My Visit & Tour to the Tower of London Over 60
Let me tell you, visiting the Tower of London at 60+ was like stepping right into a time machine—minus the time travel sickness and bad special effects. This place is packed with history, stories, and more stairs than my knees bargained for.
A Little Backstory (and a Lot of Stone Walls)
The Tower of London sits proudly on the north bank of the River Thames, right in the heart of central London, just steps away from the iconic Tower Bridge—which, yes, you can walk across (and should, the views are amazing!). This isn’t just some old castle. Built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, it’s one of the most historic and fascinating royal palaces in the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, it’s worn many hats: royal residence, fortress, prison, mint, treasury, and even a royal menagerie full of exotic animals like lions and a polar bear that fished in the Thames!
Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of the top London attractions. If it’s your first time visiting, prepare to be amazed. The layers of history here are unreal.
We actually walked over from Tower Bridge since it wasn’t far, and honestly, it was the perfect way to approach such a historic site. You get these gorgeous river views, classic double-decker buses rolling by, and photo ops at every turn. It kind of set the tone for the rest of the visit.
Tickets, Tours & Tips
We bought our Tower of London tickets online through the official website, which was super convenient. You can also get them on-site, but I recommend checking the opening hours and last admission times ahead of time. Prices can vary, and buying online usually saves a few pounds. If you’re planning to hit other landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussauds, Kensington Palace, or Windsor Castle, definitely look into the London Pass—it bundles popular attractions and makes the sightseeing process smoother.
Tales of Tragedy and Betrayal at the Tower
It was interesting to learn about the many dark and dramatic stories tied to the Tower of London—particularly the tales from the Bloody Tower, Tower Green, the Place of Execution, and of course, the tragic fate of Anne Boleyn.
Anne Boleyn was the second wife of King Henry VIII.
She was smart, elegant, and outspoken—traits that made her powerful, but also dangerous in a world where speaking up as a woman could cost you everything.
Accused of treason, adultery, and even sorcery (with little to no solid evidence), Anne was imprisoned in the Bloody Tower and later executed on Tower Green in 1536. It’s said that she faced her death with grace and courage, and some even believe her ghost still walks the Tower grounds—headless.
Another haunting tale was about the Princes in the Tower—two young brothers, Edward V and Richard, who were sent to the Tower for “safekeeping” after their father’s death. But they mysteriously disappeared and were never seen again.
Many suspect they were murdered to make way for their uncle, Richard III, to take the throne. Their story is tied to the Bloody Tower, which seems to hold more sorrow than bricks.
At Tower Green, we heard about Lady Jane Grey, a 16-year-old girl who was queen for just nine days. She was caught in the political games of the adults around her and paid the ultimate price. Like Anne, she was also executed at the Tower, despite being barely more than a child.
And then there were the lesser-known souls—men and women executed at the Place of Execution, often publicly, in front of roaring crowds. Some were noble, some were accused spies, others just caught in the wrong power struggle at the wrong time.
All these stories reminded me that the Tower of London isn’t just a pretty place with stone walls and royal jewels—it’s a place where real people lived, ruled, and died. It’s filled with echoes of ambition, betrayal, heartbreak, and resilience that you can still feel as you walk those ancient paths.
There are standard tours, small group tours, and even private tours, but we decided to just explore on our own.
Accessibility (and What We Didn’t Know)
Heads up—if you have a disability, entry is free for both you and a companion. We didn’t realize this until after our visit, so we paid full price. Oops! Don’t make the same mistake—check the accessible tour options and policies ahead of time.
Also, while the Tower is working on accessibility, there are many stairs, especially inside the White Tower and Beauchamp Tower. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility issues, some parts may be off-limits. The walls of the Tower of London, Traitor’s Gate, and parts of the medieval palace require a bit of climbing, so bring comfortable shoes and take your time.
Sights You Don’t Want to Miss
The Crown Jewels Exhibition – including the Imperial State Crown and more from the collection of crown jewels. Stunning!
The White Tower – a powerhouse of history and royal armouries. Built by Henry III, it’s where the Tower story began.
The Bloody Tower – full of dark tales and mystery.
Tower Green – where royalty met their tragic fate.
The Royal Mint and Tower Exhibition areas.
And don’t forget the gift shop—because what’s a tour without a fridge magnet?
White Tower
This is the big one—the oldest building in the Tower complex, built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century. It’s a fortress, a symbol of royal power, and home to the Royal Armouries collection. You’ll see:
Suits of armor from kings like Henry VIII (his armor is shockingly wide at the waist—relatable).
Ancient weapons and battle gear.
A lovely little chapel inside—St. John’s Chapel, dating back over 900 years.
🟡 Tip: There are steep, narrow stairs inside the White Tower. No lift. If you’ve got bad knees, take it slow or skip it.
Crown Jewels Exhibition
This is the dazzling highlight for most visitors. Housed in a secure section of the Tower, you’ll find:
The Imperial State Crown, used at the State Opening of Parliament.
St. Edward’s Crown, used for coronations.
Scepters, orbs, swords, and royal regalia.
Over 23,000 gems and counting—sparkly enough to make your eyes water.
🟡 Tip: There’s usually a long line, but it moves fast. You step onto a moving walkway in front of the jewels to keep things flowing. No photos allowed.
Bloody Tower
This tower gets its name from some seriously grim tales, like:
The mystery of the Princes in the Tower, the young sons of Edward IV who vanished without a trace.
Political prisoners held and sometimes executed here.
It’s also where Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned for 13 years—he even had his family living with him at one point!
🟡 Tip: A bit tight inside. Lots of steps, narrow corridors.
Tower Green & Scaffold Site
This grassy area is deceptively peaceful. It’s where high-profile executions took place, including:
Anne Boleyn (second wife of Henry VIII).
Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen for just 9 days.
Catherine Howard, another of Henry’s unfortunate wives.
There’s a lovely modern memorial honoring these tragic figures. It’s moving and worth a moment of reflection.
Medieval Palace & Royal Bedchambers
A beautifully reconstructed section of royal life in the Tower. This was once the luxurious residence for kings and queens staying in the Tower.
See the recreated bedrooms, fireplaces, and thrones.
Get a glimpse into what life was like before central heating.
🟡 Tip: You’ll find actors sometimes dressed in period clothing—feel free to ask questions, they stay in character!
Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) Tour
Don’t miss this! The guided tour by a Yeoman Warder is included with your ticket and offers:
Real historical storytelling with a dramatic flair.
Insider facts about the walls of the Tower of London, the Traitor’s Gate, and old prison escapes.
The Warders themselves live at the Tower—how cool is that?
🟡 Tip: Arrive early to join the first tour of the day and avoid the crowds. They’ll announce it in the courtyard near the entrance.
Beauchamp Tower
This tower has graffiti. But not the spray paint kind—etched messages from prisoners during Tudor times.
Some of the carvings are beautifully detailed and tell haunting stories.
A fascinating look at the Tower’s darker side.
The Royal Mint Exhibit
Learn how money was made at the Tower for over 500 years.
Displays of coins and machinery.
Stories about counterfeiters and coin forgers.
Even an interactive coin-stamping activity (great for grandkids too).
Royal Menagerie
Once home to exotic animals like lions, monkeys, and even a polar bear gifted by the King of Norway (who reportedly fished in the Thames!). It’s no longer active, but the display tells the wild history of animals kept here.
Gift Shop
Yes, you’ll exit through the gift shop—but it’s worth a peek. Great souvenirs, books, and quirky history gifts. Plus, it’s one of the few places where you can buy a Beefeater rubber duck—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want one?
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Ceremony of the Keys
This ancient tradition happens every single night—locking up the Tower. You’ll need to book this separately in advance (very limited space), but it’s free and truly special.
Final Thoughts
Was it worth it? Absolutely. The history of the Tower of London is wild, emotional, and incredibly well preserved. I’m so glad I got to see it—even if my legs were begging for mercy by the end of the day.
That said, if you’re disabled, use a wheelchair, or have difficulty walking, know that the tour does have its limits. While the Beefeater tour is great, some areas just aren’t accessible. Cobblestones make rolling a chair tricky, and several parts of the Tower—including the White Tower and other upper-level spots—require stair access with no ramps or lifts. So yes, it can be a challenge.
The good news? If you have a disability, you’ll often be able to skip the long lines and get into most attractions quickly—just make sure you book your ticket in advance. There’s still plenty to see without climbing a single step, and you won’t feel like you missed out completely. Just plan ahead and bring your patience (and maybe a strong friend if you’re rolling a wheelchair!).
If you’re planning a London trip, especially over 60, the Tower is a solid stop for diving deep into British history. Just pace yourself, wear comfortable shoes, and avoid school holidays if you can—those long queues are very real.
It’s truly one of the top things to do in the heart of London—whether you’re a history buff, on a public tour, or hopping off a Thames River Cruise.
So now I’m curious—have you ever taken a Beefeater tour or visited the Tower? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to know if you climbed all the stairs like a champ or waved the white flag like I almost did!
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14 thoughts on “My Visit & Tour to the Tower of London Over 60”
Thank you for sharing! Wow, I would never tell you’re 60+ – I mean, really? What’s your secret, girl? Btw I used to live in London, but never been in the Tower – I feel like I’ve to visit next time I’m in London!
Awe, thank you. I do feel every bit of 60. LOL. Wow, you lived in London! This was my first time visiting and I loved it! I can’t wait to go back.
I’ve been to the Tower of London before—and wow, what a powerful place. The Crown Jewels were breathtaking in person, and I still remember how eerie the Bloody Tower felt. There’s so much history packed into those walls—The White Tower, Tower Green, even the old Royal Mint! It really leaves a mark on you. Accessibility is definitely a challenge in parts, but still so worth the visit. And yes, I left with a fridge magnet too.
Thanks for your wonderful response. I enjoyed reading about your visit there. The Crown Jewels was my favorite!
That looks great! My wife and I have always wanted to visit London and one of must see tours would be the Tower of London.
I think you guys will love it. So much history!
I’m so inspired to book a trip to see the Tower of London soon! This has officially been added to my bucket list! Thank you for the great recap of your experience!
You are so welcome!
London is such an amazing city with so much interesting history. Your post is get info for all travelers! You’re inspiring me to revisit the tower on my next trip. I used to live in London, so I often skip touristy things that I’ve done before, but maybe I shouldn’t! :)
It was fun but I understand why you skip the tourist things. It’s super crowded!
I love the Tower of London, I went there when I was too young to really appreciate the architecture that there is in London! I would love to go again now. Loved your blog.
Thanks!
This sounds amazing! Thank you so much for the helpful tips, especially regarding stairs.
You are welcome!