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Original poster

Tower Of London - Worth Visiting?

37 replies

RabbitsRock · 07/06/2025 17:31

In East London next Saturday, looking for things to do near Victoria Park. So far we’ve got Young V & A & Brick Lane Market. The Tower of London seems expensive ( £35 on the official website) but maybe that’s what a lot of places charge for admission these days? I went from primary school but can’t remember much about it. Advice & recommendations welcome, also for good places to eat in the evening.

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 07/06/2025 17:35

It’s got the Crown Jewels which are incredible so if anyone hasn’t seen them then do. I bought membership for a year and went 5/6 times which was really great value plus this year they have the poppies again (I had membership when the poppies were there last time)

DPotter · 07/06/2025 17:38

Yes ! Great place to go. Crown jewels are amazing and the whole place is so full of history - love it!

There's some discounted tickets on offer at Groupon - don't know details but definitely worth a look

PomeloOud · 07/06/2025 17:40

It’s one of the best places we’ve visited. So interesting. The Yeoman warders that do the guiding have great stories to tell (ours was a bit of a flirty pest with me, but my kids just thought that was funny). I’d highly recommend it as a London activity.

Ours both have Blue Peter badges so entry for them was free.

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Hoolihan · 07/06/2025 17:41

It's brilliant!

HundredMilesAnHour · 07/06/2025 17:45

I live within walking distance and the Tower of London is one of my favourite places to visit. It’s just incredible!

Going on a Sat, make sure you go in the morning if possible as it gets busier and busier as the day goes on.

I’m not a fan of the Young V&A but some people seem to enjoy it.

Original poster
RabbitsRock · 07/06/2025 17:47

LaurieFairyCake · 07/06/2025 17:35

It’s got the Crown Jewels which are incredible so if anyone hasn’t seen them then do. I bought membership for a year and went 5/6 times which was really great value plus this year they have the poppies again (I had membership when the poppies were there last time)

Are the poppies included in the cost?

OP posts:
DominoBlue · 07/06/2025 17:59

I'd second that its one of the best places I've visited. So much history. The jewels are stunning. The cafe inside was quite reasonably priced. I was gutted as we had expected the cafe to be extortionate so ate before going in and ended up paying more.
Walking over tower bridge is good too. V&A is amazing, my favourite place.

BlueRin5eBrigade · 07/06/2025 18:00

Are you in receipt of UC?

Westfacing · 07/06/2025 18:03

Tower of London is well worth visiting; or what about Tower Bridge? You can go up to the top where there is a museum with the history of the bridge and go across the enclosed walkway.

user2848502016 · 07/06/2025 18:10

I love the tower, so interesting. I took my 10 & 14 year olds recently and they both enjoyed it

Crunchymum · 07/06/2025 18:21

LaurieFairyCake · 07/06/2025 17:35

It’s got the Crown Jewels which are incredible so if anyone hasn’t seen them then do. I bought membership for a year and went 5/6 times which was really great value plus this year they have the poppies again (I had membership when the poppies were there last time)

This year's poppy installation looks quite different to the 2014 one.

Wish I'd gone back then (not sure why I didn't. Assume because I was pregnant and had a toddler!)

We went at Easter. We had visitors from the US, otherwise I'd have waited until the poppies were there. Can't justify the cost twice in one year 😯(definitely worth going once though!!)

Oddly I had a real visceral reaction to the Crown Jewels display. I'm not at all anti monarchy and I'm not particularly a 'liberal bleeding heart' but I felt quite sickened and saddened to see such wealth on display when so many people are struggling with poverty.

I whizzed round as quickly as possible and left everyone else to it. I didn't enjoy that part of it at all, despite me really looking forward to seeing the CJ's.

LaurieFairyCake · 07/06/2025 18:23

2018 was when the poppies were there last time (end of 1st WW) Smile

yes it’s different but still lovely. As far as I’m aware you can walk round it and see the poppies OP

Crunchymum · 07/06/2025 18:27

LaurieFairyCake · 07/06/2025 18:23

2018 was when the poppies were there last time (end of 1st WW) Smile

yes it’s different but still lovely. As far as I’m aware you can walk round it and see the poppies OP

Oh right, so they were there in 2018 too!! Well that's twice I've missed them.

I'd had my disabled DC early that year so missed that installation as well 😬 (this looked similar to 2014 though!)

TeenLifeMum · 07/06/2025 18:30

Tower of London is fantastic. I was looking forward to seeing the Crown Jewels but that actually ended up being my least favourite, because I love history and it was fascinating.

Next trip I want to see the Cartier collection at the VA and cabinet war rooms.

GMH1974 · 07/06/2025 18:32

Last time they had the poppies it was possible to see them without having to pay to go in.

TheSalmonMousse · 07/06/2025 18:48

Yes, totally. Wonderful day out.
Get there as it opens and go straight to the crown jewels. My dc's were fascinated that other kids actually live there.

iamme21 · 07/06/2025 19:15

If you are travelling by train (national rail) you can get 2 for 1 tickets

Toddlerteaplease · 07/06/2025 19:21

Westfacing · 07/06/2025 18:03

Tower of London is well worth visiting; or what about Tower Bridge? You can go up to the top where there is a museum with the history of the bridge and go across the enclosed walkway.

i agree, that is good as well.

Original poster
RabbitsRock · 08/06/2025 06:26

Like a twerp, just realised that we won’t arrive in London until the early afternoon. So do you good folks recommend Brick Lane Market & The Young V & A? As for food, some of the pubs around Victoria Park sound good.

OP posts:
Solasum · 08/06/2025 06:33

I am a Museum fan, but while the exhibition itself at Young V&A was interesting, when we visited it felt like the main ‘point’ of the Museum was as an indoor play area for preschoolers. Even the cafe is set up for them. Real V&A is a million times more interesting

PrincessOfPreschool · 08/06/2025 06:44

I've lived in East London for nearly 30 years and I've never been to the Tower (only externally). Personally I would recommend a boat trip after dark. Or, a guided walking tour of the old city of London. You can get some online which you do at your own pace, lots of fun clues.

To be honest, the Tower is East(ish) but all the sights are close so wouldn't choose it for location. I would rather do the Eye or St Paul's. Even if you arrive in the afternoon, it's only 20 mins or so to central London so not sure I would bother staying in the area. Go into central London and eat out there. Wander round Covent Garden or Trafalgar square. Go to the Tate modern and walk across to St Paul's. You can eat in McD's to save money if you're not coming to London for food (it is very expensive).

Yazzi · 08/06/2025 07:00

Is this with kids? If so, I would a million times over recommend the show "Rough Magic" at Shakespeare's Globe over the Young V&A. It's not that pricey and it's just superb. It was our absolute favourite thing we did on a recent trip to London (with a 4, 6 and 7 year old).

LumpyMashedPotato · 08/06/2025 07:03

I like it and think its very memorable especially for kids

kiwiblue · 08/06/2025 07:05

Tower bridge is also great!!