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3672
Tower of London
Sight
22
Museums & Galleries
ATTRACTION
Fortress CastleHOURS/TIMES
(Mar. 1-Oct. 31) Tue.-Sat.: 9:00am-5:30pm; Sun.-Mon.: 10:00am-5:30pm / (Nov. 1-Feb. 28) Tue.-Sat.: 9:00am-4:30pm; Sun.-Mon.: 10:00am-4:30pmPRICE
Adults: GBP 17; Students (with ID): GBP 14.50POPULAR TIMES
School holidays and summerRESERVE IN ADVANCE
Recommended but not necessaryWAIT TIME WITHOUT RESERVATION
Separate waits to purchase tickets, to enter the Tower, and to view the crown jewels. Duration depends on when you visit.HIGHLIGHTS
The White Tower; Crown Jewels; Prisoner's ExhibitALLOW
2-3 hoursTUBE
Tower Hill
VIBE
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically as The Tower), is an 11th century monument on the bank of the River Thames. It was the site of historic royal executions and holds the crown jewels. The Beefeater tour guides create an authentic, if not touristy, feel to the attraction.
GO HERE WITH
Children; anyone who appreciates British history
WHY WE LIKE IT
The traditional feel (including Beefeaters), the sense of dark history (read: site of imprisonments and executions), and the killer view of London Bridge over the Thames.
WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
The crowds; the multiple lines (tickets, entrance, jewels exhibit)
GOOD TO KNOW
The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yeoman Warders (popularly known as "Beefeaters") hold a free tour every 30 min. with your ticket (last tour 3:30pm in summer, 2:30pm in winter) but may cancel in rain or other bad weather. Tours last approximately 60 min. and start near the main entrance. Note that the line for the crown jewels is often quite long. Cruises are available from the London Eye to the Tower, which makes for a day of fun.
CLOSEST COMPS
Westminster Abbey (London); St. Paul’s Cathedral (London)
Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to London
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