Estimated Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours (subject to the congestion at the Jewel House)
One of the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in London, the London Tower, stands majestically on the banks of the River Thames. It was originally built as a fortress around 1087 by King William the Conqueror, who had crossed the sea from the Normandy region of France. Since then, it has served various purposes, including as a palace, fortress, torture chamber, execution site, Royal Mint, zoo, armory, and treasury. Here, you can see the "Crown Jewels," which include the crown, orb, scepter, and ring used in the coronation of King Charles in 2023. The collection, owned by the British royal family, is comprised of over 23,000 precious and semi-precious stones, including the world's largest cut diamond, weighing 530.2 carats. Similar to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the Tower of London is overseen by the monarch. As a result, you can encounter Yeomen Warders (commonly known as Beefeaters) who have lived within the Tower of London for over 500 years and Royal Guards.
The true guardians of the Tower of London are the ravens, and there's a legend that says, "If the ravens leave the Tower, the Tower will crumble, and England with it." This tradition has been upheld since the 17th century and is mentioned in the novel "London Tower" by the Meiji-era Japanese literary giant, Natsume Soseki, who refers to the ravens.
Inside the oldest part of the Tower, the White Tower, you'll find an exhibition showcasing a suit of armor and helmet gifted by the 2nd Shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada, to King James I in 1613, sent by the English East India Company. There are also many attractions for children inside, making it a family-friendly destination.
Please note that there is a separate entrance fee for visiting the Tower of London.
