Tower of London, Yes or No?
Jan 5th, 2009, 03:59 PM
#21
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Daniel-- you are one strange bird; on your original post you noted to be a history lover who have chosen to visit London (one of the most expensive cities in Europe) this summer (the most expensive time of the year). You are pondering paying 16 pounds #-o to visit the Tower of London #-o as a friend (who you later allude may have been maliciously misleading you) advise against it.
Dan my man, you are thinking this way too much...fork out the 16 pounds and make your own mind....
Dan my man, you are thinking this way too much...fork out the 16 pounds and make your own mind....
Jan 5th, 2009, 05:35 PM
#25
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Thanks to all! Tower of London is definitely on the agenda and I like the idea of the Ceremony of the Keys and the Yeoman Warder Tours!
Viajero-- Perhaps this post looks suspicious...like I'm trolling?
I can assure you I genuinely am trying to prioritize my time and money in London (I'm a teacher so live with limited means; a cousin invited me whose husband works there living in Hampstead, so this is part of the draw to come this most interesting yet expensive city this summer, to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid exorbitant accommodation expenses, while my cousin is still there). A friend had advised against the Tower of London, and there are other places I want to see (including old haunts, having lived in London as a youth (1978-1982)); I really might have skipped the Tower had that been the general Fodor's consensus! I must admit to taking a definitively troll-like enjoyment 
to the banter of opinions though.
Thanks again to all!
Viajero-- Perhaps this post looks suspicious...like I'm trolling?
I can assure you I genuinely am trying to prioritize my time and money in London (I'm a teacher so live with limited means; a cousin invited me whose husband works there living in Hampstead, so this is part of the draw to come this most interesting yet expensive city this summer, to take advantage of this opportunity to avoid exorbitant accommodation expenses, while my cousin is still there). A friend had advised against the Tower of London, and there are other places I want to see (including old haunts, having lived in London as a youth (1978-1982)); I really might have skipped the Tower had that been the general Fodor's consensus! I must admit to taking a definitively troll-like enjoyment to the banter of opinions though. Thanks again to all!
Jan 5th, 2009, 07:49 PM
#26
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Buy your ticket in advance (you can do so online with enough lead time for them to be mailed to you). Then you don't have to stand in the ticket line. Get there 10 minutes before opening time, and join the much smaller queue of people who already have their tickets. Once you enter, go straight to the crown jewels before it gets crowded and you get "herded" through the zig-zags by others pressing behind you.
Spend as much time as you like gawking at the jewels. Then go outside and look for the next yeoman tour---join that and have some fun.
We spent 3 hours there altogether, and it was WELL worth it.
Spend as much time as you like gawking at the jewels. Then go outside and look for the next yeoman tour---join that and have some fun.
We spent 3 hours there altogether, and it was WELL worth it.
Jan 5th, 2009, 09:58 PM
#28
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<<< At 16 pounds entry fee, he told me I should skip it >>>
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/tower-of-london
You need a PAPER London travelcard which has to be bought at a TRAIN station booking office rather than aTube station
http://www.daysoutguide.co.uk/tower-of-london
You need a PAPER London travelcard which has to be bought at a TRAIN station booking office rather than aTube station
Jan 6th, 2009, 02:50 AM
#29
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The Crown is indeed very heavy, and the Queen has it out for a few days before the rare occasions it's used, so that she can practise moving around in it. I heard of a policeman on security duty at the Palace early one morning who was being troubled by one of the corgis that had been let out for a run: a sudden piercing whistle shut the dog up, and the copper turned to see Her Maj on the terrace, in her nightie and curlers, fingers in her mouth to make the whistle - with the Crown on her head.
Jan 6th, 2009, 04:08 AM
#30
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Why skip maybe the most historic spot in the Western World? Would you also consider skipping the Forum in Rome because it's too hot and crowded? Absolutely go. Watch any of the many Tudor movies/TV series/documentaries out there and you'll be itching to stay even longer.
Jan 6th, 2009, 05:57 AM
#31
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I guess what all this illustrates is how different people can view the same thing but come away with different impressions...
People often seem to complain about the dog p__p on the streets of Paris... in 2 visits the past 2 summers my wife and I noticed almost none.
Some people seem to have enjoyed the Jeff Koons exhibit at Versailles... others found them to be a joke.
One person's being herded through the Tower of London is another person's leisurely stroll...
I guess it all adds up to chacun a son gout.
Rob
Jan 6th, 2009, 07:31 AM
#32
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Otzi---I do love history; I’ve indeed watched the Tudors TV series, Elizabeth with both Helen Mirren and Cate Blanchett. Look, I have 5-6 days based in London. But I enjoy Roman history as well; St. Albans (Verulamium) I went as a boy and would like to go back now as a man (I’ll be seeing Bath when based a few days in Southwest England). And I definitely want to walk in the Hampstead Heath (which I loved as a boy) and around my old neighbourhood near Golders Green to see a few of my parents’ friends. I’d love to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, the British Museum, the Tate Gallery, the Globe Theatre, Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace…and then Canterbury and Dover are so close…many of which are also important places in the history of the Western world, no? These all seem un-missable too, don’t they? And I really should spend time with my cousin, who’s kindly offered her place. But wait, I’m running out of time now! Especially me who doesn’t want to rush something! Decisions need to be made… the London area is jam-packed with activities…despite the importance of certain places, things need to be cut… I accept that this is way it must be…
Is it really so surprising that a history-lover might consider cutting the Tower of London when a friend described it as a crowded place with conveyer belts pushing people through, given all the many historic sites I’m already considering (and really, I’ve just gotten started with that list)? Now I know the conveyer belt is only for the Crown Jewels with other parts that may be explored in a leisurely fashion, and that crowds are not so bad with advance ticket purchase and early arrival. With this knowledge and the enthusiasm expressed here, thanks to you and everyone else, the Tower of London is now NOT on the chopping block.
To all who responded (including late-comers; I’ve read each and every post), again I am sincerely appreciative for all the advice.
Kindly, Daniel
Is it really so surprising that a history-lover might consider cutting the Tower of London when a friend described it as a crowded place with conveyer belts pushing people through, given all the many historic sites I’m already considering (and really, I’ve just gotten started with that list)? Now I know the conveyer belt is only for the Crown Jewels with other parts that may be explored in a leisurely fashion, and that crowds are not so bad with advance ticket purchase and early arrival. With this knowledge and the enthusiasm expressed here, thanks to you and everyone else, the Tower of London is now NOT on the chopping block
. To all who responded (including late-comers; I’ve read each and every post), again I am sincerely appreciative for all the advice.
Kindly, Daniel
Jan 6th, 2009, 08:11 AM
#33
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Definitely visit the Tower. The Ceremony of the Keys is really cool. The tradition of locking up at sunset within the Tower grounds is very interesting. Also, it's free and it's a limited crowd, so you will hear and see everything easily. Get your tickets well in advance.
Jan 6th, 2009, 08:31 AM
#34
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I third (or fourth?) the suggestion that you purchase your ticket in advance and be there as soon as it opens.
Go straight to the jewel exhibit - it is a much different experience when you are one of the only ones there to see them, versus fighting the crowds. I was able to spend quite a bit of time looking at the display, walking in place on the conveyor belt and circling around the case several times (yes I like sparkly things).
Depending on how long you spend looking at the jewels, you may be able to catch the first yeoman tour, but I would get there with enough time to make sure you're close enough to hear. The tours do attract a sizeable crowd and it can be hard to get within hearing range sometimes.
If you get frustrated with the crowd on the tour, I would try to stick it out because at the end you go inside the chapel, which (I believe) is not open unless you are part of the tour.
Go straight to the jewel exhibit - it is a much different experience when you are one of the only ones there to see them, versus fighting the crowds. I was able to spend quite a bit of time looking at the display, walking in place on the conveyor belt and circling around the case several times (yes I like sparkly things).
Depending on how long you spend looking at the jewels, you may be able to catch the first yeoman tour, but I would get there with enough time to make sure you're close enough to hear. The tours do attract a sizeable crowd and it can be hard to get within hearing range sometimes.
If you get frustrated with the crowd on the tour, I would try to stick it out because at the end you go inside the chapel, which (I believe) is not open unless you are part of the tour.
Jan 6th, 2009, 09:28 AM
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Hey Daniel! If you go early and are one of the first people in line, then go straight to the Crown Jewels, ride the conveyer belt 4-5 times (we did that--there were only 3 other people there) until your eyes bug out at the sight of the HUGE jewels; then go take the wonderful Yeoman's tour, then explore whatever you want at your own pace. It's a great place.
Jan 6th, 2009, 10:37 AM
#37
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Funny --- I've been to the Tower maybe 10 times over the past 30 years and only saw the Jewels once. Just not interested, personally. I've never felt rushed or crowded in any of the individual towers or the museums. Your friend must've visited on free admission day!
