Top 14 Things to See at the Tower of London in 2025

The Tower of London: You’ve gotta see it, but let’s not kid ourselves—it’s a total beast. Between the insane crowds, centuries of bloody history, and the sheer size of the place, it can feel like you’re getting lost in a maze of history nerds and tourist traps. But don’t freak out—we’ve got your back. We’re about to break down the must-see spots at the Tower of London, straight from a historian who knows exactly how to skip the snooze-fest and dive into the real action. You’re welcome.

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14 Things You Shouldn’t Miss at the Tower of London

Yeah, the Tower of London is iconic, and yeah, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. But don’t let that fool you—it’s not just some dusty old monument. This place has been flexing power, royal authority, and military muscle since day one. Built by King William the Conqueror back in 1078 as a fortress and royal palace, it’s been the heartbeat of England’s most intense drama for centuries.

Kings came and went, and each one left their mark. The Tower was once home to England’s Royal Mint, cranking out the cash, and even had its own royal zoo. Yep, you read that right—a menagerie—because why wouldn’t the elite have their own private zoo? But things got darker during the Tudor era, when the Tower turned into a prison and armory for all kinds of shady business in the 15th century.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and most of the original medieval stuff had either been ripped out or trashed. But then the 20th century came along and slapped a museum on it, making the Tower a must-see for anyone looking to get a real taste of England’s blood-soaked history. If you’re after a history lesson that actually delivers, this is the spot.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our best Tower of London tours to take and why.

14. The White Tower

Fortress | William the Conqueror | Norman

This is all that’s left of the medieval fortress that William the Conqueror ordered up—and it’s one of the biggest castle keeps still standing in Europe. Yeah, it’s that massive. Originally, it was called the White Tower because the walls were plastered and whitewashed, giving it that “don’t mess with me” vibe. And if you’re into architecture, it was built in the Romanesque style, which is basically medieval badassery in stone.

Historian Lise Hull breaks it down like this: this wasn’t just some royal crib—it was the king’s HQ. This place was his home, office, and command center all rolled into one, built so he could keep a close eye on the River Thames and spot any would-be attackers coming for him. It’s the ultimate power move.

Oh, and pro tip: when you visit, don’t just rush past the White Tower. Make sure you hit up the crypt of St. John’s Chapel. Trust us, it’s worth the detour.

13. The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist

Norman Chapel | Henry III | Archive

This chapel dates back to the 12th century and is one of the best examples of Norman religious architecture in the UK—like it’s got some serious historical clout. Sure, it’s been renovated a few times over the years, but it still packs a punch. Henry III even got in on the action, ordering three new stained-glass windows and a fresh paint job to give it that royal touch.

But here’s the twist: this chapel wasn’t really about prayer. Nope, it was more of an archive than a house of worship. By the 19th century, people were already talking about how the chapel was used to store records, not to host Sunday services. And, as William Ainsworth pointed out in one of the earliest modern histories of the Tower, those records weren’t exactly on display for the public. If you thought you were gonna casually stroll in and start flipping through royal documents, think again.

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12. The Ravens

Yeoman Warders | Charles II | Legend

You absolutely cannot skip the famous ravens. Seriously, this is one of the most bizarrely cool things you can do at the Tower (especially if you’ve got kids in tow). These birds are more than just a quirky attraction, they’re guardians of the Tower.

According to Chris Skaife, the Tower’s chief Ravenmaster and Yeoman, there’s an ancient legend that says if the ravens ever leave, the Tower—and the entire kingdom of England—will collapse. No pressure, right? So, the ravens have been under royal protection since Charles II’s reign, and they’re treated like absolute royalty.

And don’t forget, it’s the Yeoman Warders (aka Beefeaters) who take care of these feathered legends. They’re also the ones keeping the Tower safe, so don’t be shy—ask them questions, snap a pic in their epic uniforms, and get a taste of what it’s like to hang with England’s most famous guardians.

11. The Guards

Typical London | Military | Ceremonial

You are bound to see the guards in their spectacular uniform across different sites in London. But if you want the real deal, the Tower of London’s where it’s at. Just a heads-up: these guys are working, doing their military thing, so show some respect.

If you want to see where they stand guard, check out the post by the Jewel House and Queen’s House. But if you’re after a truly epic show, don’t miss the three daily ceremonies where the guards go full-on military mode. It’s the kind of spectacle that’ll make you feel like you’re in a historical drama.

10. Opening Ceremony

When you usually get to the Tower of London, the site is already packed with people. You’ll definitely want to check out our Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters. This exclusive early-morning tour grants you a front-row spot as the Beefeaters unlock the gates with ceremonial flair—a sight few ever witness. Capture an intimate photo with the guards, then be among the first to marvel at the Crown Jewels. With a guide to reveal the Tower’s darkest corners and chilling tales, this is London history at its most electrifying and personal.

9. Ceremony of the Keys

Enter the Tower of London after it’s closed to the general public and witness the centuries-old Ceremony of the Keys. Having the Tower to yourself, the Beefeaters, or guardians of the Tower of London, lock the fortress gates in a nightly tradition dating back to the 14th century.

This is an activity that is exclusive to tours. So you’ll definitely want to check out our Tower of London Exclusive After Hours Tour. This unique, one-hour guided tour offers you a rare glimpse into London’s secrets, and it’s not something to be missed!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our London guide to prepare for your trip.

8. The Tower Green

Executions | Anne Boleyn | Lady Jane Grey

Tower Green is just west of the White Tower—and it’s where the upper class met their grim end. The method of execution? Well, that depended on the person and their crime, according to historians Daniel Diehl and Mark Donnelly.

Over the years, 10 people were executed here, including three queens: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, both sent to the block after Henry VIII accused them of adultery, and Lady Jane Grey, whose tragic fate has been immortalized in art and literature for centuries. Talk about a dark chapter in history.

7. The Bloody Tower

Garden Tower | Prison | Sir Walter Raleigh

Once called the Garden Tower because of its location, this place was really built for one thing: prison. The Princes in the Tower were locked up here, along with a bunch of other famous (and not-so-famous) enemies of the state.

But the real star of this building? Sir Walter Raleigh. As historian Nigel Jones points out, Raleigh’s claim to fame wasn’t just his American explorations and the whole El Dorado legend—it was the fact that he got tossed in the Tower for 13 years, accused of treason against King James I. That’s a rough 13 years.

6. The Torture Chambre

Lower Wakefield Tower | Prison | Replicas of Instruments

In the 1500s and 1600s, the Tower of London wasn’t just a fortress—it was a house of horrors. With political and religious chaos at its peak, torture became a brutal reality. At least 48 prisoners were physically tortured and interrogated, all in the name of getting names—conspirators who might be plotting against the crown. And that’s not even counting the countless others who suffered in solitary confinement or endured mind-bending psychological torment.

It’s one of history’s darkest chapters, and trust us, it’s as haunting as it is fascinating. Want to learn more? Head over to the Lower Wakefield Tower and check out the exhibit on the sickening methods of torture used here. You won’t forget it.

5. Ghosts

Haunted | Supernatural London | Princes in the Tower

At least 8,000 people were locked up in the Tower of London over the centuries, so it’s no surprise this place is riddled with ghost stories. In fact, it’s said to be the most haunted castle in England.

If you’re into creepy vibes (or happen to be here after dark), make your way to the Salt Tower. This place is notorious for eerie sounds that even freak out the guard dogs and warders, as historian Daniel Farson notes.

Then there’s the Bloody Tower, haunted for centuries by the ghosts of the young princes who died here during their imprisonment in the 15th century. According to historian Alison Weir, their skeletons were found in a chest during Charles II’s reign, and he had them reburied at Westminster Abbey.

But the real star of the Tower’s ghostly cast? Anne Boleyn. But more on her in a sec…

Not ready to book a tour? Find out what the best tours of London are and why.

4. Tower Bridge

Iconic View | 19th Century | Sir Horace Jones

One of the best views from the Tower of London? The iconic Tower Bridge, of course. Unlike the Tower, this beauty was built in the late 19th century, but it still holds its own as a London landmark.

According to historian Brian Cookson, the bridge was designed to solve a big problem: connecting both sides of London across the River Thames without messing with the river traffic. Brilliant, right?

The design was the result of a public competition, and Sir Horace Jones came out on top. He’s the mastermind behind the bridge’s Neogothic style, which gives it that majestic, almost medieval look. Pretty fitting for a city full of history.

3. Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

Parish Church | 16th Century | Eminent Burials

This chapel used to be the parish church of the Tower of London, sitting right across from Tower Green. The building you see today is from the 16th century, but the history of this place is pretty murky—it’s been built, torn down, and moved more times than anyone can count.

But here’s why it’s worth a visit: it’s the final resting place of some serious figures in British history, including the executed queens and Sir Thomas More. And according to Daniel Farson, it’s also the most haunted spot at the Tower, with Anne Boleyn’s ghost supposedly roaming the chapel at night. So, if you’re into the supernatural, this is where you’ll want to be after dark.

2. Line of Kings

Armoury | First Museum | 17th Century

Into military history, weapons, and armor? Then you can’t miss this exhibition. Housed on the entrance floor of the White Tower, it boasts one of the largest armories in the country, with pieces dating all the way back to the 15th century.

And here’s the kicker: this is the oldest museum exhibit at the Tower of London. It’s been showing off these incredible items since the 17th century. If you’re a history buff or just into badass weaponry, this is where you need to be.

1. Crown Jewels

Royal Regalia | Oliver Cromwell | Koh-i-Nûr

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… the Crown Jewels! These iconic treasures have been kept in the Tower of London for over 600 years. But here’s the thing: these aren’t the original jewels of England’s monarchs. What’s on display today is the collection that’s been kept since the monarchy was restored in the 17th century.

As historian Leslie Field explains, the original jewels were either destroyed, sold, or melted down during Oliver Cromwell’s rule—he was hell-bent on erasing any trace of the monarchy. But when Charles II took the throne after Cromwell’s death, he commissioned an entirely new set of royal regalia for the kings and queens of England.

My personal favorite? One of the most coveted jewels in the world, representing the might of the old British Empire: the Koh-i-Nûr. Discovered in India during the Middle Ages, this diamond is as legendary as it is cursed. According to William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, the Koh-i-Nûr is said to bring bad luck to men, which is why it’s only been worn by women—like Queen Alexandra in the 19th century and the Queen Mother. Talk about a heavy crown to wear.

Bonus: The Gift Shop

Gifts | Public Donations | Worldwide Delivery

What’s a trip without picking up souvenirs for your loved ones? Sure, you can find cheap trinkets all over London, but the Tower of London shop? Now that’s something special. They’ve got unique items you won’t find anywhere else, making it the perfect place to grab a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

And here’s the kicker: because the Tower is a self-funded organization, all the proceeds from the shop go straight into preserving this iconic site. So not only are you scoring some epic souvenirs, you’re helping to keep history alive.

Miss the shop while you’re there? No worries. Their online store ships worldwide, so you can keep the Tower close no matter where you are.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out what the best tours of London are and why.

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