Know Before You Go: Visiting the Tower of London

Those visiting the Tower of London for the first time could be forgiven for assuming that the site consists of just one tower—but in true medieval fashion, this walled fortress is actually an expansive complex, featuring numerous attractions, exhibitions, and historical features.

Begin at the White Tower: the heart of the Tower, and its oldest structure. It was built for William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and contains the Royal Armouries collection and Chapel of St. John the Evangelist. You can also visit the infamous Bloody Tower, admire the dazzling spectacle of the Crown Jewels, stroll the battlements, and much more besides.

Insider tip: The Tower of London isn’t a landmark you can easily breeze through: It’s recommended to set aside no fewer than three hours for your visit.

It’s no exaggeration that the Crown Jewels are the world’s most famous collection of precious jewels. Housed in the Tower of London’s dedicated Jewel House, the collection comprises 23,000 gemstones across 100 objects (including some of the world’s largest diamonds). They’ve been displayed here for more than 350 years, and are still used by the British royal family today.

No visit is complete without getting an up-close look: You're sure to recognize particular highlights such as the Coronation Regalia, which are only used when a new monarch is crowned. Spot the St. Edward’s Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, as well as the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother—it famously contains the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

The Tower of London is an ever-popular attraction, and has the crowds to match. For the special chance to see the Tower without quite so many other fellow visitors, book an early-access tour—you’ll be one of the first inside the fortress, and can even witness the 700-year-old Opening Ceremony.

Note as well that the Tower’s peak visiting period is from Easter to October; you can expect weekends and school holidays during that time to be especially busy.

Insider tip: The Tower of London holds a number of festive and commemorative events throughout the year, including poppy-themed installations held in honor of Remembrance Day in November, as well as special Christmas installations typically in place from late November through early January.

The Tower of London is one of the most popular attractions in all of England, which means there are plenty of ways to explore. While independent travelers can pre-book their Tower of London tickets online (and opt to purchase an audio guide), it’s well worth touring with a guide to really dig into the UNESCO–listed marvel’s centuries of history.

That’s all the more true if you book a VIP guided tour of the Tower of London with a genuine Yeoman Warder—aka Beefeater, or palace guard. And to make a full sightseeing trip out of it, look for multi-part tours that include other London sights and experiences, from river cruises to visits to landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The Tower of London’s many attractions should appeal to visitors of all types and stripes—and kids are no exception. That’s especially true for slightly older kids (particularly those who enjoy a gruesome tale or two). If you’re bringing the family along, it’s worth posing for photos with a Beefeater, gawping at the Crown Jewels, looking out for the animal statues scattered across the fortress (which represent the previous royal menagerie), and shrieking at the ghostly tales.

Meanwhile, family-friendly activities (such as knight school) are typically held during school holidays, while older kids are likely to enjoy The Gunpowder Plot virtual-reality experience.

Insider tip: As a bonus, kids receive discounted entry to the Tower of London—and young children aged 0–4 can visit for free.

While the Tower of London strives to be accessible to all, there are inherent limitations to its historic architecture, including uneven surfaces and stairs. Visitors using wheelchairs or with strollers will not be able to access all of the fortress, although there is one wheelchair free to borrow on-site.

A number of other amenities are offered to people with disabilities, including British Sign Language (BSL) guides for visitors who are deaf, and descriptive tours for blind or partially sighted visitors. Guide dogs are also welcome at the Tower.

While some sources recommend that visitors to the Tower of London dress respectfully (the site remains a royal palace today, and was also a place of gruesome executions and torture), there’s no strict dress code to abide by. Rather, the most important consideration when you visit the Tower of London is comfort.

You're likely to spend several hours at the site, and it’s worth wearing comfortable, grippy sneakers to make navigating the cobblestones and uneven surfaces easier. Some of the Tower’s sights are also outdoors, or require spending time exposed to the elements—bring layers and umbrellas when it’s chilly and overcast, or pack sun protection in the summer months.

Planning to explore other London landmarks after visiting the Tower of London? Happily, you’re located just a quick trip from many of the British capital’s top sights. Within view from the Tower’s battlements is the double-decker Tower Bridge. The HMS Belfast warship is also just across the Thames. The Tower is additionally close to City of London highlights—including Leadenhall Market, the Sky Garden, and the Monument to the Great Fire of London—and just adjacent to St. Katharine Docks, a historic wharf area now known for its hip restaurants and cafés.

• What’s the history of the Tower of London? The Tower of London's history dates all the way back to 1066. Built for William the Conqueror as a Norman fortress, the site went on to be a royal palace and notorious prison where many famous figures were held (and, in some cases, tortured or executed). It’s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

• Who was imprisoned and executed at the Tower of London? A number of notable figures have been imprisoned at the Tower. Three British queens—Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Jane Grey—were executed here, and Elizabeth I was kept as a prisoner. Other notable prisoners include Sir Walter Raleigh, while Thomas More and Guy Fawkes were put to death here.

• Who are the Beefeaters at the Tower of London? The Beefeaters—officially known as the Yeoman Warders—are the Tower of London's famous guards; their regimental history dates all the way back to the 16th century. They’re instantly recognizable for their distinctive red-and-black uniforms, emblazoned with the royal insignia.

• What’s the significance of the Tower of London’s ravens? The Tower of London’s seven resident ravens are nearly as famous as the Beefeaters. As legend has it, London—and the Tower—will both fall when they leave the fortress. Needless to say, they're very well looked after.