The Tower of London has seen a lot over its one thousand year history. A Queen lost her head on its grounds, princes have been imprisoned in the infamous white tower and exotic animals have roamed its grounds. The fortress is also home to the priceless Crown Jewels. Positioned on the north bank of the River Thames, it’s one of London’s most majestic buildings and has fascinated me since my first visit as a child.
There’s no doubt the castle has huge appeal for children. This half-term there are special events and tours to discover more about the tales hidden within its walls. Here’s five reasons to visit the Tower of London this half term.
Marvellous Menagerie
Did you know the Tower of London was once home to more than 60 species of animals? From lions and tigers to a polar bear who would fish in the Thames, the royals kept such ‘pets’ as a symbol of power and amusement. The Royal Menagerie was founded in 1200 by King John and closed in 1832 when the animals were moved to their new home in Regents Park (now London Zoo).
Take the children on a journey this half term with activities exploring the royal beasts that once roamed the grounds. Follow a trail and draw the animals you spot around the Tower. There’s even the opportunity to listen to ‘Animal Tales’ from the Menagerie and bring the animals back to life at its drop-in puppet making station.
Crown Jewels
Behind the Tower’s heavily defended walls you can marvel at the world-famous collection of 23,578 gems. Still used in royal ceremonies today, the Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy. Inside the mighty White Tower, you’ll also discover displays of arms and armour, which were made and secured there for hundreds of years.
A Royal Palace
The Tower of London was home to Royals for hundreds of years. Today you can visit the Medieval Palace and see recreations of interiors used by medieval kings.
How about seeing history brought to life? The daily immersive performance, Conquest, does just that. Choose which side to join in the Norman Conquest. Follow the Tower’s costumed performers through the battles, treachery, rebellion and the founding of the Tower of London.
An Infamous Prison
The Tower of London was used as a prison from 1100 up until 1952. The Kray twins were the last prisoners to be held there – for failing to turn up for national service. Explore the spaces where famous prisoners were kept and discover the graffiti they left behind 500 years ago.
To immerse yourself further into the experience, download the free ‘Time Explorers’ app before your visit and go on a digital mission at the Tower. You’ll be able to join the Prisoner’s Perilous Plot and help Arbella Stuart to free her husband, William, from his prison in the Tower. Try to help him escape – without getting caught yourself!
Yeoman Warder guided tours
The ‘Beefeaters’, as the Yeoman Warders are nicknamed, are one of the most striking symbols of London and the Tower. It’s thought their nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat beef from the king’s table.
A Yeoman Warder tour is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the Tower. Join the tour and be entertained with tales of intrigue, imprisonment and much more.
The Tower of London is understandably one of London’s most popular attractions. It is a fascinating place to visit and I can’t wait to take my daughter to discover more about the castle and its chequered history.
Getting There
The nearest tube is Tower Hill
Tickets
Book tickets online to get the best price. Daily family activities are included in a family Tower ticket.
Have you been to the Tower of London before? What would you most like to see there?
*Written in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces
**Pictures courtesy of HRP and Pixabay
Pin For Later
I’ve visited it on my first trip to London:) great palace!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) recently posted…Stepping Outside Of Your Comfort Zone When Traveling
Isn’t great and so much more than just a palace…a fortress, prison and zoo too!
One of my favourite places in London (anywhere in fact) but it’s a while since I was last there. Time to introduce my daughter to some of its secrets
Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…6 reasons to book a family holiday in Hawaii
It certainly is for me too. Looking forward to rediscovering it!
The Tower of London is one of my favorite castles and it’s been years since I’ve been inside. Would love to do another tour, especially with a Yeoman! #CityTripping
That’s great to hear! I’m looking forward to doing another Yeoman tour soon too.
I personally am very interested in Richard III so this is one of the main reasons I like to go. I haven’t been for ages but it is high on my list to visit again with the lo again
Wandermust Mummy recently posted…Tips for dealing with jet lag going east … with kids
Hope you get to go soon!
Can you believe that I have been to London 12 times and never actually set foot INSIDE the tower?! It does look like an amazing place to visit with kids, I will make a mental note on this!
#CityTripping
Esther recently posted…Thorn: the whitewashed town in Limburg
Oh, you must go next time you’re in London. You won’t be disappointed.
A truly historic place to visit. Arriving by boat and imagining you are royalty is great. Traitors Gate is a good start to some odiferous the torrid tales too! Are you watching Gunpowder on BBC? Not for the squeamish! Wilbur. #citytripping
Very true, great to see it from the river. I need to catch up on Gunpowder!
I’ve been to London so many times but never thought it’d be worth it to actually go inside the Tower of London. Guess I was pretty wrong. I’ll definitely try to go there on my next visit! 🙂 #CityTripping
Lisa recently posted…ONE DAY IN MUNICH, GERMANY
You absolutely must Lisa!
I have been to the Tower of London back in the days with school. I remember I was fascinated by the black ravens back then.
Enjoy your holiday on Santorini.
#citytripping
Thanks Jules. Yes, the black ravens give a bit of a mystical dimension to the Tower.
A visit to London without seeing all that Tower of London has to offer would just not be the same! One could easily spend an entire day there. PS: The pic of the child staring at the Crown Jewels in absolute wonder is priceless!
Birgit | Groove is in the Heart recently posted…Belgrade: a gem waiting to be discovered
You’re right, there’s so much to see there. Isn’t it a cute picture! Not mine I admit!
I adore the Tower of London – having visited as a kid and an adult! So much to see and do and so much history to uncover. One of my fave London spots to visit. #citytripping
Keri | Ladies What Travel recently posted…Giving myself permission to slow down and relax – I’m taking a real holiday!
That’s so great to hear.
These definitely are 5 great reasons. I love the Tower of London — I take guests of all ages there. If you’re interested in those 2 princes imprisoned at the Tower, I recommend Josephine Tey’s Daughter of Time, a mystery novel about Richard III and his nephews — those boys. It’s a great read and one kids will enjoy too, either reading it themselves or having it read to them.
Jen from Jenography.net recently posted…The Linney: The best self-catering cottage in South Devon?
Oooh – thanks for the book tip. I really enjoy reading novels about places that I visit. Helps to give context and stoke the imagination.
When my daughter did well in her SATS a few years ago I took her to London as a treat and did everything she wanted to do – The Tower was top of her list and we both loved it! I could not believe the stories of the animals but actually all the history was fascinating. Definitely a tourist attraction worth visiting in my opinion. #citytripping
Alex – My LIfe Long Holiday recently posted…The 10 Best Secret Spots In Rome – Sshh!
What a lovely treat for her (and you) and no doubt an incredible education for you both too.
We love the Tower of London. So much to see and do, perfect for children #citytripping
Isn’t it great!
Tower of London has always been there. Never thought about what’s inside 🙂
beatravelling recently posted…Arctic Cathedral
You should take a look next time you’re in London.
I wouldn’t mind visiting the Tower of London again because it’s so fascinating. I went there back in 2004 and I remembered going for the Yeoman Warder tour and saw the Crown Jewels. London is so full of history, that’s why I LOVE it! 🙂 #Citytripping
SO great to hear you love London. I’m really looking forward to visiting the Tower of London again – there’s so much to learn there.
I loved visiting the Tower of London especially doing the tour with the Yeoman guides. I didn’t know that animals were kept there for such a long time though! The idea of a royal menagerie is very interesting. #CityTripping
Katherine recently posted…5 Great San Francisco hikes
So glad you enjoyed your visit. The menagerie is fascinating – although I’m not sure the animals were kept particularly well. They were there more as a symbol of power and wealth for the Royals.
I absolutely love The Tower! We go every single time we visit London, and each time we discover something new and interesting! We even practiced archery in the moat one summer. I never heard that about how the “beefeaters” got their nickname, how cool! We’ll be visiting again this coming Christmas season, and we’ve secured tickets to the skating rink, so of course we’ll be visiting the Tower first! #citytripping
Hilary recently posted…Halloween Fun in the City of Angels
Oh fantastic! Look forward to hearing all about it!
I went to the Tower quite recently, and even as a ‘local’, it’s a great place to visit!
Milly Youngman recently posted…Trek America – Full Atlantic Dream Itinerary
It certainly is!
The Tower of London was the first place I ever visited in London and it is still just as exciting all these years later. We have membership if the Historic Royal,Palaces that lets you visit as often as you want #CityTripping
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…HOME FOR HALF TERM
That’s a great membership to have!
We LOVED the Tower when we visited this summer. The Beefeater tour is one of my husband’s favorite things ever… he kind of wants to be one of them, lol. #citytripping
Hehe! How funny! They have a cool uniform and must know a lot of secrets hidden in the castle.
I have visited this place a few years ago and if I will go to the London again I will visit this place again for sure! It really amazing place 🙂
It’s brilliant!
I’ve seen videos all about the prison, but I never knew about the Royal Menagerie haha! The pictures are hilarious. <3
Jillian Michelle recently posted…Atlanta Has a Tardis Bar Where Doctor Who Fans Can Battle and Brew
They are funny, aren’t they!
Nice to see you covered one of my favorite cities in the world. Supposed to be going to Japan with a stopover in London (We are taking the long way there). Thanks for the information. I will try and visit when I go.
It is definitely a must visit! You’ll enjoy.
I love the way you have written this.. 😀 I’m going to plan my trip to UK and I will definitely add to visit the tower on london in my bucket list. 🙂
Thank you! The Tower of London is definitely a must-see!