Tower of London

Explore the Tower of London: A Fortress of Stories
The Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7, is one of the world's most renowned fortresses. Despite its grim reputation as a place of torture and death, it holds countless fascinating stories waiting to be discovered beyond its formidable walls.

The Crown Jewels: A Priceless Legacy
Since 1661, the Crown Jewels have been meticulously stored and displayed at the Tower, continuing a long tradition of safeguarding precious objects. Explore their profound importance to the British monarchy, the Tower's crucial role in protecting these treasures, and the rich, long-standing tradition of coronations in England. This priceless collection boasts some of the world's most legendary and extraordinary diamonds. These unique royal regalia are still regularly used by the Royal Family in significant national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

The White Tower: An Enduring Symbol
Built to inspire both fear and submission in London's citizens and deter foreign invaders, the iconic White Tower stands as a timeless symbol of London and Britain, overlooking the River Thames. Inside, you'll find The Line of Kings, the world's oldest visitor attraction. This intriguing display of wooden horses, adorned with vibrant colors and wild expressions amidst majestic suits of armor, is a surviving remnant of one of the Tower's oldest—and most unique—collections. From its murky beginnings as the Horse Armoury, it's a blend of propaganda and fantasy, and the longest-running visitor attraction in the world.

Royal Beasts: Exotic Inhabitants
For 600 years, the Tower of London was home to wild and exotic creatures kept captive for kings and queens. Discover sculptures of lions, baboons, an elephant, and even a polar bear. A fascinating exhibit in the Brick Tower reveals how these animals arrived at the Tower, what became of them, and shares amazing tales of how they were fed, watered, and housed, as well as various unfortunate incidents when the public ventured a little too close!

The Tower's Mint: Forging a Nation's Currency
For over 500 years, the Mint at the Tower produced the majority of the country’s coins. Explore its vast history, learning about Isaac Newton's efforts to combat counterfeiters during his time as Warden of the Mint. Discover Edward I's harsh punishments for those who tampered with his coins, Elizabeth I's restoration of coinage after her father Henry VIII’s disastrous meddling, and Charles II's rejection of Commonwealth money.

Beefeater Tours: Unveiling Royal Secrets
Share the secrets of a thousand years of royal gossip and intrigue with a Beefeater, or by their proper title, 'Yeoman Warder'. This dedicated body of men and women has guarded the fortress for centuries. Take one of their tours and prepare to be amazed (and perhaps appalled) by tales of pain, passion, treachery, and torture, all delivered with their inimitable style!

The Medieval Palace: A New Immersive Experience (Open from May 23rd, 2025)
Starting this May, the Tower of London's royal apartments, which once hosted medieval kings and queens, will be re-imagined in a new permanent display. This immersive experience will transport visitors back to the 13th century through innovative storytelling, hands-on interactives, and new multisensory displays. These magnificent royal lodgings are among the oldest parts of the Tower, built by order of King Henry III and King Edward I, and served as both a domestic and diplomatic space for these kings and their queens, Eleanor of Provence and Eleanor of Castile.

The new displays will take visitors on an immersive journey into the medieval world. Beautiful new illustrations will tell the story of life in the palace and of the royal household on the road. The palace walls will be enriched with recreated medieval textiles, culminating in Edward I's bedchamber—meticulously recreated using research from medieval accounts. Visitors will explore how Eleanor of Castile was a patron of learning and a significant influence on the decoration of English royal interiors. New interpretations will help visitors explore this pivotal but sometimes overlooked period of history. The display also shares stories from the lives of less well-known individuals from the royal household, including Edward I's laundress Matilda de Wautham, and John de Navesby, the keeper of the white bear at the Tower of London.