Is There A Best Day to Visit the Tower of London?
The Tower of London has stood as a symbol of history, power, and mystery for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff, an eager London tourist, or a travel enthusiast, the Tower of London offers an unforgettable glimpse into the past. But with its popularity comes the challenge of crowded halls and long queues. Timing your visit can make all the difference in your experience. This guide will help you determine the best day to visit the Tower of London for your exploration of this iconic landmark.
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Why Visiting the Tower of London Is a Must
The Tower of London is more than just an ancient fortress; it’s a living museum with tales of intrigue, royalty, and drama. Founded in 1066, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a royal palace, prison, zoo, and even an armory. Its rich tapestry of history makes it a must-visit for anyone eager to walk through the annals of time. Visitors can explore the Crown Jewels, meet the iconic Beefeaters, and even see the infamous ravens that legend says protect the kingdom.
But when is the best day to visit to truly appreciate its splendor without the hassle of massive crowds? Let’s find out.
Monday: A Tranquil Start to the Week
Experience the Tower Without Weekend Crowds
Mondays at the Tower of London are surprisingly serene. With the weekend rush over, Mondays provide a perfect opportunity for a more relaxed visit. Fewer tourists mean shorter lines and more space to wander without feeling rushed. You can read the detailed exhibits, explore the White Tower, and marvel at the Crown Jewels without constant jostling.
Capture Perfect Photos
Another benefit of visiting on a Monday is the chance to snap photos without too many people in the background. The less-crowded environment allows for stunning shots of the Tower’s architecture and the River Thames. Enjoy the luxury of spending extra time setting up your perfect shot without waiting for crowds to clear.
Educate Yourself Deeply
With fewer visitors, the guides and Yeoman Warders often have more time to engage in-depth with curious minds. They can share additional anecdotes and lesser-known stories about the Tower’s history, enriching your visit.
Wednesday: Witness the Ceremony of the Keys
A Unique Evening Experience
One of the Tower of London’s best-kept secrets is the Ceremony of the Keys, a 700-year-old tradition. Held every night, this ceremony involves the official locking up of the Tower by the Yeoman Warders. Visiting on a Wednesday allows you to experience this historic event midweek when it’s typically less crowded than on weekends.
An Intimate Historical Moment
The Ceremony of the Keys is an exclusive experience with limited tickets available. Attending on a Wednesday increases your chances of securing a spot. The ceremony is performed with precision and reverence, making you feel part of an ancient tradition that has remained unchanged through centuries.
Plan for a Full Day
Since the ceremony takes place in the evening, plan your day accordingly. Spend the morning and afternoon exploring the Tower, then enjoy a leisurely dinner nearby before returning for the ceremony. This way, you can make the most of your visit and fully immerse yourself in the Tower’s history.
Beefeaters – Tower of London (Kenneth Allen / Beefeaters, Tower of London)
Friday: In-Depth Beefeater Guided Tours
More Personal Interactions
Fridays offer a unique opportunity to join the famous Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours with a smaller crowd. These tours are led by the Tower’s iconic guards, who share captivating stories and historical facts with a blend of humor and gravitas. A Friday visit ensures you get more personal attention and the chance to ask questions.
A Great Start to the Weekend
Kick off your weekend with a day steeped in history. Visiting on a Friday means you can avoid the busiest weekend crowds while still enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Tower. It’s the perfect way to start a weekend exploring London’s many historical landmarks.
Enjoy the Tower Grounds
Take advantage of the quieter Fridays to explore the Tower grounds at your own pace. Wander through the medieval palace, visit the chapel, and take in the panoramic views from the walls. The relaxed atmosphere allows for a more thoughtful and engaging experience.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Early Morning vs Late Afternoon Visits
Timing is everything when visiting the Tower of London. Arriving early in the morning can help you beat the crowds and get a head start on popular attractions like the Crown Jewels. Alternatively, visiting in the late afternoon can also be a good strategy, as many tourists begin to leave, giving you more space to explore.
Pre-Book Tickets and Tours
Always pre-book your tickets and guided tours to ensure a smooth visit. This saves time and guarantees your spot, especially for special events like the Ceremony of the Keys. Booking online often comes with the added benefit of discounted rates.
Recommended Apps and Guides
Enhance your visit with recommended apps and guides that provide detailed information about the Tower’s history, architecture, and exhibits. Apps like the official Historic Royal Palaces app offer audio guides, interactive maps, and insider tips to make your visit more immersive.
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Excellent Guidebook
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Great For Kids
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Brainteaser
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$16.39
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$18.99
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An Overview of The Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a must-see destination for any visitor. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the Tower of London has played an essential role in British history since its inception in 1066. From housing prisoners to crown jewels, this ancient fortress has seen it all and offers visitors the chance to explore its past through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and live re-enactments. Inside the Tower walls, you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries of history, from stories of royal intrigue to tales of imprisonment and execution.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London was the residence of the monarchy. This was also where Henry VIII started to put tragic ends to marriages he deemed inconvenient.
The Impressive White Tower
Our favorite part during our visit was touring the White Tower. This is the oldest building on the site and is one of the most iconic structures at the Tower of London.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it stands approximately 90 feet tall and features four turrets that offer unrivaled views of London. Inside the Tower, visitors can explore a range of exhibits, including weapons and armor from different centuries, learn about life in the Tower during different periods of British history, and marvel at the White Tower’s impressive architecture. Relics included the armor of several kings, including Henry VIII. There are also artifacts from royal coronations held in Westminster Abbey.
Chapel of St. John
St John’s Chapel is an integral part of The Tower of London. Located in the White Tower, it is the oldest surviving chapel in England and dates back to 1077. The impressive chapel features stained glass windows that depict iconic moments from British history. It also holds exquisite works of art that members of the royal family have donated over the years.
Inside the chapel, visitors can admire the intricately carved stone walls and ceiling and awe-inspiring works of art from various periods in British history. It has some of the most intact and original architecture on the entire site.
The Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels at The Tower of London are among Britain’s most precious and iconic items. Comprised of various royal artifacts, including coronation regalia, crowns, and scepters, this impressive collection offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of the British monarchy.
When we got to this part of the tour, the line to view the jewels had grown long. Winding like a Disneyland line, we did make it to the first items on display in about 40 minutes.
This was the only part of the Tower of London where photography was prohibited. The crown jewels exhibit includes jeweled swords, golden altarpieces, gold banquet pieces used at coronations, baptism fonts, and basins used for the royal family. We also saw the imperial state crown worn at every state opening of Parliament.
Finally, we arrive at the good stuff – the actual crown jewels. You stand on a people mover to view these, so the line doesn’t back up. If you want a longer view, you could sneak back onto the people mover since it ends at the same point at which it starts.
Inside, you can explore the Jewel House to learn about the history behind each piece and admire the dazzling beauty of tiaras, orders, and gemstones. The Crown Jewels are a must-see for anyone interested in British history or looking to marvel at some of the world’s most exquisite artifacts.
Chapel Royal St. Peter ad Vincula
Exiting the Crown Jewels exhibit, we head to the Chapel Royal St. Peter ad Vincula.
The Chapel Royal St. Peter ad Vincula at The Tower of London is stunning. Founded in the 15th century and located within the walls of the Tower, this chapel has seen its fair share of history over the years. Inside, we admired its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stonework and explored the chapel’s long and varied history.
The chapel has impressive architecture and a rich cultural background. Inside, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard are buried along with Catholic Saints Thomas More and John Fisher.
We viewed the prisoner chambers on which inscriptions of those held captive were etched into the stone walls.
How Much Time Is Need To Visit The Tower of London?
The amount of time needed to fully explore the Tower of London depends on individual interests and preferences. However, it is recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours for a basic visit. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, a full day may be necessary. During our visit, we spent six hours touring this landmark.
Ultimately, it’s best to plan your visit beforehand and make the most of your time at this iconic landmark. So, you can choose any weekday discussed above depending upon the type of experience you want to have.
London, England – Know Before You Go
✈️ Closest Airport: London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
⏰ Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in Winter, (GMT+1 in Summer)
💰 Currency: Pound Sterling – Currency Converter
🔌 Electricity Socket: In England, you’ll encounter type G plugs with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The electricity supply in England operates at 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
Tours for The Tower of London
Explore The Tower of London By An Arranged Tour
More Tours in London
Lodging Near The Tower of London
Find lodging near the Tower of London using the interactive map below.
More London Travel Tips
- If traveling to The Tower of London, arrive at the site early and head straight to the crown jewels exhibit first to avoid long lines later in the day.
- Plan to spend at least six hours at The Tower of London to view everything and get through the entire audio tour.
- Read a book on the Tower of London before your visit
Listen To Our Tower of London Podcast
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Conclusion
The Tower of London is a treasure trove of history waiting to be explored. By choosing the best days to visit—Monday for tranquility, Wednesday for the Ceremony of the Keys, and Friday for intimate Beefeater tours—you can make the most of your experience. Remember to plan ahead, arrive early or late to avoid the crowds, and use apps and guides to enhance your visit.
We’d love to hear about your experiences and tips for visiting the Tower of London. Share them in the comments below! And remember to check out our other articles on historical landmarks in London for more travel inspiration. Happy exploring
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