Overview

Hype:

The Tower of London stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in the United Kingdom, offering a deep look into nearly 1,000 years of British history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it has served multiple purposes over the centuries, ranging from a royal residence to a notorious prison. Many key historical figures were imprisoned or executed here, giving the site a reputation both fascinating and dark.

Today, the Tower functions primarily as a museum, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its most famous highlights include the Crown Jewels—still used in royal ceremonies—and the Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, who guard the site and provide guided tours infused with legend and lore. Ravens also live on the grounds, tied to the superstition that the kingdom will fall if they ever leave.

The Tower's architecture, including the White Tower at its center, reflects Norman military design and later expansions that shaped it into the sprawling complex seen today. Visitors can explore medieval rooms, ancient battlements, torture exhibits, and ceremonial spaces, making it one of London’s richest historical experiences.

Time:

Fees: Admission

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/?utm_medium=performance_max&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=evergreen_tol&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19978210492&gbraid=0AAAAApeY8tla5KPPredFBMj50-h4se9Yu&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvTJBhCwARIsAL6DemjpWn5XqZKdqZpv_cyRJc2YspvIxljfjDoycgOTHxV4z9m_ggaQUO0aAlYIEALw_wcB

Location

Closest City or Region: London, England

Coordinates: 51.508112, -0.075949

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June 20, 2025 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

After the castle, we drove up to London again, once more with white-knuckle driving. We found a parking garage—expensive again—then walked to the Tower of London. This fortress has stood on the Thames River for nearly 1,000 years and has served as a royal palace, prison, treasury, and home to the Crown Jewels. 

It took a long time to find the entrance; we ended up walking around the whole castle to get in. The kids were tired from the start, but we pushed hard to help get over jet lag. 

Shortly into the tour, Cooper crashed hard, and I ended up carrying him through most of it—over 200 stairs, many of them spiral. 

By the end, everyone was tired, hungry, and exhausted. Some of the kids were in tears. 

We sat everyone on a bench while I found hot dogs for dinner and brought them back. When we said we had to walk back to the car, there were more groans and tears, but they made it.
 

Pictures