A Fun Day At The Exciting Tower Of London

Features, H&N London

Posted on February 28, 2023

If you're visiting London you need to add a fun day at the exciting Tower Of London onto your to do list, you won't be disappointed. You can while-away the hours within the backdrop of this historical palace.

Do you know that visitors can spend a whole day within the walls of the Tower of London? There is so much to do in the grounds each day from when the gates open until the gates close in the evening.

Our writer, Rachel McAlley visited the Tower of London with her family for a day of murder, torture, and history. Tam, one of the Yeoman Warders took Rachel and 50 other visitors around the grounds for a historic tour and gory stories. He told stories of who lived in the medieval palace in years gone by, and who currently lives there today. Similarly, he shared stories of tortures, prisoners, and what took place in the Bloody Tower. Furthermore, the tour took in the moat, and details of the Tower’s Mint. Plus Traitor’s Gate, and which exotic animals used to live in the palace grounds. It was an interesting way to find out more about the Tower of London.

One of the places visited with the Yeoman Warder was the Ravens, who are believed to be the guardians of the Tower. To this day there are still Ravens that watch over the Tower of London, and they have their own Raven Master who takes care of their every need.

Tower of London Ravens (Credit: Historic Royal Palaces)

There are plenty of attractions to see whilst in the grounds, the White Tower being one of them. The White Tower is home to the Royal Armouries, including the 350-year-old exhibition, Line of Kings. Moreover, arms and armours including those of Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II can all be found within this tower.

The basement of the White Tower is believed to be where Guy Fawkes was tortured and interrogated after his attempt at blowing up the Houses of Parliament.

The Crown Jewels

Within the walls of the Tower of London there is a village, with its very own village square, and Chapel of Royal St Peter ad Vincula. Equally, visitors can spend time looking around the chapel, to find out about who used to attend Sunday services in the past.

Firstly, one of the most exciting elements of being within the walls is that it’s where the Crown Jewels can be found. Secondly, the queue for this part of the visit is always busy, but well worth the wait. Thirdly, the jewels are extraordinarily beautiful, and they are constantly under armed guard. The Crown Jewels have been stored in the Jewel House since 1661, and are all used by the reigning monarch for important national ceremonies. In the light of the next royal ceremony, the Crown Jewels will be used for the Coronation of King Charles III.

The Bloody Tower

The Bloody Tower, also the prison within the Tower of London was used to house criminals of the highest order. These included the likes of Sir Walter Raleigh. Raleigh spent 13-years within the Bloody Tower, however due to his high status he was allowed into the courtyard. In addition, he cultivated a garden where he would grow exotic plants and create medicinal potions. Moreover, the garden today has been set out with plants that Raleigh would have grown during James I reign. Surprisingly, the plants include rosemary, bistort, and mint, which visitors can see, touch, and smell upon leaving the tower.

Sir Walter Raleigh's Room — The Bloody Tower (Credit: Historic Royal Palaces)

Sir Walter Raleigh Garden — The Courtyard, Sir Walter Raleigh’s Garden (Credit: Historic Royal Palaces)

The Bloody Tower also housed 12-year old Edward V and his younger brother Richard age 9 in 1483. Both boys were presumed murdered in the tower, as they disappeared. However, in 1674 a box was found under a staircase by workmen in the tower, it contained two small human skeletons. Interestingly it is thought that these remains were those of the young brothers. Still to this day the boys disappearance is a mystery as are the bones that were found under the staircase.

Aside from the history, the Yeomen Warders, and the palace buildings, there are cafes, shops, and activities to enjoy. The Tower of London is a great day out for the whole family and there is something for everyone.

Pricing and more

Visit Historical Royal Palaces for more information and to book tickets to the Tower of London.

Prices vary from free entry for members of Historic Royal Palaces, to £29.90 for an adult (£32.90 with donation). Children under 4 years old are free, and children 5-15 years old are £14.90 (£16.40 with donation). Equally there are Family Saver tickets depending on how many adults and how many children are visiting. See the website for full details.