Abbi-<BR>I didn't mean to sound arrogant. And I am very big on historic sites. That's one reason why I decided to go to the UK. <BR><BR>I do apologize to anyone on the board if I sounded like I was arrogant. As for the feedback on the site, thanks. I have decided to visit and I know I will enjoy it.

Visiting London after visiting the Netherlands, Germany and Paris on my first trip to Europe, I found London to be less impressive architecturally. The atmosphere was less historic and more modern, too. However, the Tower was one of the few places in London that I felt that same feeling of being part of history. That said, my parents didn't care for the Tower. I will say this, be there before it opens, so you don't have to deal with the lines and crowds.

&quot;I found London to be less impressive architecturally. The atmosphere was less historic and more modern, too.&quot;<BR><BR><BR>London sprawls. She is ugly and beautiful and artsy and lowbrow all at the same time. It was the first Western city to reach a population of one million, then 2, ,3, 4, etc. She was the pumping heart of the Industrial Revolution. She was the victim of the most brutal war time assault in the history or the world. Humanity leaves scars. Imagine what we might see in London if she chose to stand stalwart and alone during the onslought of the Battle of Britain.

I know you mean &quot;if she HADN'T of stood stalwart...&quot;<BR><BR>Your right though, if you want another pretty face go to Paris. When the terror came she rolled over like a lap dog.

don't mean to be a stick in the mud--but the tower was not too impressive to me. I am a history buff and love historical sites but I found that the tower was not one of my favourites (very expensive too). london is a great city though!

sarah, I agree with you....I also thought the Tower was over-rated. But I enjoyed the rest of London! I guess it is something to do ONCE, though, if you have the time.

Here's another vote for the Tower. It is terrific and very worthwhile. As someone else mentioned, try to read up on some British history before you go so that you are familiar with some of the information the warders are talking about. They do such a fantastic job and really make it come alive! The crown jewels are fabulous but I wish I had gone through their exhibit more than once. It's hard to believe they are real, and it would be great to get another look at them. As you can see, I higly recommend the Tower! I hope to get back to London some day and will definetely go to the Tower again.

Georgian,<BR><BR>Your question certainly was not arrogant. I received the same ridicule when I asked if another attraction was worth the trip. Since most travelers seem to have a limited amount of money and time to spend I think it is appropriate to ask if a site is &quot;worth it&quot;. <BR><BR>I just came back from Rome and some of the attractions which were hyped, turned out to have very little historical or cultural significance. On the other hand, some of the more obscure sites were more satisfying by offering a more pleasant viewing experience. <BR><BR>By asking your question it leaves the door open for others to say something such as, &quot;I would recommend xyz, rather than abc&quot;. Just because someplace has found its way into a history book does not necessarily mean a visit will be pleasant. I have a feeling you wanted to know if the Tower allowed you adequate access throughout, a leisurely stroll and/or offered a good view of the jewels. <BR><BR>So far, it seems that most recommend seeing the Tower. Enjoy and I hope you find it &quot;worth it&quot;.

Absolutely worth while.<BR><BR>On my visit to London last year, I was at the Tower when it opened and planned to stay about 2 hours -- I ended up being there 5-6 hours. I went straight to the crown jewels first then wandered everywhere and took my time. It was amazing.<BR><BR>Did you know that the Warders all live on the premises? I noticed the apartments (the little town houses around a green) plus from the top of one of the walls I saw other apartments complete with flowers and benches -- plus (LOL) clothes lines on top of one of the roofs. It just seemed so unusual to see such pleasant abodes inside the walls of the Tower of London so I asked one of the Yeoman Warders (BeefEaters) who lived there and he told me that all the Warders and Guards are required to live on the premises. And while I was at it, I asked who owned the black cat sitting on one of the door stops -- He told me the cat's name was &quot;Satan&quot; and that the Chaplain owned it.

Dfc--CREEPY! Can you imagine all of those ghosts that MUST be running around that place?<BR>JaneyGirl--that graffiti was amazing-I have a picture of Robert Dudley's name carved into the cell wall (big Liz I fan)...<BR>And I am astonished that anyone with any interest in history from 1000's to the 1600's would find the Tower less than amazing but... whatever.<BR>Georgian-I think some may be put off by your post b/c your question is so subjective. I myself am not terribly into post 1650's history but obscenely into pre-1650, so for me the Tower was not to be missed-and really, a building or group of buildings that has been anywhere for a thousand years shouldn't have the &quot;worth it&quot; question asked about it. Just my 2 pence.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!! Without a doubt!!!!!<BR><BR>Also suggest you get tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys which is the locking down of the Tower!!!<BR><BR>

It's amazing how much heat (flames?) a simple query can generate. <BR><BR>I thought the Tower was well worth a visit. I am reasonably conversant with English history. I took my daughter when she was 10, and at that time she knew nothing about the time period. There was a good childrens' activity, however, which kept the kids focused on finding clues (and made them perhaps less fidgity!) I couldn't convince her the Crown Jewels weren't fake, though.<BR><BR>We found the Changing of the Guard, at Windsor, completely boring and a waste of time. So I don't blame anyone for asking if a famous attraction is worth it, even if we may not all agree.<BR><BR>Linda

linda: the guard change at windsor (as opposed to the castle itself) is hardly comparable to the tower. it is certainly not a &quot;famous attraction&quot; like the tower is. it is just three guardsmen switching locations. georgian's original question &quot;is the tower of london worth it?&quot; was pretty silly.

Skip the tower of london and see the wax museum and then head to a local Pizza Hut.

the warders are wonderful..the crows are wonderful..the lady church is really special....sitting on a bench in the courtyard is great...the jewels take your breath away.

&gt;the warders are wonderful..the crows &gt;are wonderful..<BR><BR><BR>Crows, crows?!!!!!!<BR>We aint crows we're ravens. Call us crows and we'll sue!

Everyone mentions to be there before it opens. What time is that? Is it seasonal? I am going in February.

9 am during the week, 10am at weekends. See:<BR><BR>http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/tower_home.asp

To all who ridiculed Georgian for asking a question, and claimed it arrogant that he/she ask if the Tower is &quot;Worth it,&quot; you are the biggest bunch of useless snobs! Puullleeez people! Who do you think you are? Do you own this site? Then just go away! Georgian, like most who come to this forum is seeking travel advice and or opinions, but people especially &quot;xxx&quot; (who is a total jerk always) decide they can play God and judge whether a question is &quot;silly&quot; or &quot;arrogant.&quot; Come on! Everyone's likes and dislikes are different. If you asked some if going to church on Sunday was worth it...some would say &quot;It's a must&quot;, and others would not find it necessary. My point is that each question should be looked at objectively and answered honestly. But to scold or ridicule the person asking it...I dare say is beyond ARROGANT! Why do people find it so hard to be nice?

Please, 'croak', ravens 'quoth' they do not 'croak.' As dear Mr. Poe observed, 'quoth the raven...&quot;nevermore! nevermore! I shall visit the Tower...nevermore!&quot;