After the London Eye and its wide-open view over the city, we headed somewhere far less airy: the Tower of London, with its thick walls and nine centuries of plots, famous prisoners and beheadings. A darker side of London, rediscovered on the same June 2026 trip.
The White Tower, at the heart of the fortress, was built starting in 1078 on the orders of William the Conqueror, freshly crowned, to secure his hold over the city he’d just taken. The monarchs who followed kept expanding the complex over the centuries, adding ramparts, towers and a moat, turning the site into a fortress, a royal residence, an armoury, a prison and a treasury all at once. Anne Boleyn was beheaded here in 1536, Sir Walter Raleigh spent several years imprisoned within its walls, and the legend of the two young princes who vanished in 1483 still fuels historians’ theories today.
Since the 17th century, the Tower has also housed the Crown Jewels, including the Cullinan I diamond, the largest colourless cut diamond in the world, set into the royal sceptre. The Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, still live on site and run free guided tours, included with entry, where dark humour is never far from the stories of executions. Another set of long-standing residents: the ravens, present since the reign of Charles II, who is said to have decreed there should always be at least six on the grounds, with legend holding that the kingdom would fall if the ravens ever left the Tower.
Good to know
Don’t miss
Join a free guided tour with a Yeoman Warder right after entering: they leave roughly every half hour, no booking needed, first come first served. It’s by far the best way to get a handle on the site’s history. Head to the Crown Jewels early, the queue builds up fast by midday.
What our daughter loved
The torture instruments, which she photographed extensively (you’re either a teenager or you’re not). The ravens too, and we each picked out which crown jewels we thought were the prettiest.
The real upsides for kids
If your kids are older
Tudor history, with its executions, succession plots and famous prisoners, gives the visit a real narrative thread, far from just a pile of old stones. The Beefeaters’ stories, often laced with dark humour, land particularly well with teenagers.
If your kids are under 8
The site is large, cobbled, and involves a fair amount of walking. The armour and weapons collections in the White Tower generally hold their attention well, and so do the ravens. The queue for the Crown Jewels, on the other hand, can quickly turn long and tedious for them.
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Tower of London: FAQ
What are the entry fees?
Online tickets start at £37 for an adult, £18.50 for a child aged 5 to 15, and £29.50 for seniors aged 65 and over. A family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) costs around £87 to £93. Entry is free for under-5s.
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Saturday, 9am to 5:30pm. Sunday and Monday, 10am to 5:30pm. Last entry is at 5pm. Closing times vary by season, so it’s worth checking the official website before you go.
How much time should you set aside for the visit?
Budget at least two to three hours to see the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, and take in a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder.
How do you get to the Tower of London?
Tower Hill tube station is right next door, on the Circle and District lines.
Can you photograph the Crown Jewels?
No, photos and videos are banned inside the Jewel House. The rest of the site can be photographed freely.
Can the ravens really leave?
Their wings are lightly trimmed to stop them flying too far, a practice that keeps the legend alive without actually confining them.
Practical Information
Details
Tower of London Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB
Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 5:30pm (last entry 5pm). Sunday and Monday: 10am to 5:30pm (last entry 5pm). Hours subject to change by season and public holidays.