The Tower of London: A Journey Through History
Explore the Tower of London: A historic castle, royal palace, and home to the Crown Jewels, revealing centuries of British history.
The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and royal intrigue. Explore this iconic castle that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, and marvel at the Crown Jewels housed within its walls. Whether you're a history buff or a casual traveler, the Tower offers a captivating glimpse into London's storied past.
A brief summary to Tower of London
- London, EC3N 4AB, GB
- +443333206000
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds and fully enjoy the exhibits.
- Consider joining a guided tour for in-depth insights and stories about the Tower’s history.
- Don't miss the Ceremony of the Keys, a traditional locking up ceremony held each evening.
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit to fully explore the different areas and exhibitions.
- Check the official website for any special events or temporary exhibitions during your visit.
Getting There
-
Car
Start your journey from Down by heading south on the A5 towards London. Merge onto the M25 motorway and follow signs for Central London. Once you reach the A3, follow the signs towards the City of London. Take the exit for the A1211 (Tower Hill). The Tower of London is located at Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB. There is limited parking available nearby, so be sure to check the parking options in advance.
-
Train
From Down, take a local train to London. You can catch a train from Down railway station to London Bridge station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Once at London Bridge, transfer to the Underground and take the Northern Line towards Bank. At Bank, switch to the Central Line towards Liverpool Street. Get off at Tower Hill station. The Tower of London is a short walk from the station, just follow the signs.
-
Bus
You can take a bus from Down to London. First, catch a bus heading to a major train station that connects to London. Once in London, use the London bus network to reach Tower Hill. Bus routes 15 or 42 will take you close to the Tower of London. Be sure to check the Transport for London (TfL) website for the latest bus schedules and routes.
-
Combination of Train and Underground
From Down, take a train to London Victoria station. The journey will take about 1 hour. Once at Victoria, transfer to the Underground and take the District Line towards Upminster. Change at Tower Hill station. The Tower of London is just a short walk from the station. Ensure you have an Oyster card or a contactless payment card to pay for your journey on the Underground.
Discover more about Tower of London
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.0 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
0.1 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.2 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
London Wall
0.2 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.2 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Custom House
0.5 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Lloyd's of London
0.7 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.7 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.8 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.8 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
London Bridge
0.8 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
The Shard
0.8 km
Experience London’s tallest landmark with breathtaking 360-degree views, luxury dining, and iconic cityscapes from The Shard’s sky-high observation decks.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.8 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.9 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.9 km
Discover London's haunting past at The London Bridge Experience, where history and thrills meet in an unforgettable adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Crown Jewels
0.1 km
Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.1 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
Lanthorn Tower
0.1 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.1 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
Tower Hill
0.2 km
Historic Tower Hill offers a captivating blend of medieval heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant riverside charm in the heart of London.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.2 km
A captivating bronze sundial near Tower Hill station, telling London’s 2,000-year history through intricate carvings and offering stunning views of the Tower of London.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.2 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.2 km
Historic Tower Hill in London, where ancient walls meet iconic landmarks and vibrant riverside life unfolds.
Trinity Square Gardens
0.2 km
A quiet City garden on the site of Tower Hill’s scaffold, home to the Tower Hill Memorial and framed by historic architecture and views of the Tower of London.
Trinity Square
0.3 km
A dignified London square where imperial architecture, ancient walls, and solemn memorials meet beside the Tower of London.
Trinity House
0.3 km
Discover the rich maritime heritage at Trinity House, London's historic center for navigation and seamanship, featuring stunning architecture and captivating exhibits.
All Hallows by the Tower
0.3 km
Discover London's oldest church, a historic gem beside the Tower, where Roman, Saxon, and medieval layers tell tales of resilience and heritage.
Tower Bridge
0.3 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
St Katharine Docks Marina
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.4 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Essential places to dine
La Dame de Pic London
0.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Restaurant Story
0.6 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.1 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Madison
1.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Nomadic community
1.7 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
1.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.9 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Clove Club
2.1 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.1 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
St. John
2.2 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.2 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
1 Poultry
1.2 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.2 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Spitalfields Market
1.3 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
1.4 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
1.4 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.5 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.7 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bootlegger
0.7 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.7 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.8 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.1 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
1.1 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Old School Yard
1.2 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Aviary
1.7 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.7 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
1.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
1.0 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
1.9 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Ministry of Sound
2.0 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
XOYO LONDON
2.0 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
2.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.3 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
2.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Club 701
2.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
2.9 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
3.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
