5 Reasons To Visit The Tower Of London

The Tower of London has seen a lot over its one thousand year history. A Queen lost her head on its grounds, princes have been imprisoned in the infamous white tower and exotic animals have roamed its grounds. The fortress is also home to the priceless Crown Jewels. Positioned on the north bank of the River Thames, it’s one of London’s most majestic buildings and has fascinated me since my first visit as a child.

There’s no doubt the castle has huge appeal for children. This half-term there are special events and tours to discover more about the tales hidden within its walls. Here’s five reasons to visit the Tower of London this half term.

Tower of London

Marvellous Menagerie

Did you know the Tower of London was once home to more than 60 species of animals? From lions and tigers to a polar bear who would fish in the Thames, the royals kept such ‘pets’ as a symbol of power and amusement. The Royal Menagerie was founded in 1200 by King John and closed in 1832 when the animals were moved to their new home in Regents Park (now London Zoo).

Tower of London, Royal beasts, menagerie

Take the children on a journey this half term with activities exploring the royal beasts that once roamed the grounds. Follow a trail and draw the animals you spot around the Tower. There’s even the opportunity to listen to ‘Animal Tales’ from the Menagerie and bring the animals back to life at its drop-in puppet making station.

Crown Jewels

Behind the Tower’s heavily defended walls you can marvel at the world-famous collection of 23,578 gems. Still used in royal ceremonies today, the Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy. Inside the mighty White Tower, you’ll also discover displays of arms and armour, which were made and secured there for hundreds of years.

The Crown Jewels, The Tower of London
Credit: Royal Collection Trust (c) 2017, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A Royal Palace

The Tower of London was home to Royals for hundreds of years. Today you can visit the Medieval Palace and see recreations of interiors used by medieval kings.

How about seeing history brought to life? The daily immersive performance, Conquest, does just that. Choose which side to join in the Norman Conquest. Follow the Tower’s costumed performers through the battles, treachery, rebellion and the founding of the Tower of London.

An Infamous Prison

The Tower of London was used as a prison from 1100 up until 1952. The Kray twins were the last prisoners to be held there – for failing to turn up for national service. Explore the spaces where famous prisoners were kept and discover the graffiti they left behind 500 years ago.

The White Tower, Tower of London

To immerse yourself further into the experience, download the free ‘Time Explorers’ app before your visit and go on a digital mission at the Tower. You’ll be able to join the Prisoner’s Perilous Plot and help Arbella Stuart to free her husband, William, from his prison in the Tower. Try to help him escape – without getting caught yourself!

Yeoman Warder guided tours

The ‘Beefeaters’, as the Yeoman Warders are nicknamed, are one of the most striking symbols of London and the Tower. It’s thought their nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat beef from the king’s table.

Beefeaters (or Yeoman Wardens) from the Tower of London

A Yeoman Warder tour is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Tower. Join the tour and be entertained with tales of intrigue, imprisonment and much more.

The Tower of London is understandably one of London’s most popular attractions. It is a fascinating place to visit and I can’t wait to take my daughter to discover more about the castle and its chequered history.

Getting There
The nearest tube is Tower Hill

Tickets
Book tickets online to get the best price. Daily family activities are included in a family Tower ticket.

Have you been to the Tower of London before? What would you most like to see there?

*Written in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces
**Pictures courtesy of HRP and Pixabay

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5 Reasons to visit the Tower of London with kids

Wander Mum


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

48 Comments
  1. A truly historic place to visit. Arriving by boat and imagining you are royalty is great. Traitors Gate is a good start to some odiferous the torrid tales too! Are you watching Gunpowder on BBC? Not for the squeamish! Wilbur. #citytripping

  2. These definitely are 5 great reasons. I love the Tower of London — I take guests of all ages there. If you’re interested in those 2 princes imprisoned at the Tower, I recommend Josephine Tey’s Daughter of Time, a mystery novel about Richard III and his nephews — those boys. It’s a great read and one kids will enjoy too, either reading it themselves or having it read to them.
    Jen from Jenography.net recently posted…The Linney: The best self-catering cottage in South Devon?My Profile

  3. When my daughter did well in her SATS a few years ago I took her to London as a treat and did everything she wanted to do – The Tower was top of her list and we both loved it! I could not believe the stories of the animals but actually all the history was fascinating. Definitely a tourist attraction worth visiting in my opinion. #citytripping
    Alex – My LIfe Long Holiday recently posted…The 10 Best Secret Spots In Rome – Sshh!My Profile

  4. I wouldn’t mind visiting the Tower of London again because it’s so fascinating. I went there back in 2004 and I remembered going for the Yeoman Warder tour and saw the Crown Jewels. London is so full of history, that’s why I LOVE it! 🙂 #Citytripping

    1. So glad you enjoyed your visit. The menagerie is fascinating – although I’m not sure the animals were kept particularly well. They were there more as a symbol of power and wealth for the Royals.

  5. I absolutely love The Tower! We go every single time we visit London, and each time we discover something new and interesting! We even practiced archery in the moat one summer. I never heard that about how the “beefeaters” got their nickname, how cool! We’ll be visiting again this coming Christmas season, and we’ve secured tickets to the skating rink, so of course we’ll be visiting the Tower first! #citytripping
    Hilary recently posted…Halloween Fun in the City of AngelsMy Profile

  6. We LOVED the Tower when we visited this summer. The Beefeater tour is one of my husband’s favorite things ever… he kind of wants to be one of them, lol. #citytripping

  7. Nice to see you covered one of my favorite cities in the world. Supposed to be going to Japan with a stopover in London (We are taking the long way there). Thanks for the information. I will try and visit when I go.

  8. I love the way you have written this.. 😀 I’m going to plan my trip to UK and I will definitely add to visit the tower on london in my bucket list. 🙂

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