Romeo F. Atis Jr.

Tower of London As a Tourist Attraction The Tower of London is one of the world's most iconic tourist attractions. A visit to this historical landmark is a must for any traveler visiting London. You can explore the site, tour the museum and take in spectacular views from atop the tower. It has something for everyone! Photo of the Tower of London, viewed from the River Thames – Source: Unsplash.com Here are some of the most exemplary ideas for visiting the Tower of London to help you make the most of your visit. Background on the Tower of London The Tower of London has a long and exciting history. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, upon his victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. The castle initially formed part of the outer defenses to London, along with several other courts that were strategically placed all around the city (more on them later). Tower of London, London, United Kingdom – Source: Unsplash.com It is said that when William became king, he had a vision in which he was told to build the Tower of London on the exact spot where he saw "two battling dragons," and so since then, it has become known as the Crown Jewel of English Castles. The primary purpose of building it was to protect England from invasion from other European countries; however, it has been used for various purposes over the years. It is now a historical site; however, parts of it serve as a home to tradition and modern-day life (more on that later). What to expect when visiting the Tower of London Visitors are welcomed by Yeoman Warders, better known as 'Beefeaters.' They are dressed in traditional red uniforms and serve as tour guides for the day. They also wear black caps called Tudor bonnets that they wear on special occasions. Beefeaters – Source: Pixabay.com The main zones of the Tower include the White Tower Museum, the Bloody Tower Museum, Constable Tower, Wakefield Tower, Waterloo Barracks, Martin Tower, and Byward Tower. As stated before, the primary purpose of the castle is to act as a historical site so visitors can get an idea of what it was like for people who once lived there. However, every summer, they hold "Beefeaters" shows where there is a live nativity, and during the day, you can learn tricks from the Beefeaters, such as sword dancing. How to get there and how much it costs The Tower of London is located at: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB Tower of London Ticket Booths – Source: Geograph licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License You can take many different routes depending on coming from the city center or the outer areas. I recommend using a combination of these two maps to guide you on your way, depending on where you are starting from. The price of admission is £29.90 for an adult (age 18-64), £24.00 for age 65+ or 16-17, full-time student, disabled visitor, and £14.90 for children 15 years old or younger (under 5s are free). You can also take different guided tours at the entrance, but they range from about 40-140 pounds for a group tour. The guides are very informative and enjoyable, so I recommend checking out the different types of terms offered. Being a tourist attraction in London, it is one of the most famous sights to see so keep this in mind if you plan on booking your ticket online beforehand. Other things to do in or around the area Tower Bridge, London, England – Source: Unsplash.com If you are visiting London, I recommend adding these five castles to your list of places you should see. All of the castles mentioned above are located near each other, and together they paint a picture of what it was like living there around that period. They will cost more to visit on top of the Tower of London, but I can guarantee that they are well worth it. You can buy an all-inclusive ticket that will give you access to all five castles for a price of £26.90, which is a bargain compared to paying the total price at each castle. If you have a family, is this place kid-friendly? Yes! Despite it being an old castle, the Tower of London has been modified over time to accommodate families. This means that there are lots of interactive exhibits for children of all ages to enjoy. It also means that there are things for kids to do while walking around without getting too bored or tired. Tower of London - London, United Kingdom – Source: flickr.com licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons License It's not very large inside so if you're looking to spend a whole day at the Tower and do everything, and I recommend getting there as early as possible. Make sure that your kids bring their student ID cards or any other form of ID because it will get them cheaper tickets. The entrance is also well-staffed, with multiple helpers who can help translate for those who need assistance reading the signs. The staff is also very knowledgeable, so if you have any questions, they will be more than happy to answer them or find someone who can. My favorite part of the Tower of London was where Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard had been imprisoned. If you plan on visiting, it's located in Wakefield tower. It's a very dark and spooky space with a few historical artifacts from their stay. I recommend going to the Bloody tower museum because there is a lot of history behind it. I also think that children would enjoy visiting the Crown Jewels exhibit, another popular attraction at the Tower of London. On top of all that, the Beefeaters and Yeoman Wardens who work at the Tower of London are very friendly and more than happy to share facts about what they do. They also have a section where you can learn everything about British traditions while wearing costumes. There is even a movie that shows you how to joust like a knight back in the day. In my opinion, this place is one of the best family-friendly attractions that London has to offer. Tips for having a great day at the Tower of London with kids (or without) 1. Get there early 2. Visit all of the attractions in a single day if possible 3. Make sure you have enough time to rest and eat before going back in for more! 4. Don't miss out on seeing where Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard were imprisoned 5. The Beefeaters are very friendly so talk to them if you can! 6. Make sure that your kids know about the rules beforehand, especially when taking pictures inside the Tower. The Royal family is very protective of their privacy, and their images are copyrighted. It's not like every other castle in London where you're allowed to take all the photos you want (and as many as your phone's memory can hold). 7. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes! This place is vast and has a lot of steps. 8. Be aware that there are costs for specific activities and exhibits (i.e., the Crown Jewels exhibit, jousting shows, etc.), so be prepared to part with some money if you want to do everything. 9. Don't forget to bring student ID cards for discounts! 10. Lastly, the Tower of London is also home to two very famous British ravens that are crucial to keeping the fortress in balance (or something like that). Because of superstition, their wings have been clipped, so they can never fly away. Make sure you don't miss their daily feeding time (usually around noon) because they are very entertaining to watch! Your kids will love the ravens, and they will be able to take pictures with them along with all of the other attractions, so it's a win-win in my book! The Tower of London is a must-see for any travelers to London. It's not just about the history, either - there are plenty of family-friendly activities at this location that will keep you busy all day long! With so much to do and see here, it can be hard to know where or when to start your adventure to get the most out of your visit. We've got you covered with our guide on how best to spend an entire day at the Tower of London with kids (or without)! From figuring out transport options and ticket prices through what kind of food vendors are available in the area, we'll help ensure that your time spent visiting this iconic landmark goes smoothly, so if you're looking for some tips on what to do. At the same time, you see the Tower of London with kids (or without); hopefully, this article will be able to help!