Bucketlist Travels logo

Travel bucket list idea:

Tower of London

Last updated: 20 April, 2024

The Tower of London is one of the UK’s most iconic and impressive historical attractions. Yes, it’s stuffed with tourists but for good reason: inside, you’ll get up close to the Crown Jewels, including the Queen’s crown and the armour of the great Tudor King, Henry VIII. Its White Tower is the oldest intact building in London, built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.

The resident Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters) give excellent free tours of the various wings, uncovering some gruesome stories from the Tower’s role as a prison in the Middle Ages. This is where ‘traitors’ were executed – the water gate entrance, built by Edward I, witnessed a stream of prisoners enter the Tower for execution, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More and Catherine Howard. The unfortunate’s head would be displayed on a spike at London Bridge afterwards.

Look out for the resident ravens – legend has it that if they desert the tower, the kingdom will fall.

Logistics

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest Underground station is Tower Hill (District & Circle line). If you’re coming by river bus, get off at Millennium Tower Pier.

Save a spot and avoid the entry queues by booking tickets in advance on the Tower of London website. The Beefeaters (more politely called Yeoman Warders) are integral to any Tower visit; their free tours begin at the gates every half hour. There is no formal ticking in or out: just join a group.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week.

Summer holiday season (July to August) can be unbearably packed, as are weekends. Go during the week if possible, and arrive before 9am to watch as the military guards and Yeoman Warders unlock and open the hefty wooden doors. You’ll also score the best viewing spots of the Crown Jewels.

Who to go with: organised tours

14

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

  • London

Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

Viator

See the best that England’s capital has to offer on a full-day city tour of London! Explore St Paul’s Cathedral with a guide, then make a photo stop at Westminster Abbey. Watch the must-see Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace and have some free time for lunch around the UNESCO-listed Tower of London. Finish up with a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames. If you want to see even more, upgrade to one of two activities: a cream tea at Harrods restaurant or a London Eye flight.

Price £123

Min age 0

Rating 4.22 / 5 [2073 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Total London Experience: London Eye, Tower of London & St Paul's

  • London

Total London Experience: London Eye, Tower of London & St Paul's

Viator

Don’t miss out during your trip to London with a day tour filled with top city sights and attractions! Your tour includes a panoramic tour of London, entry to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, ride on the London Eye and a viewing of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! Your expert guide will be there every step of the way to make sure you have a fantastic day out in London. Highlights of the tour: Entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral Panoramic tour of London See the Changing of the Guard Entry to Tower of London Meet the Yeoman Warders See the famous Crown Jewels Thames River boat ride The lastminute.com London Eye Experience Luxury air–conditioned vehicle

Price £154

Min age 3

Rating 4.12 / 5 [571 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

London: Tower of London Opening, Boat Ride & Westminster Tour

  • London

London: Tower of London Opening, Boat Ride & Westminster Tour

Viator

Embark on a captivating journey through London's royal history and iconic landmarks. Begin with an early access visit to the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll see the opening ceremony and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Cruise the Thames River aboard a relaxing boat and explore the heart of London on the Westminster City Walking Tour.

Price £94

Min age 0

Rating 4.55 / 5 [568 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

VIP Early Access: Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge Entry

  • London

VIP Early Access: Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge Entry

Viator

Experience three of London’s top attractions on this extraordinary 3-hour tour to the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels and to London’s infamous Tower Bridge. With early morning easy access entrance, you will have the opportunity to be among the first visitors to the world-famous Jewel House to view the spectacular Crown Jewels that have been held in the Tower of London for 600 years. This tour also includes visits to other Tower of London highlights, including the old execution site, the Ravens Den and the White Tower. Your tour will then continue with a fascinating guided walk the River Thames, to the beautiful 19th century Tower Bridge to explore the inside of London’s defining landmark. From high-level walkways, take in panoramic views & experience the thrill of seeing London life through the incredible Glass Floor Walkway. Your tour ends here at the Tower Bridge so you can take the time to explore other parts of the Bridge including entrance to the Victorian Engine Rooms.

Price £132

Min age 4

Rating 4.69 / 5 [361 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

London in a Day with Tower, Westminster & River Cruise

  • London

London in a Day with Tower, Westminster & River Cruise

Viator

Experience the quintessential sights of one of the world's most fascinating and dynamic cities on this full-day London walking tour. From Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London and even the River Thames, this London city tour is proof that limited time doesn't have to mean a limited view of the UK capital. Soak up London's key attractions in just one action-packed day, with all the logistics handled for you as you explore in the company of a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide.

Price £118

Min age 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [242 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
Website >

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

  • Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

view of houses of parliament at night

Destination guide

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience

  • Multiple countries

100 World’s greatest historic buildings

Inspiration

The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.