Can You Bag a Bargain and See the Tower of London for Free? You'd Be Beheaded to Miss Out on Trying!
Ah, the Tower of London. A historic landmark shrouded in intrigue, ravens cawing overhead, and enough jewels to blind a dragon (hopefully not the ones they have there). But let's face it, tickets can cost a pretty penny these days. Fear not, ye frugal explorer! There are ways to be a right royal skinflint and see the Tower without it costing you an arm and a leg (though hopefully no heads will be rolling either way).
Free with a Flourish: Unveiling the Tower's Complimentary Capers
Changing of the Guard (Sort Of): Okay, not exactly the guard, but witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys is a historic reenactment that happens every night, 7:15 pm sharp. It's a free peek into the Tower after dark, and you might even see some interesting characters in period garb. Be warned, though, tickets are limited and go like hotcakes, so book well in advance!
Buddy Up with a Beefeater (Distant Relative): Now, we can't guarantee you'll be best mates with a Yeoman Warder (those delightful chaps in the spiffy uniforms), but becoming a member of Historic Royal Palaces does grant you free entry to the Tower, along with a bunch of other posh palaces. Just saying, if you have a friend or family member who's already a member, a bit of innocent wheedling might be in order.
Channel Your Inner Sherlock: Explore the Surrounding Area Gratuitously The Tower itself might require a paid visit, but the surrounding area offers a treasure trove of free delights. Take a stroll along the Thames, admire Tower Bridge (also free to walk across!), or pretend you're a character in a historical drama with a visit to nearby Leadenhall Market.
Paid But Pauper-Friendly: Tower Adventures Without Breaking the Bank
The Discount Detectives: Unearthing Reduced-Price Tickets Keep your eyes peeled for discounts! The Tower sometimes offers deals for certain groups, like students or families. Check their website or social media for any upcoming promotions.
The Early Bird Gets the Crown Jewels (Without Actually Taking Them): If you're a real go-getter (or just an enthusiastic sightseer), consider booking a ticket for the opening hour. Not only will you avoid the crowds, but some ticket prices are actually a tad cheaper earlier in the day.
Free Tower of London FAQs:
How to see the Crown Jewels for free? Unfortunately, there's no way to see the Crown Jewels themselves without paying admission.
How to become a Yeoman Warder? While being a Beefeater is a coveted role, there's a rigorous selection process. Check the Historic Royal Palaces website for more information.
How to witness a raven execution? Thankfully, raven executions are a thing of the past! The ravens at the Tower are very well cared for.
How to avoid the crowds? Opt for an early morning or late-night visit, or consider going during the off-season (although keep in mind some Tower events might not be available then).
How long does it take to explore the Tower? Allow yourself at least 3-4 hours to see everything properly, but you can squeeze in a whistle-stop tour in under 2 hours.
So, there you have it! With a bit of planning and cunning, you can experience the magic of the Tower of London without it costing a king's ransom. Just remember, even if you can't see everything for free, the history and atmosphere of this iconic landmark are truly priceless.
