Visiting his majesty’s home, the Tower of London, is a must whenever you are in London. It is an integral part of London’s history and overall British history.
However, your London visit shouldn’t be restricted to the Tower of London; visitors must explore more.
The Tower of London’s nearby attractions are a good starting point. Given their convenient location and many sights, the attractions near the Tower of London are worth your time.
So, if you need clarification about things to see near the Tower of London, don’t worry! This article covers everything worth your time, including the bridge near the Tower of London.
Let’s jump in and explore all the attractions close to the Tower of London so that you can pick and choose what to include in your itinerary.
The London Dungeon at Tower of London
While the Tower of London and the London Dungeon are both located in London and offer captivating experiences for visitors, they are different attractions.
The London Dungeon is not within the Tower of London itself. Thus, there is no such thing as the London Dungeon at the Tower of London.
It is one of the most recommended sights to explore near the Tower of London.
Snapshot
Hours of Operation – 11 am to 4 pm (Monday to Friday) / 10 am to 5 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
✔️Best time to Visit – Early in the morning/Late afternoon
️Entrance Tickets – £30 (US $33)/ adult (16 years & older)
Address – Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd., London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
The London Dungeon address is Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd., London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom.
The London Dungeon is a separate theatrical and immersive attraction guiding visitors through the darker and more gruesome aspects of London’s history.
Given the nature of the tour, visitors must consider the London Dungeon age limit. The London Dungeon tour is not for kids up to five years old.
The London Dungeon experience uses live actors, special effects, and storytelling to recreate scenes from the city’s past, often focusing on notorious characters and events.
One of the interesting facts about the London Dungeon is that before it was an actor-led tour, it used to be a free-flowing walk-through experience.
To plan a smooth visit, you must learn about the London Dungeon’s hours of operation. It remains open from 11 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday.
The London Dungeon hours differ for Saturdays and Sundays; they remain open from 10 am to 5 pm.
You must be wondering how long the London Dungeon takes. Well, the regular London Dungeon tickets allow for a one-and-a-half-hour-long experience.
Shrek’s Adventure! London
Shrek’s Adventure! London is a magical, extraordinary, interactive walkthrough experience for the entire family.
It is another one of the sights around the Tower of London, a must-experience attraction for families. Kids love Shrek’s Adventure.
Snapshot
Hours of Operation – 10 am to 3 pm (Monday to Friday) / 10 am to 4 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
✔️Best time to Visit – Early morning hours or late afternoons
️Entrance Tickets – £27 (US $35)/ adult (16 years & above)
Address – Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom..
The Shrek’s Adventure is like stepping into Shrek’s world! You get to be part of the adventure as you journey through Far Far Away.
You can experience 10 live shows where you can see, hear, touch, and even smell the magic.
There’s a 4D flying bus and chances to meet characters like Princess Fiona and Donkey.
Your mission is to collect special ingredients to find Shrek and safely make it back home.
Note that Shrek’s Adventure! London has flexible operating hours, from morning to evening.
So, embark on a Shrek-sized adventure and book your Shrek’s Adventure! London tickets.
House of Parliament London
The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, London. It is one of the must-see attractions near the Tower of London.
You may get confused if you don’t know it, as it is more commonly known as the House of Parliament after the two legislative chambers that occupy the building.
Thus, the House of Parliament London address is the same as the address of the Palace of Westminster, i.e., London SW1A 0AA, UK.
Open the exact Palace of Westminster location on Google Maps for easy navigation. The main visitor entrance, Cromwell Green, is number 9 on the map.
Snapshot
Hours of Operation – 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday)
✔️Best time to Visit – Wednesday Morning/ Early Morning hours on any day
️Guided Tour Tickets – £129 (US $163)/ adult (16 years & above)
Address – London SW1A 0AA, UK
History of the Palace of Westminster
Like many other attractions in London, the charm of the site goes beyond its outer beauty with its rich and deep-rooted historical background.
The history of the Palace of Westminster is also pretty fascinating and goes back more than 1000 years to the reign of Cnut.
The Palace of Westminster is considered to have been built around 1016 or later. The oldest surviving part of Westminster Hall dates from the reign of William II (1087-1100).
The palace used to be the main residence of the English monarchs in the late medieval period.
The predecessor of the parliamentary system that existed before it, Curia Regis, met in Westminster Hall when the king was in residence.
It has been expanded throughout history, sometimes out of necessity or desire. Several small and big fires occurred, such as in 1512 and 1843.
The palace underwent drastic alterations from the 18th century onwards when the available space wasn’t insufficient for day-to-day functions.
One of the most interesting Palace of Westminster facts or House of Parliament London facts is that the Model Parliament, considered the first parliament of England, met at the palace in 1295.
Another fascinating fact about the House of Parliament in London is that it could have been in Buckingham Palace.
In 1834, when a big fire destroyed most of the Palace of Westminster, King William VI offered Buckingham Palace to parliament.
However, it was turned down as Buckingham Palace wasn’t suitable for the parliament.
House of Parliament London Architecture Style
Beyond its incredibly fascinating history, the Palace of Westminster architecture is a subject of great fascination.
Following the fire, each house created a committee to plan for permanent accommodation on the king’s order.
They picked the Perpendicular Gothic Revival design by the architect Charles Barry. An interesting fact is the inexperience of Barry with the Gothic design.
This is why Barry relied heavily on Augustus Pugin to design the details. Subsequently, the Lord’s Chamber and Commons Chamber were completed in 1852.
The Gothic design was immensely popular during the 15th century and returned in the form of the revival of Gothic in the 19th century.
The exterior of the Palace of Westminster features immaculate stonework.
Beyond this, it features plenty of towers, such as the Victoria Tower, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), Central Tower and a number of small towers.
Inside Palace of Westminster
The current Palace of Westminster plan includes over 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases and 4.8 kilometers of passageways spread over four floors.
The first or principal floor houses the main rooms of the palace, including the debating chambers, the lobbies and the libraries.
The top two floors are mainly used as committee rooms and various offices.
The ground floor features common offices, dining rooms, and bars. Thus, it is more for hosting and entertaining in-house guests.
Some noteworthy areas inside the Palace of Westminster include the Monarch’s Rooms, Norman Porch, Robing Room, Royal Gallery, Prince’s Chamber, Lord Chamber, Central Lobby, and more.
Visitors interested in the floor plan of the Palace of Westminster can also take a virtual tour of the place before their visit to get familiar with the layout inside the Palace of Westminster.
House of Parliament London Visiting Hours
The House of Parliament London’s hours of operation remain the same throughout the week.
People can visit the House of Parliament on weekdays when the parliament is not in session.
The House of Parliament London opening hours or the Palace of Westminster hours of operation is from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday.
Thus, visiting the Palace of Westminster at night is impossible in usual circumstances.
Palace of Westminster Tickets/ House of Parliament Tickets
There are plenty of House of Parliament passes at various budgets, offering different experiences.
Visitors can pick any of these Place of Westminster tickets to explore this unmissable attraction.
Below is a list of the top Palace of Westminster tickets with their prices for easy comparison to help you decide easily.
| Tickets | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Guided Tour of Houses of Parliament & Westminster | Entrance to Westminster AbbeyEntrance to House of ParliamentFully guided tour inside House of Parliament & Westminster Abbey. Headset A live English-speaking tour guide. | £97 (US $123)/adult tickets |
| Private Tour of Westminster & House of Parliament Entry | A guided tour of Westminster Abbey Guided tour of the House of Parliament. English-speaking guide. Optional audio guide in Nine languages, including Spanish, English, Irish, Italian, French, German, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese. | £496 (US $630)/adult tickets |
| House of Parliament With Audio Guide | Entry ticket to the House of Parliament. Audio guide in ten languages: English, Welsh, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, Brazilian, and Portuguese. Headphones for listening to the audio guide. | £39 (US $50)/adult tickets |
Bridge Near Tower of London
The iconic Thames River has been a perennial inspiration for artists and a lifeline for the city since immemorial.
In the old times, the Tower of London acted as a line of defense, but in modern times, it connects the city’s two parts.
Snapshot
Hours of Operation – 9.30 am to 6 pm (Monday to Sunday)
✔️Best time to Visit – Early morning hours
️Entrance Tickets – £13 (US $15)/ adult (16 years & above)
Address – Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom.
Apart from the numerous historical and contemporary attractions, there are plenty of beautiful bridges on the river.
One of the most popular and historically important bridges near the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge.
Travelers visiting the Tower of London are highly encouraged to check out the Tower Bridge during their visit.
The history of Tower Bridge is inseparable from the history of the Tower of London, making it a must-explore attraction for a comprehensive tour.
Visitors will be able to understand the significance and history behind these two for a complete picture and gain a deep appreciation that goes beyond the exterior beauty only.
Thus, it is one of the must-visit attractions near the Tower of London to explore above anything else.
Other Things to See Near the Tower of London
Beyond the above-given attractions; there are plenty more tourist attractions near Tower of London.
Depending on what constitutes attractions near the Tower of London, there are numerous excellent attractions.
Visitors have varied choices, from full-day tours, food tours, and walking tours to combo Tower of London tickets.
So, let’s jump in and check out the tours and attractions near the Tower of London, which you must consider for memorable and fun times.
Attractions Near Tower of London for First-Time Visitors
Whether you are a solo traveler or a first-time visitor, travelers must consider a few must-experience attractions when curating their itinerary.
There are a few essentials in every traveler’s bucket list that you should include for a full-filling tour with many incredible memories.
Beyond the London City Pass, the iconic double-decker Sightseeing London Bus tour is a must to experience the city’s vibe and witness the important attractions from the bustling streets of London.
A Full-day tour ticket to see the largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle, a prehistoric monument, Stonehenge and check out the city of Baths and Roman Baths makes for a truly memorable day.
Some of the other must-see attractions around the city include the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Kew Gardens, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
People looking for adventure and adrenaline can also climb the Roof of The O2 Arena.
Another must-experience activity is the amazing Thames River Cruise, which visitors can experience through the Tower of London and River Cruise Tours.
Attractions Near Tower of London for Couples
Two of the most recommended attractions and activities near the Tower of London are visiting the London Eye and the Thames River Cruise.
Visitors can pick a suitable time to experience the London Eye for spectacular views. This is a perfect date idea to celebrate a significant occasion and make it memorable.
Another activity is to experience a Thames River Dinner Cruise. The regular Thames Cruise allows solo or first-time visitors to check out the near-shoe attractions.
But a Dinner Cruise will set an incredible ambiance for you to spend some quality time while you gently float on the iconic Thames River while enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared on board.
Buy the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour for a slightly unique and authentic London experience. It combines sightseeing with an authentic afternoon tea experience onboard.
Sip on tea and enjoy some delicious cookies and desserts while navigating through the bustling streets of London and seeing various attractions on the way.
London Food and Drinks Tours
London is a melting pot of various cultures. Due to its rich history, London City is more than just the numerous attractions; visitors can participate in various food & drink tours.
These London Food & Drinks Tours offer a unique mix of delicious food and drinks with relevant information, unmatched ambiance, and spectacular views.
Below is a table of the most recommended food & drinks tours, including the prices for easy comparison.
| Food & Drinks Tour | Features | Prices |
|---|---|---|
| Thames River Cruise with 4-course Dinner and Live Music | A three-hour river cruise A delicious four-course meal.Sparkling wine on arrival Live performance and dancing till late. | £83 (US $106)/adult tickets |
| Camden Brewery Tasting and Tour | Camden Tower Brewery Tour. Half Pint. Flight of five beers. Camden pin A live tour guide who can speak English, Icelandic, and Italian. | £25 (US $32)/ adult tickets |
| Afternoon Tea at Rubens at the Palace | Traditional Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Unlimited time to enjoy the experience. | £82 (US $105)/adult tickets |
| The London Cheese Crawl | “Drunken Cheese” with a glass of bubbles, creamy Stilton, baked Camembert and more. Fully interactive cheese trivia quiz. Insider tips and recommendations from your local host. | £36 (US $46) |
| London Group Food Tour | A guided walking tour of the best British food and international cuisines to understand them better. This tour does include food tasting. | £10 (US $13) |
FAQ
1. What can you see in the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is a huge castle with many beautiful structures that exemplify old and medieval architecture. There is plenty to see and explore inside the Tower of London. Beyond the Jewel House, visitors must check out the White Tower, Tower Mint, The Execution Site, Ravens, and more. Apart from these, there are a few hidden gems you shouldn’t miss out on, including the Bloody Tower, the Salt Tower, and the Fusilier’s Museum.
2. What else can you visit near the Tower of London?
Due to the convenient location of the Tower of London, visitors should explore plenty of other noteworthy attractions near the Tower of London. Visitors can opt for a Combo Tower of London and Tower Bridge to explore these two together. Thames River Cruise is also highly recommended. A few must-visit attractions near the Tower of London include the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Madame Tussauds, Kew Gardens, and The London Dungeon.
3. What is next to the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is located in London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom, making it ideal to explore nearby attractions. One of the closest attractions, next to the Tower of London, is the Tower Bridge. We highly recommend buying a Tower of London Combo to explore both with one pass. Other attractions next to the Tower of London include The Globe Theatre, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
4. What is near the Tower of London?
Plenty of things are near the Tower of London, making it convenient for visitors to visit and experience multiple attractions and activities. Thames River Cruise and a visit to the Tower Bridge are two of the closest activities and attractions near the Tower of London. Beyond these, people can explore The Shard, the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The London Dungeon and more.
5. What to do near the Tower of London?
There are plenty of things to do near the Tower of London. One of the most recommended activities is taking one of the Thames River Cruises. Visitors can explore the near-shore attractions of London City from the water for a different perspective other than a regular bus tour. Travelers are highly recommended to take a few Food Drinks tours to explore local and international cuisines.
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