Location: H.M. Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N
Tube Station: Tower Hill - Map of Tower of London
Category: Museums, Galleries Castles, Palaces
Phone: 0870/756-6060 recorded information and advance booking
Price: £15; joint tickets available with Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace
Hours: Mar.-Oct., Tues.-Sat. 9-6, Sun. and Mon. 10-6; Nov.-Feb., Tues.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. and Mon. 10-5. Tower closes 1 hr after last admission time and all internal bldgs. close 30 mins after last admission. Free Yeoman Warder guided tours leave daily from Middle Tower (subject to weather and availability) about every 30 mins until 3:30 Mar.-Oct., 2:30 Nov.-Feb.
Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk



When visiting London, no matter whether it be for a day or a couple of weeks, two iconic landmarks you cannot go without seeing is Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Both situated on or around the River Thames, they are rich in history of the capital city and have many tales to tell between them.

The Tower of London primary function was as a fortress, palace and prison. Not only that but it has been used as a place to execute and torture, a public records office and even a zoo. Right now it is particularly well known as being home to the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, and this has been the case since 1303. It was originally founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It was used as a menagerie and is now home to eight clipped Ravens, tended by a Raven master.

The Tower of London has been used as a prison for many a Royal, including Queen Elizabeth I, Walter Raleigh and even Guy Fawkes. The last prisoners to be held were in 1953 and they were the Kray twins.

To visit the Tower of London, you can either book online or book your ticket at the ticket office. A ticket will cost you 15GBP for an adult and 9.50 GBP for a child. Opening times vary dependant on the time of year but is generally 9am or 10am to 5pm with the last admission at 4pm.

Map and nearby restaurants, attractions and pubs:

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