Inclusions
Admission to Tower of London
The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint
in fortified vaults and ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London,
founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7, is one of the world’s most
famous fortresses yet despite its grim reputation as a place of torture
and death, there are so many more stories to be told.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London
since 1661, continuing a long tradition of storing precious objects
here. Explore the importance of the Crown Jewels to the British
monarchy, the role of the Tower in protecting these treasures and the
long and fascinating tradition of coronations in England. The priceless
collection holds some of the most legendary and extraordinary diamonds
in the world. The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London are a unique
working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by the
Royal Family in important national ceremonies, such as the State opening
of Parliament.
The White Tower
A castle built to strike fear and submission into the unruly citizens of
London and deter foreign invaders - today you cannot miss the iconic
White Tower, a symbol of London and Britain, overlooking the River
Thames. Inside you'll find the world’s oldest visitor attraction, The
Line of Kings. A line of wooden horses, their garish colours and wild
expressions somewhat incongruous in amongst the majestic suits of
armour, this is the surviving remnant of one of the oldest - and oddest -
collections at the Tower. From murky beginnings as the Horse Armoury
it's part propaganda, part fantasy, and the longest running visitor
attraction in the world.
Royal Beasts
For 600 years, wild and exotic creatures were held captive here for
Kings and Queens. See sculptures of the lions, baboons, an elephant and
even a polar bear. Discover how they came to be at the Tower and what
became of them in a fascinating exhibit in the Brick Tower. Hear the
amazing tales of how the animals were fed, watered and housed as well as
various unfortunate incidents when the public got a little too close!
The Tower's Mint
For over 500 years, the Mint made the majority of the country’s coins.
Explore the vast history of the Mint, learn about Isaac Newton's efforts
to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint, find
out what Edward I's harsh punishments were for people who tampered with
his coins, Elizabeth I's restoration of the coinage following her father
Henry VIII’s disastrous meddling, and Charles II's rejection of
Commonwealth money.
Beefeater Tours
Share the secrets of one thousand years of royal gossip and intrigue
with a Beefeater, or to give them their proper title ‘Yeoman Warder'.
This body of men and women has guarded the fortress for centuries. Take
one of their tours and you'll be amazed (and possibly appalled) by tales
that have been passed down for generations. Pain and passion, treachery
and torture, all delivered with their inimitable style!
This is just a taster, there is much more in the Medieval Palace, Bloody
Tower, on Tower Green see the ravens and walk along the ancient walls.
Opening Hours:
1st March to 30th October Open Daily
Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-16.30.
Tuesday - Saturday: 09.00-16.30.
Last admission: 15.30.
Planned Closures:
24th - 26th December & 1st January (Closed)
Early closure at 2pm on 5th Sept (last entry at 12.00pm)