Tower of London
Tower of London London EC3N 4AB
Formerly home to the kings and queens of England, a prison for the middle and upper classes, and an execution site for many, including two of Henry VIII’s wives, the Tower of London has perhaps more history within it than any other London building, and there’s plenty to explore. The White Tower is the oldest building and houses royal armour and weapons; join a queue early at the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels, which are so spectacular there are conveyor belts to keep visitors moving or we’d all stop and stare for ages at over 25,000 gems. Check for the ravens at Tower Green: legend says that the Tower and the kingdom itself will fall if they ever leave. Thankfully they are quite happy living here with the Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, who give tours every day (included in the hefty ticket price).