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Despite its grim reputation as a place of torture and death, there are many other stories to be told about the Tower of London, for instance, discover this powerful and enduring symbol of the Norman Conquest, which has been enjoyed as a royal palace, served as an armoury and even housed a zoo. Familiarise yourself with the palace’s intriguing cast of characters who have all left their mark on its history, including the jewel thief Colonel Blood, tortured gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes and three queens of England behead on Tower Green.

Crown Jewels - be dazzled by the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, including the glistening Imperial State Crown, which alone has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 5 rubies.

This astonishing collection of priceless Coronation Regalia has been an unmissable highlight of any visit since the 17th century, with only one attempt to steal them.

The ravens - legend has it that Charles II believed that if the ravens were ever to leave the Tower, the fortress and the kingdom would fall. So, for many years the ravens have become one of the Tower’s most famous sights and just in case, their Ravenmaster keeps a close eye on our collection!

The White Tower - inside its menacing walls you can enjoy the surprising serenity of the Chapel Royal of St John the Evangelist, a unique survival of an 11th-century fortress chapel, or measure yourself up against the original armours worn by Henry VIII. Today, the White Tower also houses the Royal Armouries impressive collection of weaponry.

Yeoman Warder tours - join a Yeoman Warder tour (popularity known as ‘Beefeaters’) and you will be entertained by captivating tales from the Tower; pain and passion, treachery and torture, all delivered with a swagger and a smile!

Prisoners at the Tower - The Tower has held many famous prisoners, from the highest levels of society; some in astonishing comfort and others less so.

During your visit don’t miss the Prisoners Exhibition in the Beauchamp Tower and inspect the graffiti left by prisoners five hundred years ago. In the infamous Bloody Tower you can solve the mystery of who murdered the Little Princes, and see gruesome instruments of torture in the Lower Wakefield Tower.

The Medieval Palace - discover what life was like in the surprisingly luxurious Medieval Palace and explore the stories of Henry II, Edward I and their courts at work and at play in the very rooms that they used. Don’t miss the impressive replica of Edward I’s bed spangled with gold stars, and experience the sounds and aromas of life in a royal medieval household.

Bringing history to life - costumed guides bring stories of the Tower and its famous prisoners of life on the South Lawn.

Audio guides are available in a range of languages with first-hand historical accounts and stories of the ‘Prisoners of the Tower’. Learn more about their famous ‘guests’ as you are guided through the fortress.

Visit their Website for forthcoming daily and special events.

Hospitality:

The Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror in 1006-7, is one of the world’s most famous fortresses. The infamous White Tower, symbol of the Norman Conquest, makes an impressive location for entertaining and the many stories to be told about the Tower will amaze and intrigue your guests. The Martin Tower, which was home to the Crown Jewels for nearly 200 years, is also available for more intimate dinners. If you’re looking for air-conditioned, fully equipped conference space, the New Armouries, built in 1663, has all the facilities you need in an unforgettable setting. More information is available on their Website.

Refreshments:

The New Armouries Restaurant and Tower Café provide a wide range of refreshments from morning coffee, salads, sandwiches and hot meals.

Opening Times 2010:

Open daily except 24th - 26th December & 1st January

1st March - 31st October:
Tuesday - Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm (Last admission: 5 pm)
Sunday - Monday, 10 am - 6 pm (Last admission: 4 pm)

1st November - 28th February:
Tuesday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday - Monday, 10 am - 5 pm
Last admission: 4 pm

Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.

Admission Prices 2010:

Adult - £17
Concessions - £14.50
Child - £9.50
Family - £47

How to get there:

Underground:
Tower Hill station: Circle and District Lines
Bank/Monument station: Northern, Central and Waterloo & City Lines
London Bridge: Northern and Jubilee Lines

Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Tower Gateway and Bank
Train: Fenchurch Street and London Bridge
Bus: 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1
Riverboat: From Charing Cross, Westminster or Greenwich to Tower Pier

Please Note: Great British Heritage Pass Holders will be charged half the adult price

Images © Historic Royal Palaces