The Tower of London

(Part inside, part outside, dress for London weather!) 2 to 2 1/2 hours

This is a must-see when in London.

A vast fortress, containing priceless jewels, a living historic site essentially, plus several fantastic photo opportunities of Tower Bridge (not London Bridge!) Fun for all the family. The Tower is London’s - if not the U.K.'s - mightiest castle and has stood for half of London's recent history. A place that has been home to thousands of prisoners (it is thought at least 8,000 people have been incarcerated in the Tower) and where I too spent many years, not as a prisoner but as an employee - hehe - before qualifying and working as a London Blue Badge Tourist Guide. Allow me to give you an introduction to the Tower like no other.

This royal castle has had all kinds of uses since being founded by King William the Conqueror in around 1087…

Palace, fortress, torture chamber, execution site, Royal Mint, royal menagerie (zoo), Armoury, and weapons arsenal. The Tower was once home to some of the state's most important documents too such as Magna Carta, the first "Great Charter" guaranteeing English political liberties, sealed by King John in 1215.

Since the 1300s the Tower has housed the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, made up of over 23,000 precious and semi-precious gemstones including the world's largest cut diamond as well as the 105.6 carat Koh-I-Noor diamond. The latter was fought over by Indian princes for centuries before being 'gifted' to Queen Victoria in the mid 1800s.

We'll explore the castle grounds, even walk along the Tower’s battlements (castle walls) and meet the Tower's most famous residents, including the Yeoman Warders, nicknamed Beefeaters (I’ll explain on the day) who have guarded the Tower for over 500 years and - at a safe distance - I will introduce you to the Tower Ravens, the legendary birds that keep the Tower and the monarchy safe and secure.

Admission tickets required to visit the Tower. Contact me for more info.