A Norman keep from 1078 inside walls that have been a palace, a mint, a zoo, a prison and a place of execution, still guarding the Crown Jewels and its famous ravens. Tower Bridge stands next door.
William the Conqueror built the Tower to overawe London. It has been doing so ever since.
At its heart is the White Tower of 1078, now holding the royal armouries. Around it, rings of walls and towers enclose the chapel, the execution site on Tower Green, the medieval palace and the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels, including the crowns used at coronations, are shown behind glass. The ravens live on the green; legend says the kingdom falls if they leave.
Book a timed slot online and arrive at opening (9am, or 10am on Sundays and Mondays). Go straight to the Crown Jewels before the queue builds, or come in the last 90 minutes, when it shrinks again. The free Yeoman Warder tour, led by a Beefeater, is the best hour of the visit. Allow three hours in all.
Next door, Tower Bridge has its own glass-floored walkway between the towers and its Victorian engine rooms.
An order that beats the queues.
Walk straight to the Jewel House while the queue is short.
Join the free hour-long tour from the main gate for the stories.
See the armour and the Chapel of St John inside the 1078 tower.
Walk the battlements, see the ravens and the execution site.
Cross to Tower Bridge for its high walkway and engine rooms.
Tower Hill tube (Circle and District), Tower Gateway DLR, or Thames boats to Tower Pier.
About £37 online with a timed slot; Tower Bridge is a separate ticket.
Walk over Tower Bridge to the South Bank and Borough Market for lunch.
London practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
