There is so much to see at the Tower of London with kids. This is not somewhere to just tick off your London sights list but instead spend a few hours and explore this fascinating building.
HISTORY OF THE TOWER OF LONDON
Construction on The Tower of London was started in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Its primary purpose was as a fortress to protect the city and citizens of London with various fortifications or barricades. Contrary to its name, there are actually over 20 towers that make up the Tower of London complex.
The Tower of London has had many additional purposes throughout the centuries. It was used as a royal residence until the 17th century, contained a royal mint to locally produce coins, was a records office for government documents, served as a state prison, jewel house, observatory, armory and even a zoo..!
TICKETS FOR THE TOWER OF LONDON
It is best to buy your tickets online for the Tower of London as will get the best price. This way you will also avoid the long queues, especially during peak times. Check the Tower of London website for updated prices.
EXPLORING THE TOWER OF LONDON WITH KIDS
1. YEOMEN WARDER TOUR
We would highly recommend taking a Yeomen Warder tour, particularly at the start of your visit. These tours offer great insight into the history and life at the Tower of London.
The Yeoman Warders are widely known as Beefeaters. You can’t miss them with their regal black and red uniforms. They have been a part of the Royal Bodyguard since the 16th century. Their nickname, Beefeaters, is believed to have originated from them being allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king’s table due to their positions. All Yeomen Warders have been in the armed forces for at least 22 years, reaching the rank of warrant officer, and they must also have been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.
These popular tours occur daily every 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the tours are popular and can be crowded. Tours start next to the moat before you enter the Tower proper. Most of the Beefeaters have loud booming voices but it’s still helpful to be as close to them as possible. The tours last about an hour and are filled with information, insight and humour, as we learned about the Tower’s fascinating history. The are a perfect way to orientate yourself within the Tower before exploring on your own.
The tours are probably best for adults and older children. There was an overwhelming amount of history and information which we thoroughly enjoyed. My boys managed to get to the front of every talk and found the stories fascinating, particularly some of the more sordid tales of torture and execution.
2. SEE THE CROWN JEWELS
Seeing the Crown Jewels is one of the reasons so many people visit the Tower of London. These jewels are a big part of the British Monarchy and several pieces are still used by the Royal Family today.
There is generally always a queue (unless you are some of the first into the Tower in the morning) to see the Crown Jewels but it moves fairly quickly. We were lucky enough to see the Changing of the Guard as we waited to enter the Crown Jewels which kept everybody entertained.
Once inside no photographs are allowed and there are several staff members roaming around to enforce this rule. There are moving conveyor belts that take you past the jewel collection, but you can ride them as often as you want.
Some of the most memorable items in the collection include: The Sovereign’s Sceptre that has a 530 carat Cullinan I diamond on top. This is the world’s largest colourless cut diamond. Absolutely stunning. The Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, another beauty, that has 2,800 diamonds. And St. Edward’s Crown used during the coronation ceremonies which weighs 2.23 kg and is made of solid gold. Enough to bring on a headache i’m sure!
3. VISIT THE WHITE TOWER
The White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower complex and considered its most important building. It was built in the late 11th century to house military personnel, armories and horses. It was London’s tallest building at that time and was used to display power and intimidate invaders.
The tower is 90 feet high and its four floors now house a chapel and extensive armoury exhibit. The boys thoroughly enjoyed this impressive collection of swords and armour. You can even see Henry VIII’s royal armour.
4. LOOK FOR RAVENS
For centuries, the ravens have been known as the Tower’s guardians. The six resident ravens were originally kept and protected due to a legend stating that the kingdom and the Tower would fall if they ever left the fortress. Since then, six ravens are kept at the Tower, plus a spare one! We found the ravens outside the Jewel House. The ravens eat about 170 grams of raw meat daily in addition to blood soaked bird biscuits. Yuck…!
5. BEST VIEW OF TOWER BRIDGE
The iconic Tower Bridge looms over the River Thames next to the Tower. Walk the Tower walls on the south side for fantastic views of Tower Bridge. If time allows leave the Tower of London (your ticket allows re-entry) to walk across Tower Bridge. Check the lift times here to see if the bridge is opening during your visit. A sight worth seeing as a large boat or yacht sails though this impressive bridge.
6. SIT ALONGSIDE TOWER GREEN
The Tower of London was used as a prison for many, including some monarchs. Its dark past includes many stories of torture and executions. While many prisoners were executed on Tower Hill in front of large crowds, some were spared this and were executed within the castle walls at the Tower Green. Some of the most famous executed here included two of Henry VIII’s wives – Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, along with Guy Fawkes. This is a lovely spot to sit and view the timber framed Yeomen Warder houses inside the Tower.
7. TORTURE AND EXECUTION
The Bloody Tower contains examples and exhibits of torture at the Tower.
8. FOLLOW THE FAMILY TRAIL
If time allows follow the Family Trail, available from the Welcome Office before entering. The offers a family friendly trail through the Tower of London (different to the Yeomen Warder tour) with question and activities. A great way for children to learn about the Tower of London.
9. WALK THE WALLS
The walls and various towers at the Tower of London allow for some ‘letting off steam’ and are very popular with children. Our boys loved running along the walls and into the towers seeing what they could find. It’s like a maze ..! Some of the walls offer fantastic views of London.
10. NIGHTLY CEREMONY OF THE KEYS
Book to take part in the Ceremony of the Keys. Every evening visitors can participate in this special ceremony to lock up the Tower of London. Tickets are free but must be booked many months in advance.
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON
There are a huge number of accommodation options in London but here are some of our favourites:
Z Hotel Covent Garden located in the heart of London’s West End. Just a few minutes walk away from Covent Garden’s bars, restaurants, and boutique shops, this hotel is walkable to many London sights. Family rooms available.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge located opposite the of and Big , on the . It is a short walk to the London Eye and Aquarium. Family suites available here.
Club Quarters Hotel, Lincoln’s Inn Fields located near Holburn underground station. Covent Garden is a 10 minute walk from Lincoln’s Inn Fields, with its shops, restaurants and theatres. Small apartments available sleeping three people.
Premier Inn London County Hall situated beside the In the historical County Hall building, family rooms sleeping four people are available here.
FOR MORE ON LONDON:
10 Top Tips for Visiting the Tower of London
Top 10 Things To Do In London With Kids
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36 Comments.
It’s lovely by the Tower of London – I remember going on a school trip there as a young child and seeing the crown jewells. Sarah #ExplorerKids
I was just talking to a friend about visiting the Tower of London so your post caught my eye. Sounds like there is plenty to do and see. How much is a ticket and is the price worth it? Polly #explorerkids
Family ticket cost us £53 for two adults and up to three children (aged 5-15 years). Expensive but definitely well worth it, can spend a day here if you have the time.
Very nice guide for newcomers to the UK like myself. I wanna wait till my kiddos are older to take them to London and soak up all the history. I love the photos you took. Thanks for sharing. #explorerkids
Glad you liked it.
How fascinating! I’ve been to the tower twice or more – I can’t remember as I visited along time ago when I was a child. I absolutely love it. But I had no idea that it was also a zoo once. Wow! I learn something new every day. 🙂
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost
I hadn’t been since I was a child either..!
Great post! We attended the Ceremony of the Keys, with one of the teens (when he was not yet a teen) locking the door, and it was brilliant. Thank you for linking up to #CulturedKids
That sounds fab. We’d like to do the Ceremony of the Keys at some point.
I worked for years in the city but hadn’t been to the Tower until I visited London as a tourist last September. Didn’t have time to go in but would love to go back. Thanks for the tips. My photos from that time, like yours, show the Thames to be a rather murky colour!!!
I think lots of people live and work in London but don’t make it to the Tower! Agree that the Thames is a very murky brown colour…not for swimming in!
I have never been inside, so this is cool. Just passed by and sat outside. Maybe I have to “re-do” next time in London. #farawayfiles
Should definitely go inside next time you’re in London.
We lived in London for many years and I never made it to the Tower of London! I’d love to take the boys there now, they’d love this. It must have been great to see the changing of the guard too.
It’s a great place for kids, ours really enjoyed their visit. Think lots of people who live in London don’t necessarily make it to the Tower of London!
We used to live up the hill in Spitalfields, and we visited the Tower several times. It’s one of the best things to see in London for visitors I think. The graffiti on the walls in the White Tower just blew my mind. #farawayfiles
Agree…one of our favourite sites, along with St Pauls which we loved.
I didn’t know the requirements to become a Beefeater (or if I did, I’d forgotten). Sounds as though they were well rewarded for their service! My daughter is slightly obsessed with the Crown Jewels, so I really must take my two. Thanks for sharing with #CulturedKids!
Boys loved our Beefeater tour, were fascinated by him and the tales of misery and torture.My three weren’t so impressed but the Crown Jewels but then they’re boys!
We love the Tower of London there’s always something new to see, it really is history come alive. Kids get in free with Blue Peter badges too. Thanks for sharing your tips – we like the family trails from the welcome centre too! #FarawayFiles
Oh didn’t know that Jo. Family trails are now much more common and usually pretty good.
The Tower of London is probably my most favorite place in all of London! It might even be my favorite building in the world! I visit every single time I go to London. #farawayfiles
We absolutely love the Tower of London. Definitely one of the places we’re most likely to recommend to people travelling with kids. There is SO much to see and do here. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Its definitely a favourite of ours in London, another is St Pauls.
We visited the Tower of London last year and LOVED it. It was a tiring day but it was a brilliant place and full of awesome history. 🙂
#MondayEscapes
Totally agree. Its a great place to visit in London with kids.
Looks like there is plenty to do there! Thanks for the tips – we’ve saving London for our L weekend but will add this to our list! #Monday escapes
Where next? Are you onto F? Intrigued as to where that might be…?
I’d love to take my boys to the Tower of London, good to know that you think it’s better for slightly older kids. I’m looking forward to hearing a Beefeater tour! #Mondayescapes
Perhaps my favourite place to visit in London – I’ve been waiting to take my daughter when she is old enough to appreciate it but I think that will be this year. Great tips on the trails, tours and what’s inside for kids. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I love family travel that is also educational, even though the kids don’t realize they’re learning. I’ve always wanted to visit the Tower and I really appreciate you giving us the background history. We are hopefully heading to the UK next year and will have to make this a stop! #MondayEscapes
You should definitely visit the Tower when you visit London. We are always trying to seek out educational experiences while travelling for our boys…learning while having fun is so powerful.
Ah I just adore the Tower of London the History is just incredible I don’t think i would ever get tired of visiting, the tower of the young princes still makes me so sad, how could anyone do that? And the ravens intrigue me x
I’ve just followed the raven master on FB with comments on the ravens at the Tower. A fascinating place to visit while in London.
My husband and I visited the Tower of London last summer without our kids and I missed them so much whilst we were there as i just knew they would love it! You’ve now convinced me to return with them;) #MondayEscapes
Our kids certainly loved the Tower of London. One of our favourite places to visit in London.