So, How Many Tourists Flock to the Tower of London Each Year? You Won't Believe It (But It's Probably True)
The Tower of London. It's steeped in history, crawling with ravens (more on those quirky characters later), and boasts the Crown Jewels, which would probably make Beyoncé jealous. But how many people actually visit this historic landmark each year? Buckle up, history buffs and crown jewel enthusiasts, because the answer is staggering (and might make social distancing a tad tricky).
Millions, My Dear Watson!
That's right, chum. The Tower of London rakes in over 3 million visitors a year. That's more people than have ever attempted that darned Macarena dance (although, to be fair, that's probably a good thing).
Breaking it Down: Busy Bees and Quiet Days
Now, 3 million might sound like a constant throng of tourists, but fear not, introverts! The Tower spreads its visitors out throughout the year. Summer, naturally, sees the biggest crowds, with history nerds and families alike descending upon the grounds. But you can find some peace and quiet during the off-season, when you might just snag a selfie with a Yeoman Warder (the Beefeaters, those chaps in the snazzy uniforms) without any photobombers.
Fun Fact: You're Not Alone in Your Tower of London Obsession
Those 3 million visitors come from all corners of the globe. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all, which basically means it's on everyone's travel bucket list (along with conquering that fear of heights and finally trying sushi).
But Wait, There's More! Raven Rendezvous
Speaking of quirky Tower residents, we can't forget the ravens. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave, the Tower will fall. With 3 million visitors a year, you'd think they'd be tempted to fly the coop (or should we say, murder?). But fear not, these feathered friends are well-cared for and seem content to stay put, much to the delight of goth teenagers and Edgar Allan Poe fans everywhere.
So, How Do You Become One of the Tower's 3 Million?
Here's the answer to the question you've all been ravenous for (see what we did there?):
How-To FAQs: Your Tower of London Tourist Toolkit
How to Get Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the Tower itself. But for the love of all things historical, buy them online to avoid the queues!
How to Get There: The Tower is super accessible by public transport. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill and Monument.
How Much Does it Cost?: Tickets vary depending on the season and whether you're an adult, child, or senior. Check the Historic Royal Palaces website https://www.hrp.org.uk/tickets-across-all-the-palaces/ for the latest prices.
How Long Does it Take to See Everything?: Plan on spending at least half a day exploring the Tower. There's a lot to see and do, from gawking at the Crown Jewels to taking a Yeoman Warder tour (highly recommended for the history buffs and for a guaranteed chuckle).
How to Avoid the Crowds?: Head to the Tower during the off-season (winter or early spring) or visit on a weekday morning.
Now you're armed with the knowledge to become one of the Tower's 3 million visitors. Just remember, with great history comes great responsibility (and possibly a souvenir overpriced plastic sword). Happy exploring!
