Back to the past at the Tower of London

When William the Conqueror entered the largest city in the United Kingdom, London, after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, he did not fail to build a castle to counter "the unrest of the large and brutal population. For he considered it of the utmost importance to intimidate the Londoners".

The exact date on which work began is uncertain, but 1078 is generally thought to be the year. Originally, the Tower of London was a keep, built of wood and then renovated with stone, known as the White Tower. After various phases of expansion lasting until the 13th century, the general layout of the Tower of London has not changed since.

The Tower of London is made up of the White Tower, described as "the most complete eleventh-century palace in Europe" and measuring 36 metres by 32 metres, an inner rampart extending to the banks of the Thames, an intermediate rampart built during the reign of Richard the Lionheart and an outer rampart built during the reign of Edward I.

But far more than its architecture, it is the essential role it has played in the history of England that makes it a symbol. Over the centuries, this structure designed to house the royal flats has been a major element in the control of the country, and as a result it has been besieged on numerous occasions.

Today, a visit to the Tower of London is an opportunity to contemplate the Crown Jewels: over 20,000 jewels and precious stones are on display, including some of the most extraordinary diamonds in the world. You can also admire a collection of coins minted in the Tower of London or figurines of kings dressed in armour in the Museum of the Fusiliers.

By visiting the ramparts, the White Tower or the medieval palace, visitors can discover life in the Middle Ages at the heart of a royal palace. The Bloody Tower was used for executions at a time when the Tower of London was still a prison, and today it houses an exhibitionon the instruments of torture used at the time.

Between the 13th and 19th centuries, the Tower of London was home to a menagerie of exotic animals: lions, elephants, tigers, monkeys, etc. They have since been moved to London Zoo, but some of the statues are reminders of this period. Now, the only animals left in the Tower are crows. They have become the stars of the monument, alongside the Yeomen Warders, who were originally responsible for guarding the prisoners and the Crown Jewels. Today, they lead guided tours of the Tower of London.

As you leave the Tower of London, don't miss a trip to Tower Bridge next door. Completed in 1894, during Victoria's reign, its twin Gothic-style towers are linked by a footbridge offering a fine view over the Thames. Access is by lift or 300 steps. The bridge also houses a museum recounting its construction.

The Tower of London is an integral part of the UK's history, and a must-see during your stay in London! Allow three to four hours for a leisurely tour.

🚌 How do I get to the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is located in the east of the city, not far from the City. It is easily reached by public transport:

• Circle line (yellow): Tower Hill, Aldgate and Monument stations
• District line (green): Aldgate East, Tower Hill and Monument stations
• Northern line (black): Bank and London Bridge stations
• Centralline (red): Bank station
• Jubilee line (grey): London Bridge station

Buses 15, 42, 78, 100, 343 and RV1 stop close to the Tower of London, as do Hop-on Hop-off buses.

⏰ Opening times of the Tower of London

The opening days and times of the Tower of London vary depending on the day and the season. Visit the Tower of London calendar to find out more.

👛 Tower of London prices

• Full price: £29.9
• Under 18s: £24
• Over 64s: £24
• Students: £24
• Under 16s: £14.9
• Under 6s: free
• London Pass, Go London Explorer Pass and London City Card: free

To find out all the fares and book your ticket online, go directly to the official Tower of London website.