Are you planning a visit to the Tower of London and wondering how much time you should allocate for the tour? The answer is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as your interests, pace, and time of the day. However, in this article, we will provide you with a rough estimate based on our experience.
What is the Tower of London?
Before diving into the duration of the tour, let’s first understand what the Tower of London is. The Tower of London is a historic castle located in central London, England. It was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 and has since served various purposes such as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury.
What to expect during the tour?
The tour of the Tower of London includes viewing various buildings within its premises such as:
White Tower
The White Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in the Tower of London. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and contains four floors with displays showcasing armor and weapons used throughout history.
Jewel House
The Jewel House contains some of the most valuable jewels in England such as the Crown Jewels. Visitors can view these jewels from a moving walkway while being surrounded by armed guards.
Medieval Palace
The Medieval Palace contains recreations of rooms used by medieval kings and queens. Visitors can explore these rooms and learn about life during medieval times.
How long does it take to do the tour?
Based on our experience, we recommend allocating at least three hours for touring the Tower of London. This should give you enough time to explore all buildings within its premises without feeling rushed.
However, if you have a keen interest in history or plan to read every information plaque in detail, you may require additional time. On the other hand, if you are short on time or have limited interest in history, you can complete the tour in two hours.
Tips for optimizing your tour duration
To make the most of your time during the tour, here are some tips:
Visit during off-peak hours
The Tower of London is usually less crowded during weekdays and early mornings. Visiting during these times can help you avoid long queues and save time.
Take a guided tour
If you are short on time or have limited knowledge about history, taking a guided tour can be helpful. A guide can take you through the highlights of the Tower of London and provide interesting insights.
Plan your route beforehand
Before starting the tour, plan which buildings you want to visit first based on your interests and their location within the premises. This will help you optimize your route and save time.
Conclusion
The Tower of London is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike. While there is no fixed duration for touring it, we recommend allocating at least three hours to explore all buildings within its premises without feeling rushed. By following our tips, you can optimize your tour duration and make the most of your visit.