The Tower of London is a fortress, former royal palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the north bank of the Thames. Its oldest building, the White Tower, was begun under William the Conqueror around 1078; the castle grew over centuries into a complex of towers, walls and courtyards.
Few places bring English history so close. The Tower served as a prison, armoury, mint and royal menagerie, and its stories range from the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower to the execution of Anne Boleyn. Today, the Crown Jewels are displayed in the Jewel House, while armour and weapons fill the White Tower. Look out, too, for the resident ravens and the Yeoman Warders, whose tours bring the castle’s darker history to life.
Book tickets online in advance and arrive early, especially in peak season, when queues for the Crown Jewels can be long. Allow at least three hours to explore, and check Yeoman Warder tour times when you arrive. Much of the site is outdoors or on uneven historic surfaces, so comfortable shoes and weather-ready layers are worthwhile.