The Tower of London is a royal palace, fortress, and prison on the River Thames in London, England. It’s located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, just east of the City of London.
The Tower of London dates back to 1066 when it was founded by William the Conqueror. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visiting
The ticket booth and entrance are both on the west side of the Tower of London. Admission during peak periods is £33.60 for adults; £26.80 for visitors aged 16-17, 65+, and full-time students; and £16.80 for children aged 5-15 (as of September 2023). Children under five go free. You can also purchase tickets online ahead of time.
The Tower of London is open daily. Allow at least two hours for your visit. The nearest tube station is Tower Hill.
Shopping
There are five gift shops at the Tower of London. The largest is the Tower of London Shop, situated just outside the entrance. The Beefeater Shop is just inside the entrance, and where you can pick up an audio guide (see below) or guidebook as well as other small souvenirs. Other shops include the White Tower Shop, Jewel House Shop, and Ravens Shop.
Eating
Two restaurants are located inside the Tower. The New Armouries Café offers full meals while the Raven Café offers drinks and snacks.
Tours
Yeoman Warder tours are included in the price of admission. They start every 30 minutes and give a detailed history of the Tower. The Yeoman Warders also tell stories about famous prisoners and executions.
Audio guides cost £5 for adults and £4 for children (as of September 2023). They’re available in 12 languages plus British Sign Language.
Click on the links below to learn more about my visits to the Tower of London: