Tower of London

The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the River Thames at the eastern edge of the City of London, in the borough of Tower Hamlets and next to Tower Bridge. Its official name is His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. It is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

William the Conqueror began a fortress here soon after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The White Tower, the great stone keep at the centre, was started around 1078 and gave the castle its name. Later kings, especially Richard I, Henry III and Edward I, added two rings of walls and a moat. Over the centuries the Tower served as a royal residence, armoury, treasury, mint, zoo and prison, and several famous prisoners were held or executed within its walls, including Anne Boleyn.

The Crown Jewels are displayed in the Jewel House, among them the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cullinan I diamond. The White Tower holds the Royal Armouries collection, including armour made for Henry VIII. Other stops include the medieval palace, the wall walk, Traitors' Gate and the Bloody Tower.

The Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, live inside the Tower and lead tours that are included in the ticket. At least six ravens are kept on site, linked to a legend that the kingdom will fall if they leave. Each night the Ceremony of the Keys locks the Tower, a ritual that has continued for centuries.

Tickets are timed and cheaper when booked online. Queues for the Crown Jewels are shortest at opening time. Tower Hill Underground station is a few minutes on foot.

Early entry to see the warders unlock the Tower

For a quieter start, Historic Royal Palaces sells an Opening Ceremony experience at £62 for adults, which lets a small group in before the public to watch the Yeoman Warders unlock the fortress and then head straight for the Crown Jewels. It suits visitors who want the Jewel House almost to themselves.

The separate Ceremony of the Keys at night is free but booked months ahead through the official site. Inside, the Jewel House uses moving walkways past the crowns, which keeps the line moving even on busy days. Food is sold at the New Armouries Café inside the walls, and the riverside wharf outside gives views of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast without a ticket.