjoy the views of the tower's gardens.
The Yeoman Warder's Club: This traditional pub, located within the tower, offers a range of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as a selection of hot and cold food. Visitors can rub elbows with the famous Yeoman Warders and enjoy a drink in a historic and atmospheric setting.
The Tower Gift Shop: The gift shop offers a range of snacks and drinks, including bottled water, soft drinks, and snacks such as crisps and chocolate.
Visitors can also bring their own food and drinks and enjoy a picnic in the tower's beautiful gardens. There are several seating areas and benches available for those who wish to relax and soak up the history and atmosphere of this historic landmark.
Length of visit
The length of a visit to the Tower of London can vary depending on the interests and preferences of each visitor. A typical visit to the tower can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, although some visitors may choose to spend a full day exploring the castle and its exhibits.
Visitors can choose to take a guided tour led by one of the Yeoman Warders, which will provide an in-depth look at the history and legends of the tower. They can also choose to explore the tower at their own pace, taking the time to see the exhibits and displays that interest them.
It's recommended to allocate enough time to see the main highlights of the tower, such as the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Yeoman Warders, as well as to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and explore the medieval palace remains.
For those with limited time, it is possible to see the main highlights in 2 hours, but for a more comprehensive experience, it's recommended to allocate at least 3 hours or more.
Hints & tips
Here are some tips for visitors to the Tower of London to help make the most of their experience:
Plan your visit in advance: It's recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line. This also gives you the option to choose the date and time of your visit, which can be helpful during peak season.
Arrive early: The tower can get crowded later in the day, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid long lines and have more time to explore the exhibits.
Wear comfortable shoes: The tower is a large and historic site, and visitors should be prepared to do a lot of walking. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential.
Take a guided tour: The tower offers guided tours led by the Yeoman Warders, which are an excellent way to learn about the history and legends of the tower. Guided tours are included in the admission price.
Explore the exhibits: The tower is home to a wealth of exhibits and displays, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Yeoman Warders. Make sure to allow enough time to see all the exhibits that interest you.
Enjoy the gardens: The tower has beautiful and historic gardens, which are a peaceful place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Check for special events: The tower offers a range of special events throughout the year, including concerts, reenactments, and exhibitions. Check the website for a full list of events and to see if anything is happening during your visit.
Be mindful of your belongings: As with any tourist site, visitors should be mindful of their belongings and take care not to leave valuables unattended.
By following these tips, visitors to the Tower of London can ensure that they have a memorable and enjoyable experience at this historic landmark.
Travel Directions
The Tower of London is located in central London, England, and is easily accessible by several modes of transportation:
By Train: The nearest train station is London Fenchurch Street, which is just a 10-minute walk from the tower. Other nearby train stations include Tower Gateway (DLR) and London Bridge.
By Tube: The nearest tube station is Tower Hill, which is served by the Circle and District Lines. From Tower Hill, it is a 5-minute walk to the tower.
By Bus: Several bus routes stop near the tower, including routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1.
By Car: The tower is located in a congested area and parking can be expensive and difficult. It's recommended to use public transport to reach the tower. There are several pay-and-display car parks in the area, but spaces can be limited and it's advisable to check availability in advance.
Visitors who need to travel by car are advised to use public transportation or to plan their journey in advance to find the best parking options available.
