Tower of London
Castle · Tower Hill
London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Highlights
Home to the Crown Jewels, medieval castle, executions
Home to the Crown Jewels, medieval castle, executions
"The Tower of London complex became the final resting place for many people of historical significance. The site of imprisonment and executions more than 900 years, it's known especially for its ghostly sightings of English royalty. Anne Bolelyn, the second wife of Henry VII, was beheaded in 1536 on the Tower Green. Her ghost is said to haunt the space today. Lady Arbella Stuart, imprisoned for following her heart rather than the rules, starved herself to death in 1615 inside the Queen's House. Several visitors have reported seeing her apparition there." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"First built in the 11th century to defend royal power, the Tower of London has been used as a prison and execution site. Henry VI was allegedly killed at the tower during the Wars of the Roses, as were three queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Jane Grey. Today, Anne Boleyn's ghost is said to walk Tower Green, the site of her execution, and Arbella Stuart — Queen Elizabeth I’s cousin who was arrested for marrying without royal permission — is rumored to haunt the Queen’s House." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike." - Ramsay Short, Sonya Barber
"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has had many functions including Royal mint, residence, and zoo, but it’s best known for its bloody history as a prison and execution site—Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, here. What will we find here? The Tower is now most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. There’ll likely be a line, but you can’t come and not gawp at the sparkly crowns and the biggest bit of bling you’ll ever set eyes on: Cullinan I. It's the world’s largest cut diamond and sits at the top of the Sovereign’s Sceptre. You can do a high/low tour by also checking out the prisoner’s graffiti in the towers. Any guided tours worth trying? The free tours by the Beefeaters (the red-coated yeoman warders) take place every 30 minutes and are fun to catch for the gossipy tales of what once went on within the walls. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere? There’s a beamed, sit-down restaurant inside, but you’ll get a cheaper, better lunch at one of the many cafés just a few minutes walk along the river. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Unless you’re just here for the jewels, you really need two hours to get around the place." - Laura Goulden
"If your dark side craves to walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, head to the Tower of London. Steeped in over 1,000 years of history, this fortified castle is a great place for those hoping to learn more about the city’s royal history. Located along the River Thames, connected via Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with interesting tales. To hear all about the tower’s gruesome past, be sure to join a free guided tour with the knowledgeable Yeoman Wardens. Tours run every 30 minutes from the main entrance and are available to all ticket holders. While the castle offers many things to see and do, the star attraction has to be the Crown Jewels. Protected by the Queen’s guard, this world-renowned collection includes royal diamonds, gemstones, precious jewelry, and significant religious artifacts that have been part of the British Monarchy for centuries. You may even recognize some of the items as they are still worn by the Royal family during special occasions and national ceremonies." - MATADOR_NETWORK
