The Tower of London

Is it any wonder that the Tower Of London is the nation's leading historic visitor attraction? This ancient fortress was founded by William the Conqueror and almost 1,000 years of British history have been played out within its walls. It was here that Anne Boleyn was excecuted. Guy Fawkes interrogated. Richard II and Elizabeth I incarcerated and the 'Princes in the Tower' disappeared without trace.Standing guard by the River Thames, The Tower is an impressive London landmark. Discover the secrets that lie within its walls, marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the site where three English queens were beheaded and explore the myths and legends that make a visit to The Tower a fantastic day out.

The Crown Jewels

Gain a fascinating insight into the role of the Crown Jewels in royal pageantry with our introductory films which include rare colour footage of HM Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. Once inside the Treasury, marvel at the Imperial State Crown worn at the State Opening of Parliament and be dazzled by the world's largest, top-quality cut diamond, Cullinan I, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre. The Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to answer any questions about this priceless collection. Learn more about the history of the Crown Jewels in the Crown and Diamonds exhibition in the Martin Tower.

Yeoman Warder 'Beefeater' Tours

Nobody knows more about the history of The Tower than the Yeoman Warders and no visit is complete without joining one of their tours. Having guarded this royal palace and fortress for centuries they will captivate you with amazing stories, passed on from generation to generation, and guide you to the infamous Traitors' Gate and the execution site. They'll also give you the unique opportunity to visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, final resting place of those executed inside The Tower. Tours are held throughout the day.

The White Tower

The first stones of this imposing structure were laid around 1078 by order of William the Conqueror. Its mighty walls are now home to displays from the Royal armouries including original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I plus a reconstructed display of the massive collection of weapons once housed in the Grand Storehouse. Visit the 'Spanish Armoury' which contains The Tower's historic instruments of torture, including the infamous block and axe, and then pause for a more peaceful moment in the beautifully preserved 11th century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.

Torture At The Tower

Visit the new exhibition in the Lower Wakefield Tower. See a range of replica torture instruments used in past centuries on unfortunate prisoners and learn more about the victims and torturers with interactive touch screens.

Ravens

The Ravens are one of The Tower's most famous sights. These magnificent birds have lived within its walls for hundreds of years and legend has it that, if they leave, the kingdom will fall. Look out for these unique guardians around The Tower and make sure you visit their lodgings.

Special Events

A spectacular programme of special events runs throughout the year. Costumed guides bring the intrigue, tales and daring exploits associated with The Tower to life. NB All pictures on this page are (c) Crown Copyright Historic Royal Palaces.

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Nearby Attractions

• HMS Belfast (<1 Mile)*
  Jump aboard HMS Belfast to discover a real-life warship with an amazing history. Hear battle stories from the Second World War and beyond
  
• Tower Bridge Exhibition (<1 Mile)*
  Discover the inner secrets of the World's most famous Bridge. No tour of London is complete without a trip to the world's most famous attraction - it's a must for every visitor's photo album.
  
• London Dungeon (<1 Mile)*
  The London Dungeon invites you to delve into the capital's most blood-curdling history. Live actors, two hair-raising rides, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times - are you brave enough?
  

Red Lion Square (2 Miles)* Our property in Red Lion Square is a beautiful, traditional, London red brick apartment building on this famous Bloomsbury Garden Square, complete with plane trees and open-air cafe.

Cavendish Apartments (3 Miles)* Cavendish Apartments specialise in providing short and long-term serviced apartments in prime central London locations. We are one of the most established serviced apartment companies in London. We have two properties located at 62 and 65 H

Sloane Club Suites (4 Miles)* The Club Suites are part of Londons prestigious private members club, The Sloane Club, which provides a safe, quiet and comfortable place to stay in central and fashionable Chelsea.

more self catering near The Tower of London ...

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Nearby Attractions

• HMS Belfast (<1 Mile)* Jump aboard HMS Belfast to discover a real-life warship with an amazing history. Hear battle stories from the Second World War and beyond
  
• Tower Bridge Exhibition (<1 Mile)* Discover the inner secrets of the World's most famous Bridge. No tour of London is complete without a trip to the world's most famous attraction - it's a must for every visitor's photo album.
  
• London Dungeon (<1 Mile)* The London Dungeon invites you to delve into the capital's most blood-curdling history. Live actors, two hair-raising rides, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times - are you brave enough?
  
• Winston Churchill's Britain At War Experience (<1 Mile)* Britain is at war.. and YOU can be in the midst of it. Come with us on an unforgettable journey back in time to wartime London and the blitz.. it's the experience of a lifetime!
  
• Design Museum (<1 Mile)* The Design Museum is one of the world's leading museums devoted to contemporary design in every form from furniture to graphics, and architecture to industrial design.
  
• Tate Modern (1 Mile)* The Tate collection of modern and contemporary art represents all the major movements from Fauvism on. It includes important masterpieces by both Picasso and Matisse and one of the world's finest museum collections of Surrealism.
  
• Bank of England Museum (1 Mile)* Housed within one of the most iconic buildings in the City of London, the Bank of England Museum offers a unique experience which brings to life the 315-year history of the Bank of England
  
• Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (1 Mile)* Shakespeare's Globe Theatre has been recreated on the south bank of the River Thames in London. The theatre is only a short distance from the site of the original Globe Theatre built in 1599 here many of Shakespeare's plays were first produced.
  
• Museum of London (1 Mile)* Step inside Museum of London for an unforgettable journey through the capital's turbulent past.
  
• Spitalfields City Farm (1 Mile)* Spitalfields City Farm began in 1978 as an allotment scheme on derelict land. It has since developed into an urban farm which aims to bring the countryside and rural activities to the East End.
  

Nearby Towns

• City of London (1 Mile)* The square mile which is known as "The City" in London is situated on the north bank of the River Thames.
  
• London (2 Miles)* With hundreds of years of history, yet a vibrant modern feel - there's nowhere in the world like London. No wonder it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
  
• London Borough of Southwark (2 Miles)* The London Borough of Southwark is situated directly opposite the City of London on the south bank of the River Thames. It is one of the boroughs which form Inner London.
  
• London Borough of Greenwich (4 Miles)* The London Borough of Greenwich is situated on the south bank of the River Thames, on the east side of London.
  
• London Borough of Haringey (6 Miles)* The London Borough of Haringey is in North London, beyond the central boroughs of The London Borough of Islington and The London Borough of Hackney
  
• London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (6 Miles)* The Royal London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an exclusive central borough on the west side of London. It is situated on the banks of the River Thames
  
• Croydon (9 Miles)* Croydon at first glace may appear as a soulless concrete jungle, But under this visage is a hidden gem in south London. Visitors will find Croydon a great place to visit day or night.
  
• Edgware (10 Miles)* Known to most Londoners simply as the name of a road and one of three final destinations for north-bound Northern Line trains, Edgware marks the northern edge of the suburban sprawl of Greater London.
  
• London Borough of Ealing (10 Miles)* The London Borough of Ealing is situated to the west of London, adjoining the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham to the east.
  
• Richmond-upon-Thames (11 Miles)* Richmond is a handsome town on the river Thames and is a most attractive place either to live in or to visit.