As a non-history buff, I was not sure how much I would enjoy touring the Tower of London. Just entering the gate I felt taken in by both its grandness and ‘oldness’. It was quite amazing to consider that I was walking on streets, and visiting building, that were fashioned before my country had even been ‘discovered’! Needless to say, I was very impressed and a little overcome even.We began by visiting the White Tower, the first known building to be considered the Tower of London. Next we moved on to the Jewel House (where the Crown Jewels are kept). I was astounded by the beauty and cost of the scepters and crowns kept there! After seeing the Queen’s crown I really wanted one of my own (if you knew me you’d understand!), I found a small replica in the Jewel House gift shop for £28 and bought it. I then found one similar in the Tower gift shop outside for £9!!! Oh well…We then moved on to the Chapel of St. Peter Ad Vincula, which houses many bodies of Tower prisoners. It was quite interesting and sobering to see the resting places of people like Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and others I had learned about in British Literature classes. While I understand the reason for no photography in the chapel, it would have been cool to have pictures to show those back home.Outside of the Chapel we saw the Site of the Block. This was where seven famous prisoners (including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) were beheaded. I stood wondering how many prisoners peered from windows in the tower watching their peers be put to death and wondering if they were next! Flowers lay in front of the scaffold site and are replaced daily.We found the Bloody Tower to be more personally interesting to us. For thirteen years it housed Sir Walter Raleigh (a man who played a founding part in our state of North Carolina). His ‘room’ is done with period décor and holds many interesting books to explore.On our way out, we went past Traitor’s Gate. Just standing there imagining all of those prisoners being led up those stairs… some to their death… gave me chills. There were some places like this in the Tower where all you wanted to do was just stop and listen and think.Needless to say, I found the Tower quite fascinating and would recommend it as a MUST SEE!!! The admission is a bit steep at about £13 but worth it all the same. Just remember to buy your crown at the Tower gift shop on the way out! 

This is a must-see simply because of its history. Children would love this activity, as it's outside and has characters that dress up as Brits from long ago. The highlight of the visit for me included seeing the Crown Jewels inside the museum. It is a small walk from the Tube stop, so be prepared, but it's well worth it.

The Tower of London has so much history. It was a prison, but from the outside it seems like a castle. It has the queen's crown and some things from the medieval times. This is a very nice attraction in London to see.

A guided tour by the Beefeaters is a must at the Tower of London. The Beefeaters are witty storytellers whose booming voices relate tales of this house of horrors. Following the tour, cue up on the People Mover (moving sidewalk) to see the Crown Jewels. The magnificent jewels deserve at least one repeat trip on the People Mover. Afterwards, stroll around the grounds for amazing photo opportunities, particularly of the Tower Bridge.

Visit Tower of London to plan your visit.

 

The Tower of London encompasses over 900 years of bloody, macabre English history. As soon as you enter, you can feel the ghosts of history swirling around you, begging not to be forgotten. A visit to the Tower of London is like being transported back in time and actually bringing your history books to life.

 

The queue for tickets is across from the entrance to the Tower. If you are only planning on visiting the Tower, you can buy ahead online and save a little money. If you are planning on visiting Kensington Palace or Hampton Court in addition to the Tower, be sure to buy a combined ticket (only available in person) and you will save quite a lot over paying separate admission at both places.

 

After you purchase your ticket and enter the Tower, the best place to start is with a guided tour by one of the yeoman warders. Groups for the tours assemble just inside the entrance. The tours don’t last too long, so if you aren’t pressed for time, go on a second tour with a different "Beefeater." Each one does the tour just a little bit differently.

 

The yeoman warders outline the history and major events associated with the Tower as you make your way around. Also during the tour you will go in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, which I believe you cannot go into on your own, only as part of a tour. Services are still held here every Sunday. The two wives that Henry VIII had executed, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, lie underneath the altar.

 

After the tour, have fun wandering around and exploring on your own. Be sure to check out the crown jewels and the armour of Henry VIII. Don’t miss the Bloody Tower, where the two young princes were murdered and Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned. Enjoy every moment of your step back in time.