Nearly 1,000 years of history, royal intrigue, legendary ravens, priceless treasures, and one of London's most unforgettable attractions.
When planning our London itinerary, the Tower of London was one place we knew we couldn't miss. I'd seen countless photos over the years, but nothing compares to standing inside the fortress itself.
The Tower isn't just one building—it's an entire historic complex filled with castles, towers, museums, royal treasures, gardens, and nearly a thousand years of stories.
If you're debating whether it's worth visiting...
The answer is an easy yes.
First Impressions
Walking through the entrance, the first thing you'll notice is just how massive the White Tower really is.
Its thick Norman walls have watched over London since 1078 and immediately make you feel like you've stepped back into medieval England.
The grounds are beautifully maintained, and despite being one of London's busiest attractions, it's surprisingly easy to find quiet corners.
Start With the White Tower
This is where you'll probably spend the most time.
The White Tower is the oldest surviving part of the complex and houses the Royal Armouries collection.
Highlights include:
- Henry VIII's enormous armor
- Medieval swords and shields
- Royal weapons
- Cannons
- Historic firearms
- Interactive exhibits explaining medieval warfare
One thing that surprised me was how well everything is displayed. Even if you aren't a history enthusiast, the exhibits are engaging and easy to follow.
St. John's Chapel
Hidden inside the White Tower is one of London's oldest churches.
St. John's Chapel has remained remarkably unchanged for nearly 900 years.
Unlike the busy exhibits around it, the chapel feels peaceful and quiet, making it one of the most underrated places inside the Tower.
It's easy to imagine William the Conqueror worshipping here nearly a millennium ago.
Don't Skip the Crown Jewels
Even though photos aren't allowed inside, this is one of the biggest highlights of the Tower.
The Crown Jewels include:
- St. Edward's Crown
- The Imperial State Crown
- Royal scepters
- Coronation regalia
- Hundreds of years of royal treasures
The collection is genuinely breathtaking.
If you arrive early in the morning or later in the afteboon, you'll avoid much of the line.
Walk the Medieval Walls
One of my favorite parts wasn't actually inside a museum.
Walking along portions of the old defensive walls gives you incredible views over:
- Tower Bridge
- The River Thames
- London's financial district
- The White Tower courtyard
It's one of the best places for photos.
The Bloody Tower
One area many visitors look forward to is the Bloody Tower.
It's believed to be connected to one of England's greatest mysteries—the disappearance of the two young princes who vanished in the late 1400s.
Whether the stories are true or not, standing inside these ancient rooms gives you chills.
This section is much more focused on storytelling than artifacts, making it a fascinating stop.
Traitors' Gate
One of the Tower's most famous entrances is Traitors' Gate.
High-profile prisoners—including Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More—entered the Tower by boat through this water gate from the River Thames.
Standing there, it's easy to imagine how terrifying that arrival must have been.
Today it's one of the most photographed parts of the Tower.
The Dark History
The Tower has served many purposes throughout history:
- Royal palace
- Fortress
- Prison
- Treasury
- Zoo
- Execution site
The exhibits surrounding executions are fascinating without being overly graphic.
Learning about Robert Devereux and others who lost their lives here really brings English history to life.
The Execution Memorial
Outside stands one of the Tower's most moving memorials.
A simple glass sculpture marks the site where famous prisoners such as Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and others were executed.
It's quiet, respectful, and one of the most emotional places on the grounds.
Meet the Famous Ravens
No visit is complete without finding the Tower's ravens.
Legend says:
If the ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the kingdom will fall.
Each raven even has a name and receives dedicated daily care from the Ravenmaster. You check each raven's name based on the color of their band on their leg.
Seeing one only a few feet away was easily one of my favorite moments.
The Medieval Palace
Many visitors overlook the Medieval Palace area.
Inside you'll find reconstructed royal living quarters that show what life was like for medieval kings and queens.
The recreated bedrooms, fireplaces, and decorations help you picture what the Tower looked like when it was still a functioning royal residence.
The Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
If your schedule allows, join one of the free Yeoman Warder tours.
The Beefeaters mix history with humor and tell stories you won't find on the museum signs.
Most visitors say it's the highlight of their visit.
We saw several tours moving through the grounds, and they were consistently drawing crowds.
Courtyard Views
Even simply walking between buildings is enjoyable.
Every turn reveals another tower, ancient stone wall, or hidden passageway.
Take your time—you'll notice details many visitors rush past.
Queen Elizabeth II Arch
Leaving through the Queen Elizabeth II Arch provides one final reminder that although the Tower is nearly a thousand years old, it remains part of Britain's living history.
Tips Before You Visit
- Buy tickets in advance.
- Arrive at opening time.
- Visit the Crown Jewels first before the lines build.
- Plan on 3–4 hours.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the cobblestones and stairs add up.
- Don't skip the Beefeater tour.
- Look for the ravens throughout the grounds.
- Bring a camera with plenty of storage—you'll use it.
Book a Tower of London Tour
The Tower of London is packed with nearly 1,000 years of history, so booking a guided tour can make your visit much more meaningful. A knowledgeable guide can bring the stories of kings, prisoners, ravens, and royal intrigue to life while helping you make the most of your time inside the fortress.
You can compare Tower of London tours, admission options, and available experiences through GetYourGuide below.
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Where to Stay Near the Tower of London
Staying near the Tower of London places you within easy reach of Tower Bridge, St. Katharine Docks, the River Thames, and convenient public transportation. The area has accommodations for a range of budgets, from stylish boutique hotels to comfortable family-friendly options.
Use my Expedia link below to compare nearby hotels, current prices, guest reviews, and availability for your travel dates.
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What to Wear to the Tower of London
You'll spend hours walking across uneven cobblestones, climbing narrow staircases, and exploring outdoor courtyards.
I recommend:
- Comfortable white sneakers
- Lightweight layers (London weather changes quickly)
- Neutral clothing that photographs well against the historic stone walls
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
Simple outfits not only keep you comfortable—they also let the incredible architecture stand out in your photos
Complete Your Tower of London Experience
Ready for your visit? Pair this guide with our What to Wear to the Tower of London article for outfit ideas, comfortable walking shoes, and travel essentials designed for a full day of exploring London's most historic landmark
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