You’ve likely heard of it, maybe seen it too but what is The Tower of London??

We’ve got to go back a thousand when William the Conqueror, fresh from all that conquering, founded the castle in 1066. Over the centuries, it’s served various purposes, including a royal palace, fortress, armory, and prison.

Among other things, The Tower is famous for housing the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom and has a rich history filled with stories of executions, imprisonments, and royal ceremonies.

Who got the chop?

The most well known among those executed on or near Tower Green were three former queens of England, two of whom were wives of Henry VIII. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was in her early 30s and Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, was barely in her 20s. The last to be executed was Robert Deveraux, the 2nd Earl of Essex in 1601, on a charge of treason. Unfortunately for him, it took three blows of the axe to remove his head.

Top 10 Tips for Touring the Tower

Visiting the Tower of London can be a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Here are some of our family-friendly touring tips:

1. Check the Tower’s official website for opening times, ticket prices, and any special events. Areas can be closed for special events

2. Buy tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. The best time to visit the Tower of London is the 9am slot on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

3. Consider taking a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour. They offer engaging stories and historical insights. That said, we opted for the audio self-guided tour so we could all go at our own pace. Probably better with kids.

4. Look for interactive displays and exhibits, the Crown Jewels being the best.

5. Speaking of, this is the main event on this tour and you want to take your time seeing it. (BTW, no photos allowed). There are several rooms and the layout is designed to make you keep moving. Our suggestion is to get in the main doors right on opening and then head straight for this exhibit, that way you avoid the potential long queues outside.

6. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and check the weather forecast prior to your visit, as much of the experience is outdoors.

7. There are dining options available, but having snacks on hand can help keep energy levels up, and you’ll need it here. There’s lots of ground to cover as well as stairs to climb.

8. Take time to walk around the gardens and grounds, letting kids explore and discover different areas, there’s a lot to see. AIM for at least 2-3 hours.

9. Make time for the outdoor shows put on by costumed actors and hear stories of real people who worked and lived here.

10. if you want to see the 700 year old Ceremony of the Keys, you’ll have to be prepared to hang around until 9:30pm. That was a bit late for our crew, plus it’s a separate ticket and advanced booking is required.

Like we always say, save something for the next time!