The Tower of London: London’s Fortress of Royalty and Rebellion

Ask anyone in London about the Tower of London, and you'll get stories of grim dungeons, glimmering crowns, and even ravens with their own bodyguards. But the Tower isn’t just some old stone building; it’s right at the heart of London’s story and a regular haunt for locals and school kids on history trips.

If you’re planning to visit, skip peak times like Saturday afternoons. Weekday mornings, especially in term time, keep the crowds thin. Grab your Oyster card: Tower Hill station drops you practically at the gates. Londoners know to book tickets online through the official Historic Royal Palaces site—it’s cheaper and means less time queuing alongside tourists snapping Big Ben mugs from the gift shop.

The Tower doesn’t mess around with accessibility, either. While some stairways are tight (it is a Norman castle, after all), there are modern lifts in sections like the Jewel House. Parents: prams can go to the cafe, but you’ll want to use baby carriers for the towers. And here’s a local tip: look out for the Yeoman Warders doing talks—sometimes they dish out stories you won’t find in any history book.

• Standing Strong: The Tower and London’s History
• From Royals to Rebels: Crowd-Pulling Stories
• The Ravens, the Crown Jewels, and Unexpected Tokens
• Getting Around: Tickets, Tours, and the Best Times to Visit
• The Tower Neighbourhood: Pubs, Parks, and River Walks
• Tips for Locals: Beyond the Tourist Track

Standing Strong: The Tower and London’s History

So here’s the real deal: the Tower of London has been a serious part of London’s skyline since 1078 when William the Conqueror felt nervous about holding onto his new city. He picked this spot on the north bank of the Thames, built a chunky stone keep (the White Tower), and set the tone for nearly a thousand years of drama and power grabs.

It’s crazy to think, but every big moment in the city’s history seems to have passed through these gates. Not just as a fortress, either. The Tower has been used as a royal palace, prison, armoury, treasury, and zoo. Over 140 famous prisoners did time here, including two English queens—Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard—who didn’t make it out. It also held the likes of Guy Fawkes (no, he didn’t wear the mask), and even the notorious Kray twins for a short spell during their army days.

If you’re just looking at the big stone walls, you might miss how the Tower was once the centre of royal power. Kings holed up here during wars and coronations. The Tower stored royal cash and jewels, and for ages, it had London’s only mint—where coins used by everyone from East End traders to West End bigshots were made.

Londoners are right to be pretty proud of this place. Even the Blitz during WWII couldn’t flatten it, though the Tower took a couple of hits. Here’s a quick look at some numbers and events that put things in perspective:

This spot is still a big part of London’s identity. It’s on the school syllabus, it’s where Londoners might wander during a Sunday on the river, and the Tower even pops up in EastEnders now and then. The history isn’t just about old kings or grim tales—it's still shaping how Londoners see their own city today.

From Royals to Rebels: Crowd-Pulling Stories

The Tower of London doesn’t just chill out by the river looking pretty. This place has seen its fair share of drama, from King Henry VIII lopping off wives’ heads to Guy Fawkes plotting, and failing, to blow up Parliament. If you’re the sort who loves gossip with deep roots, this fortress is London’s original rumour mill.

One of the most well-known stories that even locals retell on nights out is about Anne Boleyn. Henry VIII's second wife got beheaded here in 1536. The wooden block she laid her neck on? Still on display—proof that history isn't always tucked away behind glass. Locals even claim to spot Anne’s ghost, complete with her head under her arm, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re walking the grounds late.

Ever heard of the Princes in the Tower? Two young royals—Edward V and his brother—vanished here in 1483. No one has ever solved the mystery, though in the streets around the Tower, you’ll hear wild theories from black cab drivers and pub regulars alike. It’s those kinds of unsolved stories that pull in true crime fans and families looking for more than just ancient stones.

The Tower was also home turf for rebels. Guy Fawkes ended up here after the Gunpowder Plot: tortured, questioned, and eventually executed. Want more? Elizabeth I herself spent time behind these walls before she became queen—proof that even royalty wasn’t safe when power shifted hands in old-school London.

If you visit, check the Historic Royal Palaces’ events calendar. They sometimes run reenactments and pop-up history sessions. These are perfect for getting the juicy details straight from actors who really know their stuff. And for a laugh, catch the warders roasting each other outside Traitors’ Gate—solid London banter that keeps history feeling alive.

The Ravens, the Crown Jewels, and Unexpected Tokens

If you’ve ever wandered round the Tower, you’ll spot the famous black ravens strutting about like they own the place. And they sort of do. Legend has it, if the ravens ever leave, both the Tower and the whole of London could fall. To keep that from happening, there are always at least six ravens on site, usually more. They even have a dedicated Ravenmaster to feed them dinner from their special diets, which sometimes includes biscuits soaked in blood—dead serious. And yes, each raven has a name and gets their own medical check-ups from a local vet.

Now to the sparkle everyone talks about: the Crown Jewels. Tucked safely in the Jewel House, the collection is only a short walk from Traitor’s Gate, and it’s guarded non-stop by military staff. These jewels aren’t there just for show. For example, the Imperial State Crown has nearly 3,000 precious stones and gets plonked on the monarch’s head for the State Opening of Parliament each year. You’ll spot some stones bigger than a walnut—like the famous Cullinan I diamond, cut from the largest gem-quality diamond ever found.

Don’t skip the offbeat side of the Tower, either. Right by the White Tower, you’ll find quirky graffiti carved by prisoners, some over 500 years old. And if you’re collecting memories, keep an eye out in the gift shop. Only at the Tower can you get a raven cuddly toy wearing a Beefeater outfit or real mint coins stamped with Tower-exclusive designs from The Royal Mint Experience stand, a hit with school kids and coin fans alike.

If you’re big into London trivia, ask a Yeoman Warder about the Tower’s menagerie days. Once upon a time, this fortress was home to lions, monkeys, and even a polar bear who fished for his supper in the Thames. Who needs Netflix after hearing that?

Getting Around: Tickets, Tours, and the Best Times to Visit

If you want to avoid the tourist crush at one of the top London attractions, planning is key. The Tower of London opens daily at 9:00am (10:00am on Sundays and Mondays). Weekday mornings—especially out of school holidays—are the quietest. Last admission is usually around 4:30pm, but shutting time creeps earlier in winter, so always check the Historic Royal Palaces website for the latest hours.

Tickets aren’t cheap, but there’s value in booking ahead. Online tickets cost about £33.60 for adults, which is a couple quid less than paying at the gate. Kids between 5–15 years old get in for about £16.80, and under 5s are free. UK residents who visit a lot might want to look at the annual membership—get unlimited access and skip the main ticket queues.

If you're a local, check if your library or workplace offers corporate discounts. Some London councils hand out 2-for-1 deals or kids-go-free vouchers over half-term.

The Yeoman Warder tours, known by most as the Beefeater tours, are included in your ticket—no need to pay extra. These often run every 30 minutes from inside the main gate. For families, check out the family trails handed out at the entrance; they turn a wander into a bit of a treasure hunt. If you prefer to go solo, grab the digital app for a guided audio tour—it's got extra details and can work offline, avoiding roaming charges for international visitors.

• Time your visit for opening or after 2pm to dodge school groups and slow-moving tour crowds.
• Weekdays in November or January see the lowest visitor numbers, great for snapping photos without photobombers.
• Tower Hill tube is the closest station (about 3 minutes’ walk). London Bridge and Fenchurch Street are both good backup options if there are closures.
• No parking on-site, but there's secure bike parking if you commute on two wheels.

If you’re really after the crown jewels, make a beeline for the Jewel House first. Crowds at the display are tiny in the first hour, but by 11:00am, queues can double around bank holidays and summer weekends.

The Tower Neighbourhood: Pubs, Parks, and River Walks

Step outside the main gates and London’s energy hits differently. The area around the Tower of London isn’t just for tourists; loads of locals come here for a quick pint, a riverside wander, or just to watch boats drift past. There’s proper history in every pub wall, plus unbeatable views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the City.

If you fancy a pub, skip the chain options and head straight for The Hung, Drawn & Quartered. No name sums up Tower vibes better—and yes, it’s right by the entrance on Great Tower Street. Expect Fuller’s ales and the kind of pies that stick to your ribs. There's also the Liberty Bounds with its huge windows giving you a seat to people-watch or spy on the Tower’s north wall.

Craving green space? Trinity Square Gardens sits across the road and is much quieter than it looks from outside. On sunny days, you’ll catch city workers having lunch here, tucked between war memorials and neat paths. If you’re up for a bit more, stroll down to St. Katharine Docks. Most locals know it for the little marina, a hidden spot for coffee or fresh pastries at White Mulberries.

Tower of London regulars love a river walk, and it’s easy to see why. Head west on the Queen’s Walk and you’ll hit the Southbank in half an hour, passing the HMS Belfast, street food stalls, and open-air Shakespeare at The Globe. You’ll notice that the Thames Path is always buzzing during charity runs, weekend strolls, and even the odd marathon. If you’re aiming for peace, early mornings are gold—just runners, cyclists, and the odd seagull for company.

For time-saving, here’s a quick table so you can match your mood to a nearby spot:

One more tip—avoid Tower Bridge at five if you’re in a rush. Lifts for river traffic can slow things down, especially when a tall-mast ship swings by. Locals usually check the bridge lift times posted online if they need to cross in a hurry.

Tips for Locals: Beyond the Tourist Track

The Tower of London is more than a selfie backdrop or a stop on the classic school trip cycle. Locals know there’s a lot to take in if you go off-script a little. If you already live in the city, check out these inside moves and lesser-known experiences.

• Check the evening ceremonies: The Ceremony of the Keys happens every night at exactly 9:53 pm. It’s been going for more than 700 years, which even in London is rare. You have to book tickets, but they’re free—just nab one a couple months in advance as they go fast.
• Join local events: The Tower sometimes hosts after-hours events, silent discos, and even pop-up talks with curators. Get on the Historic Royal Palaces event mailing list to catch these. Last winter’s ‘Frost Fair’ brought local food and music right to the moat.
• Lunch with a view: Instead of fighting for a soggy sandwich in the crowded cafe, grab something from Café Rouge or one of the riverside food stalls at St. Katharine Docks, then picnic on one of the benches with a killer view of Tower Bridge.
• Annual membership perks: For £64 (as of 2025), you can get unlimited entry to six royal sites, including Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. This pays off in three visits, and lets you drop in for short bursts rather than one endless day of queuing.
• The hidden graffiti: Look for 16th and 17th-century prisoners’ carvings in Beauchamp Tower—some etched their names, crests, or prayers into the walls. Most tourists walk past these, but they're a proper window into real life from hundreds of years ago.

"The stories you hear from the Yeoman Warders after the gates close are worlds apart from the daytime tours. They keep the dark humour alive—it’s what Londoners love," said Hannah Williams, Tower guide for 10 years.

Local Londoners often have a favourite spot just outside the walls too. For a pint with zero tourist clichés, The Hung, Drawn & Quartered pub down by Great Tower Street is a regular after-work haunt. Or take an evening stroll along the Thames Path towards Wapping: the city skyline, river lights, and the Tower, all in one go.

If you’re aiming to feel the Tower's London pulse, don’t just follow the lines—make it your own backyard.