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The Best Ways to Visit the Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the most famous historic buildings globally — not just England. Known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace, this historic castle is located on the northern bank of The Thames in the capital city of London. Covering 12 massive acres and with a height of 27 meters, this iconic landmark is easy to see from numerous viewpoints along the flowering river bisecting the city. 

Built in 1078 as The White Tower, the Tower of London was last rebuilt in the 1190s with the Inner Ward, completely remodeled in 1285, and expanded between 1377 and 1399 to the nearby Wharf. Used as a prison in the early days, there are ghost stories and historical tales that have made this one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city today. 

With tourists heading here to check out the little-known fact of the city’s dark history, hoping to see a ghost during the nighttime tours of the Tower, and listening to the guide’s tall tales of ghost stories in the castle walls. Not only has the Tower of London played a crucial role in the tourist’s plans of modern times, but it has also played a huge part in English history over the years. The Tower of London was known as an armory, treasury, public record office, and home of the Crown Jewels.

But how can you visit this landmark today? Fortunately for all visitors, it is quite easy! All you have to do is know the visiting times, location, prices, and what to do/not to do when you visit The Tower of London. Keep reading and check out our guide on the best ways to visit this ‘haunted’ Tower. 

Buy your tickets beforehand

St Johns Chapel Tower of London – By Bernard Gagnon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3675338

The best way to visit the Tower of London is to purchase your tickets beforehand. Both will save you money buying ahead of time, but you will save time from waiting in a crowded line on a blustery cold or hot summer day. Make sure you check the Tower of London website to buy tickets for the whole family. Luckily, this is not an outing that is going to take you over your holiday budget. 

For adults, the off-peak tickets are just £28.90, and the peak tickets are £29.90. For children, the tickets are £14.40 for off-peak tickets and £14.90 for peak tickets. Do you have more than two children? Purchasing a family saver ticket for two adults and up to 3 children is just £80! If you spend at least 2 hours wandering around the expansive castle, the price is well-worth the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Choose when to go 

Panoramic view from the tower of London – By Panoramic_view_from_Tower_of_London.jpg: MatthiasKabelderivative work: Nev1 (talk) – Panoramic_view_from_Tower_of_London.jpg, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10565675

Another tip that most visitors do not follow when heading to the Tower of London is going during the weekend. We get it, people work, and they are busy. But visiting the Tower of lOndon during the weekends means long lines, crowded spots, and loud people who are not considerate. Avoid any crowds that can ruin your unique experience by going early in the day, going during the middle of the week, and purchasing your tickets before you get there. If you can, try to get to The Tower at 9 am! Grab a coffee on your walk here, and then head on in feeling energized and ready to learn. 

Take the tour!

The south face of the Waterloo Block – By CherryX per Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15067386

If you love energetic and knowledgeable tour guides who can tell you all you need to know aboutThe Tower and the history of the people who once lived here, the Yeoman Warder tour is worth the organization. This 45-minute tour is included in the price — all you have to do is plan ahead, show up on time, and become fully oriented with the entire Tower of London complex. 

Walk the activity trails

The white Tower dates to the 11th century – By Bernard Gagnon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3675330

If you are going here with your children, they will love the surrounding family activity trails. Along with the Yeoman Warder tour, the Welcome Center features quizzes for younger children, educational reads for families, and the family trail that can get your kids some exercise, teach them about the Tower of London complex, and retain their attention span while wandering around. 

Check out the nearby excursions

The Tower of London from the Shard – By © Hilarmont (Kempten), CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=38250655

Heading out to The Tower of London And then going back to your hotel is a no-no when you visit the capital city of England. The best part about London Is there is SO much to do! You can take a walk along the Thames, visit the nearby green spaces, and sit outside at one of the many beer gardens. If it is cold outside, toucan head to numerous indoor museums, cafes, and pubs in the local area. Is it a (rare) sunny day outside? Whatever you want to do, London has it for you. 

Stay around the Tower of London’s complex to walk along the Tower Bridge, explore the inside of St. Paul’s Cathedral, have lunch in the beautiful garden, and walk to the 306-meter high Shard building with extensive views of the city.