Real advice from hundreds of families who’ve navigated the historic fortress
Quick Overview for Parents
The Tower of London receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from families, with 74% of family visitors rating it 5 stars. Parents consistently report that children of all ages find plenty to engage with, from the Crown Jewels to the famous ravens. However, success requires planning – here’s everything you need to know.
Age Recommendations
Best Ages: 6-14 years
Based on parent reviews, children in this age range get the most from the experience:
- Old enough to appreciate the history
- Energetic enough for lots of walking
- Fascinated by armor, weapons, and royal treasures
Younger Children (Under 6)
- Can enjoy: Ravens, costumes, Crown Jewels sparkle
- May struggle with: Long queues, extensive walking, historical context
- Parent tip: “Our 3-year-old loved the ravens and running around the grounds, but was too young for the historical aspects”
Teenagers (13+)
- Often surprisingly engaged, especially with darker history
- Appreciate Yeoman Warder tours’ humor and storytelling
- Good for school history tie-ins
Must-See Attractions for Families
1. The Ravens (All Ages Winner!)
Why kids love them: These legendary birds come surprisingly close and have distinct personalities
- Location: Throughout the grounds, especially near the Wakefield Tower
- Parent insight: “My children were fascinated watching the ravens being fed”
- Fun fact to share: Legend says if the ravens leave, the Tower will fall!
2. The Crown Jewels
The main event – but requires strategy:
- Kid reaction: “Even my 8-year-old boy who ‘doesn’t like museums’ was mesmerized”
- Warning: Can involve 30-45 minute waits during peak times
- Moving walkway: Keeps everyone moving, no lingering
- Top tip: Visit immediately at opening or during last 90 minutes
3. The White Tower & Armory
Boys especially love this, but appeals to all:
- Interactive displays about armor weight
- Child-sized armor displays for size comparison
- Horse armor that amazes younger children
- Duration: Allow 45-60 minutes
4. Medieval Palace
Hands-on history:
- Replica thrones for photo opportunities
- Costumed interpreters
- Touchable replicas
- Less crowded than main attractions
Practical Parent Tips
Stroller/Pushchair Considerations
The reality: The Tower is NOT stroller-friendly
- Extensive cobblestones throughout
- Many steep, narrow spiral staircases
- No lift access to many exhibits
- Parent advice: “Leave the stroller at home – bring a carrier for little ones”
Facilities for Families
Toilets:
- Located at entrance and scattered throughout
- Baby changing facilities available
- Can get busy during peak times
Dining:
- New Armouries Café (main option)
- Parent reviews mixed: “Basic and expensive” but “convenient location”
- Smart tip: Many families picnic on the grounds
- Raven’s Gift Shop has snacks
Rest Areas:
- Benches throughout grounds
- Tower Green good for breaks
- Let kids run on the lawn areas
Managing the “Scary” Bits
Parent Concerns Addressed
Some historical content may be intense for sensitive children:
Potentially Disturbing:
- Execution site markers
- Torture exhibition (optional to visit)
- Prison inscriptions
- Stories of beheadings
How Parents Handle It:
- “We focused on the ‘castle’ aspects for our 5-year-old”
- “My 9-year-old found the history fascinating rather than frightening”
- “Skip the torture exhibition with young ones”
- Yeoman Warders are skilled at age-appropriate storytelling
Time Management with Kids
Realistic Visit Duration
- With young children (under 7): 2-3 hours maximum
- With older children: 3-4 hours comfortable
- Full experience: 4-5 hours (teens and patient kids)
Energy Management Strategy
- Start with Crown Jewels (while energy is high)
- Yeoman Warder tour (45 min of entertainment)
- White Tower (most physical climbing)
- Ravens and grounds (relaxed ending)
Signs It’s Time to Go
- “When they stop asking questions”
- “After the third ‘I’m tired'”
- “Once they’ve seen the main three attractions”
Money-Saving Family Tips
Ticket Strategies
- Family tickets offer better value than individual
- Children under 5: FREE admission
- Online booking: Save 15-20% and skip ticket queues
- Annual membership: Pays for itself in 2 visits
Budget Considerations
- Café prices are theme-park level – consider packed lunch
- Gift shop strategically placed at exits
- Photo opportunities are free
- Audio guides may not hold young children’s attention
Best Times for Families
Seasonal Considerations
Best months: April-May, September-October
- Good weather for outdoor areas
- Avoid summer holiday crowds
- Christmas season magical but very busy
Daily Timing
Arrive at opening (9 AM):
- Shortest queues
- Cooler in summer
- Kids still fresh
Avoid:
- Weekends if possible
- School holidays
- 11 AM – 2 PM peak
Special Programs for Families
Knight School
- Seasonal children’s activities
- Hands-on history lessons
- Book in advance when available
Family Tours
- Some Yeoman Warders especially good with children
- Ask at entrance for family-friendly tour times
Interactive Exhibits
- Digital displays in White Tower
- Quiz trails available
- Activity sheets at information desk
Parent Survival Tips
What to Bring
✓ Comfortable shoes (extensive walking) ✓ Weather protection (limited indoor shelter) ✓ Water bottles (can refill) ✓ Snacks for queue times ✓ Camera for costume photo ops
What to Leave Behind
✗ Strollers/pushchairs if possible ✗ Large bags (security delays) ✗ Scooters or ride-on toys
Queue Entertainment
- Tower history facts to share
- Raven counting game
- Spot the Yeoman Warder
- Practice British accents
Common Parent Reviews
Overwhelmingly Positive
“My 12-year-old boy who loved everything about this – from the Crown Jewels, to the armour to the stories of imprisonment”
“Kids loved it and they got a medal and certificate”
“My 10yr old daughter loved all the anecdotes and history”
Constructive Warnings
“Very busy and you did get jostled by others but again with young children we kept moving anyway”
“The food – we ate in the cafe which was overpriced for very poor quality”
“It’s not too big so doable in couple of hours but lots of stairs”
Final Parent Verdict
Worth it? Absolutely – 89% of families rate it 4 or 5 stars
Best approach:
- Plan for 3-4 hours
- Arrive early
- Focus on main attractions
- Don’t try to see everything
- Let kids’ interests guide you
Remember: You’re making memories in a place where history happened. Even if you miss some exhibits, your children will remember the ravens, the sparkly crowns, and the stories of kings and queens.
Based on analysis of 875+ family reviews