Inside the Tower of london

Situated along the banks of the River Thames, the Tower of London stands as an iconic attraction of the British.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and truly grasp the essence of this historical site of the London Tower. 

The Tower of London resonates with the very soul of England’s capital city.

Visiting the Tower of London is an extraordinary experience that goes beyond common perceptions.

As you explore the Tower of London sights, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant attractions near Tower of london.

Each corner holds its unique charm, making it a journey of unforgettable encounters. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

You can witness all the spirit of London through the following Tower of London attractions:

• The Tower of London Opening Ceremony
• Tower of London Superbloom
• Tower of London Ceremony of Keys
• Watching the Tower of London poppies and flowers
• Getting a chance to be a part of the Tower of London food festival
• Enjoying the Tower of London ice rink

Check out this video to get awestruck–

Tower of London Attractions

Apart from the various towers and exhibitions, there are plenty of equally impressive attractions in Tower of London due to its central location in a historically important area. 

There are many things to discover at this 900-year-old castle, including these sights and attractions near Tower of London:

The Medieval Castles Tower of London

The St. Thomas’ Tower, the Wakefield Tower, and the Lanthorn Tower are all parts of the Medieval Castles Tower of London.

Henry III and his son Edward I constructed these towers in the thirteenth century.

The Medieval Castles Tower of London is in the residential sector, where the Yeoman warders, the palace security and the members of the British armed forces live.

Visitors to the Medieval Palace can see life in the London Tower in the thirteenth century.

The Crown Jewels Tower of London

The Crown Jewels Tower of London of the United Kingdom is a collection of precious and historic ceremonial objects closely associated with the British monarchy.

These regalia include crowns, scepters, orbs, swords, and other dazzling pieces, often adorned with exquisite gemstones and precious metals. 

The Crown Jewels Tower of London is an essential symbol of the monarchy’s authority and continuity, used during coronation ceremonies and other state occasions.

The Crown Jewels are housed and displayed in the Jewel House, part of the Tower of London in central London, England. 

The Tower of London, with its long history as a royal palace and fortress, has been the traditional location for safeguarding and exhibiting the Crown Jewels for over 300 years.

The Crown Jewels form one of the main highlights of the Tower of London tour. 

So, book your Crown Jewels Ticket to witness the royal treasures at the Tower of London!

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White Tower of London

One of the most remarkable structures from the 11th century in Europe is the White Tower.

William the Conqueror began building the tower about 1075 to 1079 and finished it by 1100. Read Tower of London history to know more about its fascinating past!

Like the Jewel House containing royal possessions, crown jewels, luxurious stones and gems, the White House showcases the historic Royal Armories collections.

The 350-year-old exhibition “Line of Kings” also occurs in the White Tower.

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The Tower Mint at Tower of London

The Tower Mint, also known as the Royal Mint, was historically located within the Tower of London.

The Tower Mint at Tower of London was one of the most significant mints in England. It was crucial for several centuries to produce the country’s coinage and currency.

The history of the Tower Mint at the Tower of London can be traced back to the reign of William the Conqueror, who founded the Tower of London in 1066. 

At that time, the minting of coins was centralized within the Tower to ensure strict control over the country’s currency.

However, the minting operations at the Tower of London gradually declined and were eventually transferred to different locations in the 19th century. 

The Royal Mint was relocated to Tower Hill in 1810 and then moved to its current location in Llantrisant, Wales, in 1968.

Today, the Tower of London stands as a historical site and tourist attraction to learn about its significant role in England’s monetary history.

While the Tower Mint at Tower of London is no longer operating on the premises, visitors can still explore the rich history of coinage and currency at the Tower of London’s exhibitions.

The Execution Site

Coming west to the White Tower is the execution site, which is now a very beautiful green stretch of land.

It is challenging to imagine that this bountiful land went through so much pain and bloodshed.

On an estimate, this execution site saw ten people getting beheaded, if not more, including three queens. 

The three English queens who were beheaded were: 

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII

Anne Boleyn is often remembered as the young queen whose life was cut short due to the dangerous intrigues of the Tudor court.

Anne Boleyn’s intelligence, wit, and beauty caught the attention of King Henry VIII, who was married to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, at the time.

King Henry became infatuated with Anne and sought to annul his marriage to Catherine, claiming it was invalid due to her previous marriage to his deceased brother. 

This led to a significant religious and political upheaval known as the English Reformation. 

Eventually, Henry broke away from the authority of the Pope and established the Church of England, with himself as the supreme head, to secure his divorce from Catherine.

After that, Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in secret, and she was crowned Queen of England. She fervently advocated the Protestant cause and influenced Henry’s religious policies.

Despite giving birth to a daughter who would later become Queen Elizabeth I, she failed to provide the king with the male heir he desired. 

Furthermore, her relationship with the court and many powerful figures became strained, leading to numerous enemies in court.

Anne Boleyn was accused of adultery, treason, and incest with her brother. Although the charges were most likely politically motivated, Anne was found guilty in a trial that many considered unfair.

She was sentenced to death and executed by beheading at the Tower of London so that no other queen would dare to cross the king. 

Read Tower of London facts that will startle you to know more about the gory past. 

Catherine Howard, Henry V’s wife

Catherine Howard’s life was tragically short, and her story is marked by both romance and tragedy.

Catherine Howard’s early life was spent in relative obscurity until she caught the attention of King Henry VIII. 

At the age of around 16 or 17, she became a lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. 

Catherine’s beauty and charm soon captivated the aging King, who was desperate for a male heir and seeking companionship after his previous marriage.

Henry VIII married Catherine Howard, making her his fifth wife. The marriage was a significant step up in status for Catherine, as she became Queen of England. 

However, the union was fraught with problems from the start. Catherine was young and inexperienced, while Henry was much older and in poor health.

The most significant issue in their marriage arose when it was discovered that Catherine had engaged in a secret relationship 

Her past indiscretions came to light, and she was accused of committing adultery while being married to the King.

Catherine Howard was arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London on charges of treason. After a brief trial, she was found guilty and sentenced to death. 

Lady Jane Grey, Queen for only nine days 

Lady Jane Grey, also known as the “Nine-Day Queen,” was a young English noblewoman who briefly held the title of Queen of England for just nine days 

Her life and reign were caught in the midst of the political turmoil surrounding the succession crisis after the death of King Edward VI.

Lady Jane Grey was proclaimed Queen of England after King Edward VI’s death, but her reign was immediately contested. 

With significant support among the English nobility and the common people, Mary Tudor declared herself the rightful queen and gained widespread support, leading to Lady Jane Grey’s capture.

Lady Jane Grey was imprisoned in the Tower of London but her involvement in a later rebellion against Mary Tudor’s reign further sealed her fate.

She was a pawn in a failed coup attempt, so to do justice and instill fear in the masses, her punishment was execution!

Go through the Tower of London history to know more details of the historic past of the Tower of London.

This site of the Tower of London will force you to consider how much history the place bears.

Wall Walk

Simply put, the Wall Walk is a stroll along the Tower’s thick stone walls, constructed mid-thirteenth century.

The Salt, Broad Arrow, Constable, Martin, Royal Beasts, Bowyer and Flint Towers are the seven Towers that make up the Medieval Palace.

The Wall Walk stroll is the most fantastic way to see them all.

Bloody Tower of London

The Bloody Tower of London was built in the 1220s as a defensive tower located south of the Tower of London, facing the Thames River. 

The Bloody Tower was formerly known as the Garden Tower before getting its name.

The Garden Tower got bloodied because the future Richard III murdered Edward V,  including his younger brother, Richard, in the Tower in 1483 when they were both 12 years old.

At the behest of their uncle, they remained in the Bloody Tower until they mysteriously vanished one day.

Many years later, the archaeologists found two skeletons, which are assumed to be of two children around 12 years of age.

The Tower was built with the intention of controlling the main river entrance to the Tower of London. 

The Bloody Tower of London was used for keeping the prisoners locked in and, at the same time, keeping people out as well. 

One of the most popular prisoners held at the Bloody Tower of London was Sir Walter Raleigh, who spent 13 years.

Traitors’ Gate

It was formerly called the Water Gate.

King Edward I and other royals used this Gate to sneak into St. Thomas’ Tower via water.

With time, it was used to bring in prisoners accused of treason.

Fun fact: Even Queen Elizabeth I (before she was queen) entered the Tower through Traitors’ Gate. 

The Salt Tower at the Tower of London 

The Salt Tower at the Tower of London is a perfect example of medieval military architecture. 

It was built during the reign of King Henry III in the 13th as a part of the inner curtain wall surrounding the White Tower. 

Originally, it was named as the Bowyer Tower after the Bowyers, responsible for making the longbows used by the English Army. 

It was renamed as Salt Tower as it was primarily used to store salt, a valuable commodity in that age. 

However, like the Tower of London history, it changed its roles throughout its existence. The Salt Tower was used as a prison for a while. 

Several high-profile prisoners, including the Jesuit Priest John Gerard and the Puritan Divine John Penry, were held here. 

By the 19th century, the Salt Tower was used as a storehouse for guns and ammunition. In the 20th century, it was used as a military museum. 

Today, it stands as a well-preserved example of a medieval military structure. It is a large circular tower almost 60 feet tall. 

One fascinating thing is the only surviving chapel in the Tower of London, which was used as a chapel, is on the third floor.

Royal Armory London 

The Royal Armory London, or the Royal Armory at the Tower of London, has a rich history that goes as far back as the existence of the tower itself. 

The Royal Armory London had occupied buildings within the Tower of London for making and storing arms, armor, and military equipment for as long as the Tower had existed. 

The history of the Royal Armory London is fascinating. The Office of Ordinance and the Office of Armoury replaced the privy wardrobe. 

Until then, the entry into the Royal Armory London was only by special permission. 

Today, the Royal Armory London is one of the latest collections of historical arms and armor in the world. 

It also houses the Tower of London history. The Royal Armory London collection is ever-growing. 

It safeguards the nation’s heritage for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Read Tower of London facts to know about more fascinating aspects of the Tower of London.

Fusilier Museum

The Museum is housed in a structure that was once an army officer’s quarters.

From its founding in the Tower in 1685 until present date, the British infantry regiment’s history is told at the Fusilier Museum.

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The Ravens at South Lawn

You may find ravens on the south lawn of the Tower of London, especially in a group of six or more. 

Charles II insisted that the ravens remain at the castle at all times. 

He believed that if the Tower of London ravens were lost or flew away, the crown would fall, and Britain would follow. 

Hence, superstition associates these ravens with the Tower and the Crown.

Today, one of their wings is clipped, so they can’t fly away. There is even a backup raven -– so there are seven in total.

Due to this, the Tower won’t be abandoned by its resident ravens, the unsaid Tower guardians.

The ravens are free to roam the Tower of London and respond only to the Ravenmasters, who also feed them. 

Learn more intriguing facts about the Tower of London Ravens:

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Top Sights near Tower of London

Now that you know what to expect and what to look forward to on your Tower of London Tour, let’s talk about the sights near Tower of London. 

Visitors should look beyond the premises and expand to the sights around Tower of London.

There are plenty of sights and attractions near Tower of London worth checking out. Let’s take you on a tour of the historical sights around the Tower of London:

Tower of London

Begin your adventure at the iconic Tower of London itself. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in over 1,000 years of history. 

Marvel at the majestic White Tower, explore the medieval battlements and get lost in the fascinating stories of this royal fortress and former prison. 

Don’t miss the dazzling Crown Jewels housed within the Jewel House, where you’ll witness the splendid coronation regalia and priceless gems.

Tower of London Super Bloom, a rare event showcasing vibrant flowers around the historic tower, is another enchanting spectacle!

Witness the Tower of London Poppies events, a moving tribute honoring lives lost in conflicts. Fun Fact: You can buy the Tower of London Poppies now!

Timings:  Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm.

Last Entry: 5 pm.

Time Needed: Plan for 2-3 hours.

Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or on occasional special events.

Location: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom. Get directions!

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Tower Bridge

One of the top sights near Tower of London you shouldn’t miss is the Tower Bridge. 

Just steps away from the Tower of London stands another symbol of London’s architectural marvel – Tower Bridge. 

This iconic bascule bridge spans the River Thames, offering breathtaking panoramic city views. 

You can walk along the high-level walkways, discover the engineering brilliance in the Victorian Engine Rooms, and even catch the bridge rising in action if you time your visit right.

Timings: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

Last Entry: 5 pm

Time Needed: Plan for 1-2 hours.

Best Time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon.

Location: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom. Get Directions!

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The Shard

Not just as the sights near Tower of London, The Shard stands on its own as a must-visit attraction in London. 

Gaze upon London’s striking skyline from the Shard, the city’s tallest building. 

With its soaring glass façade, the Shard provides an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the city’s landmarks, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. 

The viewing platforms offer a perfect vantage point, especially during sunset when the city glows in a golden hue.

Timings: Sunday to Wednesday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.

Last Entry: 6:30 pm (Sunday to Wednesday), 9 pm (Thursday to Saturday)

Time Needed: Plan for 1-2 hours.

Best Time to Visit: During sunset, for a stunning view of the city bathed in golden hues.

Location: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom. Get Directions!

All Hallows by the Tower

For a serene moment of reflection, visit All Hallows by the Tower, London’s oldest church located just a short walk from the Tower of London. 

It is one of the lesser explored sights near Tower of London. We highly recommend you check it out. It will be a delight, especially for all the history buffs out there. 

Delve into its historical significance, with connections to the Roman era and to renowned historical figures. 

The peaceful churchyard provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Timings: Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm

Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

Last Entry: 5 pm, closing time.

Time Needed: Plan for 1-2 hours.

Best Time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon for a serene experience.

Location: Byward St, London EC3R 5BJ, United Kingdom. Get Directions!

HMS Belfast

Step aboard HMS Belfast, a former Royal Navy cruiser permanently docked on the Thames near Tower Bridge. 

Explore its nine decks and gain insight into the lives of sailors during World War II. 

The interactive exhibits and stunning views from the ship’s deck make this a fascinating visit for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts.

Timings: Every day from 10 am to 5 pm.

Last Entry: 4 pm

Time Needed: Plan for 2-3 hours.

Best Time to visit: Mid-mornings to early afternoon.

Location: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom. Get Directions!

Apart from visiting these places around Tower of London, there are many exciting things to do in London:

Activities and tourist attractions near tower of london
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London Food Tours
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The sights near the Tower of London provide a captivating blend of history, architecture, and modernity. 

Whether you’re interested in medieval tales, stunning vistas, or riverside serenity, this area promises an enriching experience for every traveler. 

So, grab your camera and embark on a journey of London that will stay etched in your memory forever!

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Featured Image: Hrp.org.uk