London · See
Norman fortress on the Thames with the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Yeoman Warders.
William the Conqueror had the White Tower built after 1066 to control London. Over the centuries the fortress served as a royal residence, prison and place of execution. Tours by the Yeoman Warders are included in the admission and told with great verve. If you have time, look out for the ravens: legend has it that the kingdom will fall if they leave the fortress.
The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. The Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Tower of London was besieged several times, and controlling it has been important to controlling the country.
Three places nearby, in walking order.
Daily 9.30 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm
Victorian bascule bridge, with glass-floored walkways above and the old steam engines below.
Crossing the bridge itself costs nothing. The exhibition charges admission, bookable up to 6 weeks ahead. Lift times are on the website.
Daily 10 am–6 pm, last entry 5 pm
Second World War cruiser moored in front of Tower Bridge. You can explore it across nine decks.
Adults £26.80 without donation. Cheaper online. In winter it may close at 5 pm. You need good shoes for the steep ladders.
According to the programme
New theatre by Tower Bridge with a flexible stage, also for productions with a standing audience.
Standing tickets right in the thick of the action are an experience.
Open in daytime, approx. 8 am until evening (unverified)
Bombed-out shell of a church, now home to a small garden, in among the office towers.
Five minutes from the Sky Garden, ideal as a quiet stop before or after. Emptiest early in the day.
Winter (Oct–Mar) Mon–Fri 10 am–6.30 pm, Sat/Sun 10 am–5 pm; summer Mon–Fri until 9 pm
Open-air roof garden on 120 Fenchurch Street, quieter than the Sky Garden, with views of the Tower and the Shard.
Usually no booking needed, security check downstairs. Closed on public holidays; at weekends it shuts as early as 5 pm.
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