Tower of London: Worth It?

The Tower of London is one of those places that actually delivers. Expect to spend at least three hours inside its thick walls: seeing the Crown Jewels (which move surprisingly quickly on a good day), walking the battlements, and peering at ravens and armor. The Yeoman Warder tours are genuinely funny and informative – they're the highlight for most people. It gets crowded, especially around the jewels and in the White Tower, so you'll be sharing the experience with lots of other visitors. The whole site feels properly historic rather than theme-park fake.

Go in spring or autumn if you can. Summer is packed and the queues can be brutal; winter is quieter but cold and some outdoor areas feel grim. Expect to pay around £35-£55 per adult depending on whether you buy a basic ticket or one that includes a guided tour or fast-track entry. Kids and seniors get decent discounts.

Take the first Yeoman Warder tour of the day and head straight for the Crown Jewels right after – that's the one solid tip. Skip the torture exhibition if you're short on time; it's smaller and less interesting than the main towers. Wear comfortable shoes – the cobblestones are murder on your feet after a couple of hours.