How long to visit tower of london
If you’re planning a trip to London, then a visit to the iconic Tower of London is a must. This historic castle, located on the north bank of the River Thames, has many fascinating stories to tell and is a significant part of England’s history. But how long should you allocate for your visit?
It is recommended to set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the Tower of London. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions, take a guided tour, and immerse yourself in the rich history that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer.
During your visit, you can expect to see the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are held, as well as the White Tower, which houses the Royal Armouries’ collection of historic weapons and armor. You can also explore the ancient walls and walk along the battlements for stunning views of the city.
Additionally, don’t miss the chance to witness the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, a unique event that has been taking place every night for over 700 years. This ceremony involves locking up the tower for the night and is a truly memorable experience.
Please note that the Tower of London can get very busy, especially during peak tourist seasons, so it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. With proper planning and allocating enough time for your visit, you can make the most of your experience at the Tower of London and create lasting memories.
Best Tips for Visiting Tower of London
Visiting the Tower of London is an exciting and culturally-rich experience. To make the most of your trip, here are some helpful tips:
1. Plan Your Visit in Advance
To avoid long queues and ensure availability, it is recommended to book your tickets in advance. Check the official website for ticket options and prices. Additionally, plan your visit for a weekday, as weekends tend to be more crowded.
2. Allow Enough Time for Your Visit
The Tower of London is a historical landmark with numerous exhibits to explore. To fully appreciate its history and treasures, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit. If you’re particularly interested in specific exhibits or taking guided tours, you may want to allot even more time.
3. Join a Guided Tour
To enhance your visit and gain deeper insights into the Tower’s stories, consider joining one of the guided tours. Expert guides will lead you through the various areas, sharing interesting tales and historical facts. Check the schedule and availability on the official website.
4. Arrive Early to Beat the Crowds
The Tower of London can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. To enjoy a more relaxed and immersive experience, it is advised to arrive early in the day, preferably at opening time. This way, you’ll have more time and space to fully appreciate the exhibits and take memorable photos.
5. Follow the Yeoman Warder Tours
The Yeoman Warder tours are a must-experience at the Tower of London. These tours, led by the iconic Beefeaters, provide an entertaining and engaging exploration of the Tower’s past. They take place regularly, and joining one will undoubtedly enrich your visit.
6. Explore the Crown Jewels First
One of the highlights of the Tower of London is the Crown Jewels exhibition. To avoid long wait times, head there early in your visit. Witness the stunning regalia and learn about their history before delving into the other sections.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll have a more enjoyable and memorable experience at the Tower of London. From booking your tickets in advance to exploring the Crown Jewels first, these recommendations will help you make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark.
Ideal Time to Spend at Tower of London
When planning a visit to the iconic Tower of London, it’s crucial to allocate an appropriate amount of time to fully experience everything this historical landmark has to offer. With so much to see and do, it’s recommended to set aside a minimum of 3 to 4 hours for your visit.
Exploring the Tower
As you begin your tour of the Tower of London, it’s worth considering that this historic site is actually an entire complex consisting of multiple buildings and areas of interest. To fully explore the Tower, allow yourself at least 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to admire the renowned Crown Jewels, take a guided tour, visit iconic sites such as the White Tower and the medieval walls, and learn about the tower’s rich history and royal heritage.
Additional Activities and Exhibits
While the main attractions can easily fill up a significant portion of your visit, there are several additional activities and exhibits that you may want to explore. These include the famous Yeoman Warder tours,wherein the Beefeaters share their fascinating stories and legends of the Tower, as well as specialized exhibitions and temporary displays. Allowing an extra hour for these additional activities will ensure that you don’t feel rushed and can fully immerse yourself in everything the Tower of London has to offer.
In summary, if you truly want to experience the majesty and historical significance of the Tower of London, it’s recommended to set aside a minimum of 3 to 4 hours. This will give you ample time to explore the various attractions, learn about its captivating history, and fully appreciate this iconic site in all its glory.
Recommended Itinerary for Tower of London
1. Start your visit at the Welcome Centre
Upon arrival at the Tower of London, it is recommended to start your visit at the Welcome Centre. Here, you can collect any necessary information and purchase your entrance tickets.
2. Explore the Tower Keep
The Tower Keep is the central complex of the Tower of London and is where you will find the famous White Tower. Spend some time exploring the history and exhibits housed within the tower, including the impressive Crown Jewels.
3. Take a guided tour with a Beefeater
Join one of the iconic Beefeater tours to learn more about the Tower’s fascinating history and legends. The Yeoman Warders, nicknamed Beefeaters, provide entertaining and informative guided tours that are included with your admission ticket.
4. Admire the Tower Ravens
Don’t forget to stop by the Raven’s Housing and see the famous Tower Ravens. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. These magnificent birds are an important part of the Tower’s history.
5. Visit the Medieval Palace and the Bloody Tower
Make your way to the Medieval Palace and the Bloody Tower to experience what life was like inside the Tower of London during medieval times. Explore the rooms, see historical artifacts, and immerse yourself in the tower’s turbulent past.
6. Marvel at the White Tower
Spend some time marvelling at the White Tower, the iconic centerpiece of the Tower of London. This 11th-century fortress offers breathtaking views of the city and houses a fascinating collection of arms and armour.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Start your visit at the Welcome Centre |
| 9:30 AM | Explore the Tower Keep |
| 10:30 AM | Take a guided tour with a Beefeater |
| 11:15 AM | Admire the Tower Ravens |
| 12:00 PM | Visit the Medieval Palace and the Bloody Tower |
| 1:00 PM | Marvel at the White Tower |
Exploring the Historical Highlights
When visiting the Tower of London, there are several historical highlights that are not to be missed. This iconic landmark offers visitors a unique insight into England’s rich history.
1. The White Tower
The White Tower is the oldest part of the complex and was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. This impressive structure is home to the Royal Armouries collection, featuring weapons, armor, and other artifacts that tell the story of medieval warfare.
2. The Crown Jewels
No visit to the Tower of London would be complete without seeing the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels. Marvel at the sparkling diamonds, dazzling gemstones, and intricate crowns that symbolize the monarchy.
3. The Yeoman Warders
The Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. These esteemed volunteers offer guided tours and share stories that bring the history of the tower to life.
4. The Bloody Tower
Explore the chilling history of the Bloody Tower, where two young princes were famously imprisoned and later disappeared without a trace. Visitors can learn about the mystery and hauntings that surround this tragic event.
5. The Medieval Palace
Step back in time as you visit the reconstructed Medieval Palace. Discover the opulent living quarters of kings and queens, complete with lavish furnishings and stunning architecture.
6. The Tower Ravens
Throughout history, the Tower of London has been home to a group of resident ravens. Legend has it that if the ravens were to leave, the tower would crumble and a great disaster would befall England.
These historical highlights provide just a glimpse into the wealth of stories and heritage that the Tower of London has to offer. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about England’s past, a visit to this iconic fortress is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Special Exhibitions and Events
The Tower of London regularly hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year, offering visitors unique opportunities to explore the history and culture of this iconic landmark. Some of the current and upcoming exhibitions and events include:
- Tower of London Group Tours: Take a guided group tour of the tower and learn about its fascinating history from expert guides. These tours offer insights into the famous prisoners, historic events, and the Beefeaters who guard the tower.
- Historic Royal Palaces Membership: Become a member of Historic Royal Palaces and enjoy unlimited access to the Tower of London, as well as other historic royal palaces across the UK. Members also receive exclusive benefits and discounts.
- Yeoman Warder Tours: Join a Yeoman Warder tour and learn about the tower’s darkest secrets, including stories of murder, intrigue, and ghostly apparitions. These entertaining and informative tours are led by the famous Beefeaters.
- Crown Jewels Exhibition: Marvel at the Crown Jewels, including crowns, scepters, and orbs, which have been used in coronations since the 17th century. The exhibition also showcases the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the world’s largest diamonds.
- Bloody Tower Exhibition: Explore the Bloody Tower and learn about its grim history as a place of imprisonment and execution. Discover stories of famous prisoners held within its walls, including Sir Walter Raleigh and the Princes in the Tower.
- Medieval Palace: Step back in time and experience life in the medieval palace at the Tower of London. Explore the bedchambers, kitchens, and Great Hall, and learn about the lavish lifestyle of medieval royalty.
These special exhibitions and events offer a deeper insight into the Tower of London’s rich history and provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Visiting the Crown Jewels
As one of the main highlights of the Tower of London, a visit to see the Crown Jewels is a must-do experience. These jewels represent the British Monarchy and are of great historical and cultural significance. Here are some key details and tips on visiting the Crown Jewels.
| Opening Hours | Monday-Sunday | 9:30am-4:30pm |
| Ticket Price | Adult: £28.90 | Child (5-15 years): £14.90 |
| Queues | During peak times, there might be long queues to enter the Jewel House. Arriving early or purchasing a Fast-Track ticket can help minimize wait times. | |
| Photography | Photography is not permitted inside the Jewel House, but you can take pictures in other areas of the Tower. |
Inside the Jewel House, you will find a stunning display of crowns, scepters, orbs, and other magnificent regalia. The Crown Jewels include the Imperial State Crown, which is used for the coronation of kings and queens, as well as other crowns that have been used throughout history.
Security measures are in place to protect these precious jewels, and you’ll be able to see a collection of ceremonial guards who watch over them. Jewel House attendants are also available to provide information and answer any questions you may have.
Remember that the Tower of London is a popular attraction, so it’s best to plan your visit in advance. The Crown Jewels exhibit can get busy, so allow yourself ample time to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of these historic treasures. Enjoy your visit!
Additional Visitor Information
If you are planning a visit to the Tower of London, there are a few additional things you should know:
Tickets
It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets for the Tower of London can be purchased online or at the ticket office on the day of your visit.
Opening Hours
The Tower of London is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. On Sundays and Mondays, the opening hours are 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Guided Tours
If you would like a more in-depth experience of the Tower of London, guided tours are available. These tours offer detailed information about the history and significance of the site. Guided tours typically last about 2 hours and are led by expert guides.
It is important to note that some areas of the Tower of London, such as the Crown Jewels, require additional tickets or have limited availability. It is advisable to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for any specific requirements.
Please allow yourself ample time to explore the Tower of London and all its attractions. The average visit to the Tower of London can last anywhere from 2-3 hours, depending on your interests and the size of your group.
Lastly, be aware that photography is not allowed inside some areas of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels exhibition. However, photography is generally permitted in most outdoor areas.
Remember to check the official website for any updates or changes before your visit to the Tower of London.
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