Tower of London

The Tower of London close by the River Thames belongs to the most famous buildings in London, no doubt! It's a significant component of this capital city and an ancient landmark that represents a lot of typical Gothic features.

Numerous travellers from near and far visit this sight because of its exciting history, gorgeous architecture and, of course, the amazing British Crown Jewels.

But before this imposing tower was opened as great museum the magnificent walls had had an important and often cruel responsibility because the White Tower and its grounds had been built as fortress in the 11th century and till 1820 the state prison had been located there.

Nowadays many of us love to stroll around this building without any unease but, actually, a couple of interesting relics and many helpful information boards including never-ending lists of powerful and influential monarchs like Henry VIII and Mary I bring back the past here and there. Watch out, for the ghost of Arbella Stuart as well!

There are quite a few fascinating corners to find! How about visiting the Medieval Palace that shows its rooms like they may have been arranged in the 13th century? Or having a closer look at the Green Tower which is known as the Bloody Tower? And who wouldn’t like a tour through these marvellous grounds guided by the Yeoman Wardens, the so called Beefeaters?

It’s also worth to have a look at the precious Crown Jewels even though the visitors have to stay on an assembly line that brings them from one end of the room to the other. This might not be the most comfortable way of moving around this place but on the other hand it isn't 'just a usual' museum.

For history fans, architecture lovers, interested tourists or ambitious ghost busters the Tower of London is an absolutely lovable place where you can easily spend a few glorious hours with family and friends.

At £16.50/£14 (adult/student), the price tag is a bit high for some budget travelers, but its definitely worth a visit. The complex is HUGE and there is a lot to see and learn. A FREE guided tour, lead by one of the Tower guards (Yeoman Warders or "Beefeaters"), is a must do! They tell you a lot of very interesting stories and take you into the Chapel Royal which is otherwise inaccessable to the public. Also at the Tower are the Crown Jewels of England and a huge armory display. Views from the South Wall walk are pretty great, too! Give yourself a few hours here and enjoy!

PS - Look around for discounts. They're out there! Also, try and buy online tickets because otherwise the line can get pretty outrageous.

One of my top top places in London…especially if you like history! You should also take the audio tour. It’s totally worth it, there are lots of interesting things you’d never know if you just walked about reading the signs provided for you…and they’re not that expensive at all. Don’t forget to go up the Medieval Palace and walk on the walls of the inner part of the fortress, you get some great views and some great exhibits. I also suggest checking out the stores, and also if you’re travelling with another person and plan on hitting up Kensington or any of the other places covered in the yearly pass to get it…and you get a 10% discount in the stores, so remember to show your card. I didn’t so much care for the White Tower, it’s basically all guns and horses…not really my thing, I’ll probably skip it next time. It didn’t take very long to get to the crown Jewels either, but since we went at a sort of off time of the year, I guess that would make sense. In all, I think if you’re going to do one thing in London, I would go to the tower. Honestly…it’s the best tourist admission for your money in my book…especially compared to the London Eye!

I went to the Tower of London in 2005 and at the time it cost around $13.50 GBP ($27.00 USD), which I found a little on the expensive side. I don’t think it would be such an issue if it wasn’t so crowded and if I wasn’t rushed through almost every room. Especially in the room with the Jewels, it was ridiculous and you hardly got to see anything at all. Also the line is so long, you will not want to wait in it again. If I am paying that amount, I would like to be able to see things at my own leisure.

Though if you are interested in English history, especially the Tudors as I am, then it is worth seeing. Just be prepared for the crowds and the crazy actors that reenact scenes from history. I think they could do without that personally, but that is just me…

i have an amazing picture of the tower of london froma few years ago in the fall. it is an amazing place to visit and is soooo much fun to go walking along the water near the canons. right next to the tower bridge... walking distance. its just the perfect tourist stop. so beautiful... =]

One of my favorite places in London, especially for history buffs. We got the audio tours and I loved them because they let you move at your own pace (no waiting for a group) and were extremely informative and entertaining! The parts about Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and the Tudors are Particularlly ineresting and the tour helps them to come alive. The history involving the royal superstions of the Ravens are also fascinating, and there are still ravens there today. The crown jewels are riducuously incredible and shiny, and you get to go around on a moving sidewalk for a bit while you look at them. All in all the Tower of London is a must see.

Tower of London has been one of the most important buildings in English History and is one of the best kept fortresses from medival times.

The admission price is 16 GBP for Adults and 13 GBP for students so is rather on the expensive side , but with such an extensive collection is not that bad. If you want to can easily spend an entire day here and not see the same thing twice. There is also one tour every 30minutes starting from the entrance which is a good place to start. The guide is very informative and has a good sense of humor. He also speaks very clearly so even people with poor english skills will understand. There is also audio tours in other languages for those who doesnt understand english (but i dont think that apply if you are reading this..hehe).

The Guards (Or the beef eaters as they are called) are helpfull and their knowledge of the place is extensive.

Overall a great experience. Suggested time 4hours including lunch.

If you love history and/or the Tudor/Elizabethan periods, you're in for a treat when you visit the Tower of London. Seeing the real places where Ann Bolyne came through the traitor's gate and where she (and so many others) were beheaded, really brought the stories I've read to life.

We went to the Tower of London over Easter - BIG MISTAKE!
It was absolutely rammed with people and was my first real experience of huge crowds in a small space.

We didn't have to line up to get in as we arrived early in the morning.

Once you get through the main walls into the castle grounds you see the white tower in the center with stone buildings on the right and tudor houses on the right.

We started off at the crown jewels which we waited in a huge line to see.
I didn't really think much of them (being a jewellery lover)my boyfriend couldn't believe it! I think the crowds really make the difference here as you cannot really stand and look at things for a long time as you are always pushed along to the next display by the crowd.

My favourite areas of the Tower of London was the King's quaters where his throne and bed were on display. The huge round room was eerie as we(surprisingly) were the onlypeople in there.
I also enjoyed the torture chamber which had torture devices on display.