LOCATION – TOWER OF LONDON, ENGLAND

INTRO

If I was pressed to make a decision about what my favorite city in the world is to travel to, I would have to pick London. Everything about the city is fantastic. The pubs, the beautiful architecture, the shopping, the ease of travel on the tube and the incredible history.

MAP

One of the most enjoyable tours and sightseeing activities I have done there was the Tower of London. The beefeaters who not only guard the grounds, but also live full time within the tower, are also your guide. And who better to show you around!

The Tower of London is a historic castle that was constructed in 1078 – so 1000 years old! And with that amount of history, especially in one of the most influential empires in all time, there are many stories to be told.

The Tower has served as an armory, a treasury, the home of the Royal Mint and as it continues to now, house the Crown Jewels of England. Despite it’s deservedly enduring reputation of torture and death – and there has been a LOT of killing and death in these stone walls – the many uses make the tower and the tour of the grounds fascinating.

There was a lot of beheading and head spiking and drowning and dismembered burials going on here! The Beefeater guide we had was hilarious and extremely insightful in the stories of the tower’s history.

The housing of the Crown Jewels dates back to the reign of King Henry III from 1216-1272 and is very much the highlight of the visit. Sadly, photography is not allowed in the building… so you will just have to take a visit for yourself!

The views of London Bridge are also fantastic from here – many small windows and landings look out over the River Thames and give you a wonderful vantage point.

Tickets for the Tour are included in the admission of the tower grounds and includes the Crown Jewels as well. We spent a good 4-5 hours here – so give yourself at least half a day and purchase tickets online beforehand – the lines can get very long.