Tower of London

What to expect

The Tower of London is a riverside fortress that William the Conqueror founded in late 1066, with the White Tower begun around 1078. Over the centuries it has been a royal palace, a prison, a royal menagerie that housed lions, and home to the Crown Jewels. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1988. Famous prisoners included Elizabeth I and Walter Raleigh, and the water entrance known as Traitors' Gate leads in from the Thames.

Inside the walls it is a large, mostly outdoor site, with towers, wall walks and exhibitions spread across the grounds. The Crown Jewels have their own building, the Waterloo Block. The Yeoman Warders, who guard the Tower, give free guided tours. It is large and busy, so allow plenty of time.

Don't miss

• The White Tower
• The Crown Jewels
• Traitors' Gate on the river side
• The Yeoman Warder tours
• Tower Green

Tips for your visit

• Go as early as you can and head to the Crown Jewels first, before the queues build.
• Join a Yeoman Warder tour for the history and the stories.
• Allow three hours or more; it is bigger than it looks from outside.
• Pair it with Tower Bridge, a few minutes away on foot.