In this article, I present the Tower of Londona historic fortress with multiple ramparts and a striking keep.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of the Tower Of London
- What you can see when you visit the tower
- Easy access
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the Tower of London, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Tower of London: article summary
Tower of London: fortress, prison and royal residence in one Â
Visit Tower of London (Tower of London) is much more than just a tower. It is a veritable fortress, of major historical importance for the United Kingdom. It stands on the banks of the River Thames, a stone's throw from the Tower Bridgein a zone aptly named Tower Hill.
During your visit LondonI highly recommend that you explore this district and enter the Tower of London, which I present below.
Introducing the Tower of London
Construction of the Tower of London begins in the 11th century on the orders of William the Conqueror. What was initially (1066) a wooden and earthen fortification soon became into a real dungeonwith the creation of the Tour Blanche (White Tower), which is still the focal point of the town today. Tower of London.
Its architecture has evolved over the centuries, with the construction of several rows of ramparts to protect the keep and its most important assets. The Tower of London will house the crown jewelsIt also included an armory and a menagerie (with lions, a polar bear and elephants!), traces of which can still be seen today.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
It's a place that takes on key strategic importance in British history and was highly coveted, and therefore highly protected. And this Tower of London was also used as a prison where those who dared to criticize the sovereign were usually executed. If only 7 people were executed in the fortress, 112 people were killed on nearby Tower Hill.
This fascinating place is a medieval wonder not to be missed during your stay in London!
Figures and anecdotes this Tower of London Â
- Visit Tower of London has been listed in the Unesco World Heritage in 1998
- From 1337 Ã 1660a royal procession from the tower to the Westminster Abbey was organized
- Visit Royal Mintin charge of striking the currency (pound sterling) occupied the Tower of London for several centuries
- There are almost 3 million visitors every year
- Some of the most famous executions include Anne BoleynHenry VIII's second wife, whose story you can discover by visiting Hampton Court
What can you see in the Tower of London?
With your Tower of London entrance ticket, you're free to explore the interiors and exteriors of this incredible fortress. Here are the highlights you won't want to miss!
The White Tower
It is the central element of the Tower of London and its keep. It served as a royal residence, prison and armory, and is considered by historians to be the most complete palace in Europe in the 11th century.
You can see the crypt of the Saint-Jean chapelthe impressive armoury with knights' armour (including that of Henry VIII) and the great hallby taking advantage of the building's atypical architecture.
The ramparts
Because of its strategic importance, the white tower had to withstand attacks and uprisings. In fact, ramparts were built successively over the centuries to surround the keep. There are three - exterior, intermediate and interior - for you to explore.
Ancillary towers
Several towers can be found on the ramparts, and were used by archers (for the Salt Tower), treasure storage areas and clothing (for the Broken Arrow Tower or the Martin Tower) and prison. You can take a tour of the ramparts to discover them all.
The crown jewels
Many visitors come to the Tower of London to admire the crown jewels, stored in the heart of the Jewel House with its 23,578 precious stones stored here. A priceless treasure trove of swords, crowns, jewels, regalia and royal scepters well worth a visit.
The crows!
Large crows are one of the symbols of this Tower Of London and it's said that if they were to fly away, the Kingdom of Great Britain would disappear! There are currently 7 of them living in the tower's aviary, each with a name and one of their wings clipped to prevent them from escaping. They are also watched over by a Ravenmaster (who look after their well-being.
The royal chapel of Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens
These are the Tower of London chapelThis is where you'll find the graves of famous figures who were executed here. In particular, you'll come across the tombs of Tomas More and Thomas Cromwell, major figures well known to fans of English history.
Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
They are the guards of the Tower of London and they guide visitors by telling them local stories and anecdotes. You'll easily recognize them by their traditional garb, adorned with a sign reminiscent of the reigning sovereign. Up until 2022, the sign read as follows EIIRfor Elizabeth II Regina.
How do I get to the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is located at the following address, in the tower hamlets district: Tower of London, St Katharine's & Wapping, EC3N 4AB, London
You can use various means of transport to get there easily, including :
- Visit metroDistrict and Circle lines, Tower Hill stop
- Visit buslines 15, 42, 78, 100, Tower of London stop
- River shuttle to Tower Pier stop
- Visit train to London Bridge station, then 15-minute walk
- A cab
Tower of London: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's what you need to know before visiting the Tower of London.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket (over 16): 34 euros
- Children's ticket (ages 5 to 15): €16.90
- Student/senior discount (over 65): 27 euros
- Family tickets are available, starting at 60 euros
It's highly recommended that you book your entry to the Tower of London online. That way, you can choose your date of visit and avoid queuing on busy days.
You'll receive your tickets directly on your mobile devices, so all you have to do is present them at the entrance.
Opening hours
From March to October Tuesday to Saturday, 9.00am to 5.30pm, 10.00am to 5.30pm on Sunday and Monday // From November to FebruaryTuesday to Saturday, 09:00 to 16:30, Sunday and Monday, 10:00 to 16:30.
Practical information
It is possible to purchase an audio guideFor a few extra euros, you can take the tour on your own.
There's a lot to see, so count yourself in. between 2 and 3 hours minimum for a full tour.
For further information, please consult this page of UNESCO.
What to see and do in the area?
Once you've finished with a visit to the Tower of LondonHere are a few suggestions for continuing your exploration of this district of the capital.
- Visit the London BridgeLondon's oldest bridge, and its sidekick Tower Bridge just a few hundred metres away
- Climb to the top of The Shard for a panoramic view à 360° on the city
- Passing in front London City Hall (the City Hall) to admire its very modern architecture!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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