Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the top attractions in the city of London, England…and not only for first time visitors. There is so much history involved with this place that I have visited several times and each time I find something “new”. On the other hand my hubby has only been there twice and is convinced that is enough (go figure, eh!)

It seems to be a matter of luck as to how long the lines are to get in. Things have greatly improved over the years re the ease of buying an entrance ticket (there are many ticket booths on the long, wide boulevard overlooking the moats of the Tower of London complex.) but the queues waiting to get in can vary from just a few people to hundreds of people. There is a fast track lane so the London Pass may be something to consider if you will be in London for several days.

Aside: Group tours have their own lane and seem to be given priority at most attractions around the world. I have never understood the justice in that (unless, of course, I am part of that group tour!)

Here is the view you will get if you take a boat tour on the River Thames.

 Hint: click on any photo to enlarge it.

The two most famous parts of the Tower can be seen from here…the White Tower (which most people likely picture when you say Tower of London) and Traitors Gate. So if you have limited time this view may be enough for you.

However there is so much more to see by going inside.

You will enter on the west side. After purchasing your ticket you will go through one “wall” and security and then cross over the moat, and through the gates of the walls surrounding the main fortress.

 Aside: you will have an excellent view of the fortress walls and the moat even if you do not go into the Tower of London. The moat recently was filled with ceramic red poppies commemorating the start of World War I one hundred years before.  The official Tower of London website has a wonderful page about this. Check out poppies.hrp.org.uk

Once inside you have the option of touring on your own or joining a group led by one of the Yeomen Warders.

 

Either way you will walk through streets like these

and, if you wish, can climb up a few stairs for a slightly different perspective

Along the way you will come across The Traitor’s Gate. It was through these gates that prisoners transported via the River Thames entered the Tower of London.

A lot of famous (and, in some cases, infamous) people have come through these gates.

By the way…do you know the significance of this bird?

 Have some fun researching the ravens at the Tower of London.

We were very happy to see one near the Jewel House…

England is still safe!

There are many buildings on the Tower of London site. Most famous one…

The White Tower.

It has served many functions over the centuries.

Join a tour or do some of your own research to get all the details.

There are several different towers on the Tower of London property. Do check out the official website www.hrp.org.uk  The hrp stands for  “historic royal palaces”.

If you are into armour and knights of yore there is a wonderful historical collection here.

One can also visit a medieval chapel, the medieval palace, walk the walls…so much to see!

I think what brings me back time and time again are the Crown Jewels. 

You have to look for them! but there are signs to assist  you.

Years ago you could walk by at your own pace but now there is a moving sidewalk taking you past the cases holding the crowns. It moves very slowly so you do get a chance to have a good look.

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Do you know about the Ceremony of the Keys?

The ancient ritual of locking up  the tower gates and exchanging the keys as the guards change shifts is a solemn ceremony performed each evening after hours inside the Tower. It is free to the public BUT you have to apply for a ticket well in advance. I am typing this in April and I see on the official website that all the tickets are gone until November.

Let’s continue our visit to London..

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Happy travels!