Tower of London

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower is today one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house. In the winter you can skate on the dry moat. The Tower contains enough buildings and exhibits to keep a family busy for a full day, with plenty of both warlike and domestic contents. Some areas, such as the St John's Chapel in the White Tower, do not allow photography, but these are clearly signposted. Beefeaters, who are all retired sergeant majors from the British Army, provide guided tours for free as well as ceremonial security. See history come alive – go to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. This ceremony, the locking up of the Tower, has been performed every night at 10PM for 800 years. Tickets for the ceremony are £5 and must be prebooked.

• history
• family

Getting there

not in the City; tube:

Hours

Mar-Oct: Wed–Sun 10AM-6PM; Nov-Dec Wed–Sun 9AM-5PM

Price

from £35.80, aged 5-17 £17.90, concession £28.50, entrance with gift aid is about 10% more.. If visiting multiple times or also visiting other Historic Royal Palaces it can be cheaper to buy an HRP annual membership

Website

hrp.org.uk (opens in a new tab)