Tower of London & Private Beefeater Encounter Tour
Exclusive Beefeater meet & greet and discover the secrets behind the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
Crown Jewels, Beefeaters & Hidden Secrets The Complete Guide to Visiting the Tower of London
A visit to the Tower of London is one of the most unforgettable historical experiences in Britain. This UNESCO World Heritage fortress has stood on the banks of the River Thames for nearly a thousand years and has served as a royal palace, prison, treasury, fortress, and even a zoo.
Today the Tower is famous for its legendary Beefeaters, the mysterious Tower ravens, the dazzling Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, and dramatic stories of prisoners and executions.
For travellers planning a Tower of London tour, this guide explains what to see, hidden treasures inside the fortress, and insider tips for making the most of your visit.
Why the Tower of London Is So Famous
The fortress was established in 1066 by William the Conqueror following the Norman conquest of England.
Over the centuries the Tower became the most secure fortress in the kingdom and played a central role in royal power and politics.
Visitors today come to explore:
• the Crown Jewels
• the medieval White Tower
• the dramatic Bloody Tower
• the historic Royal Mint
• the famous Beefeaters
• the legendary ravens
Few historical sites in Europe contain such a powerful concentration of history.
The Crown Jewels – Britain’s Greatest Treasure
The Crown Jewels are the highlight of any Tower of London tour.
These priceless royal treasures are still used during coronations and state ceremonies.
The collection includes:
• St Edward’s Crown, used in coronations
• the Imperial State Crown worn by the monarch during state ceremonies
• the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, containing the famous Cullinan diamond
The jewels are displayed in the secure Jewel House where visitors move past them on a slow viewing platform.
Meet the Beefeaters – Guardians of the Tower
The famous Yeoman Warders, commonly called Beefeaters, have guarded the Tower for centuries.
Today they serve both as ceremonial guards and as storytellers who guide visitors through the fortress.
Their tours reveal:
• stories of royal prisoners
• the history of executions
• fascinating traditions of the Tower
A Beefeater tour is often considered the most entertaining part of visiting the Tower of London, to learn more about them visit our blog:The Tower of London & Beefeaters: Guardians of 1,000 Years of History.
Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony
Witness history at the Tower’s Opening Ceremony and view the legendary Crown Jewels
From £132
The Tower Ravens and Their Ancient Legend
The Tower’s famous ravens are surrounded by legend.
According to tradition, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall.
For this reason several **Common raven**s are always kept at the fortress.
They are cared for by the Ravenmaster and are one of the most photographed sights inside the Tower.
The White Tower – Heart of the Fortress
The White Tower is the oldest structure inside the fortress.
Built in the 11th century, it served as both a royal residence and a powerful symbol of Norman authority.
Today visitors can explore:
• medieval armour displays
• historic swords and weapons
• exhibitions about royal warfare
The building itself is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Europe.
Executions at the Tower of London
Although many executions took place nearby on Tower Hill, a few high-profile prisoners were executed inside the Tower itself.
One of the most famous was Anne Boleyn, executed in 1536.
The execution site at Tower Green is now marked by a memorial.
The Bloody Tower and the Princes in the Tower
One of the most mysterious places inside the fortress is the Bloody Tower.
This tower is associated with the disappearance of two young princes:
• Edward V
• his brother Richard, Duke of York
Their fate remains one of the greatest mysteries in British history.
The Bloody Tower later housed famous prisoners including Sir Walter Raleigh.
The Royal Mint at the Tower
For centuries the Royal Mint operated within the Tower of London.
Coins were produced here for the English monarchy for over 500 years.
Visitors today can learn how coins were created and how the mint supported the royal treasury.
Hidden Treasures Inside the Tower
Many visitors overlook fascinating details hidden around the fortress.
Look for:
• medieval graffiti carved by prisoners
• armour belonging to Henry VIII
• ancient chapel tombs in Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
• defensive arrow slits in the fortress walls
Exploring these quieter areas reveals the Tower’s most fascinating secrets.
Best Way to Visit the Tower of London
Because the fortress contains nearly a thousand years of history, many visitors benefit from a guided tour.
A Tower of London tour helps uncover the dramatic stories behind the buildings and brings the site to life.
Expert guides explain:
• royal intrigues and betrayals
• the symbolism of the Crown Jewels
• secrets hidden in the fortress walls
• legends surrounding the ravens and Beefeaters
Book a Tower of London Tour
Our expert guides bring the stories of the Tower to life while helping visitors discover hidden treasures throughout the fortress.
Tower of London: Crown Jewels, Torture & Executions Tour
Journey from the Crown Jewels to chilling tales of the Tower’s darkest secrets.
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Easy Access Crown Jewels & The Original Tower of London Cruise Tour
Explore the Tower of London with early access to the Crown Jewels, then enjoy a premium guided Thames River cruise. A seamless way to experience London’s royal history and iconic landmarks.
From £138
VIP Tower of London Early Access: Crown Jewels & White Tower Tour
Step back in time with this exclusive Tower of London tour, led in part by a White Tower Warden for a rare insider experience.
From £119
Tower of London & Private Beefeater Encounter Tour
Exclusive Beefeater meet & greet and discover the secrets behind the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
From £112
Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony
Witness history at the Tower’s Opening Ceremony and view the legendary Crown Jewels
From £132
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you spend visiting the Tower of London?
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the fortress.
What are the highlights of the Tower of London?
The most popular highlights include the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, the Beefeaters, and the famous Tower ravens.
Is a Tower of London tour worth it?
Yes. Guided tours provide historical context and reveal stories that most visitors would otherwise miss.
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