Tower of London tour

The Tower of London is one of the capital’s defining landmarks. Its walls beside the Thames hold stories of royal power, imprisonment and the treasures still used in national ceremonies. For visitors interested in the people behind British history, it offers much more than a familiar view from the river.

The fortress has almost a millennium of history. It served as a royal palace, stronghold and prison, with these roles often overlapping. Its darker stories include the death of Henry VI and the disappearance of the young princes associated with the Tower. Their fate remains uncertain, a reminder that historical evidence does not answer every question raised by this extraordinary place.

The Tower also housed the Royal Mint, stores of arms and important records. A royal menagerie brought unfamiliar animals within its walls for centuries. These varied uses reveal a complex institution at the heart of the state, rather than a castle with a single purpose throughout its life.

Today, the surviving buildings and displays introduce the Tower’s many roles. Armour and royal objects sit alongside the Crown Jewels, including the Great Star of Africa in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The regalia remain in ceremonial use, so particular objects may occasionally be absent. Ravens are still part of the Tower’s life, although its old menagerie and prison have gone. An interior visit needs a ticket and enough time to explore the grounds and exhibitions; the Tower is not a current royal home.

Include the Tower in a London tour with London Airport Transfer. Tell us whether you want an exterior stop or time inside, so the route, guide arrangements and separate admission requirements can be agreed.

• Planning your Tower of London visit