Yesterday we took our kids to the Tower of London, looking forward to the entertaining "Beefeater Tour"; unfortunately it was so crowded (Thursday) that the tour group exceeded 200 people. We had to strain to hear what was being said and my nine year old couldn't see a thing over the crowd. So we left the tour and walked around on our own. Not nearly as interesting. Sorry we spent the 50GBP which was to include the tour. It was also a rainy day, which we hoped would lessen the crowds. The tour did seem entertaining, very good guides. I'm sorry we didn't get to partake in it. The next tour was equally crowded or we would have done that one.
Posted by
Spring, Texas
635 posts
Crowds for any tourist site in London are an issue especially during the summer months. You didn't say what time of day you were there. It's always best to be there when they open.
Posted by
Ithaca, NY, USA
741 posts
What a disappointment that must have been! While there is obviously no sure fire way to avoid crowds, I have to agree about going early. We were in London in July, and got up early to arrive at the Tower of London about 5 minutes before it opened. There were maybe 10 people waiting. We walked right in, and it was fantastic to stroll around the almost empty grounds and imagine the past. Then we walked right in to see the crown jewels, and spent about 20 minutes there (since there were almost no people there, we could ride the conveyer over and over). We joined the first beefeater tour of the day. We thought it was a fairly large crowd, but the beefeater commented on how small a group we were. By the time we'd finished the tour, the tower was much, much more crowded. We used the same early strategy at Westminster Abbey and in Edinburgh at the castle. It is well worth setting your alarm and getting a little less sleep on vacation!
Posted by
Washington, DC
888 posts
I too am sorry about your experience. 200 is a lot of people to compete with. We were there in November, and there was hardly anyone else there. I suppose with children, you can't always go any time of year. Getting there first thing in the morning is a good recommendation.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
I sorry your visit to the Tower was such a dissapointment. I hope you and your son found something there worthwhile during your time there and that one day you can try again when it is less busy. I love the Tower of London and have been there many times. I could spend the whole day there...but....my dissapointment is that there is no mention of the cells. For example I would like to see where Elizabeth kept Mary Queen of Scotts or where Mary Tudor had Elizabeth confined. Not so much emphasis on armour and cannons or that dragon. This would bring the place more to life for a lot of peole. My granddaughter was disappointed in the place of execution. She wanted to see a chopping block, an axe and some blood.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
I agree, we should have gone earlier. Unfortunately, we were traveling in by train from an hour away and needed to travel off peak. I should have saved this sight for later when we are staying over in London. Oh well. Laurel, there were no executions on the schedule the day we went either! I would have liked to have offered my son to take a ride on the trebuchet (spelling?) that was being demonstrated on the lawn; he was awfully whiney!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15784 posts
And thank you, Kerry, for posting so that others are forewarned.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33823 posts
Kerry Sorry to hear of your disappointment. Other than that, how are the commutes in working? I remember a lot of the planning...
Posted by
Encinitas, California, United States
7 posts
I was there the same day; luckily we had a better experience. Although our tour group was crowded, we had an EXCELLENT Yeoman Warder who was able to keep everyone entertained and informed. Altho the queue for the Crown Jewels looked long, it moved along at a good pace. We were lucky enough to be inside during the afternoon downpour. I would love to have wandered around the Tower afterward, but we had reservations for a "Jack the Ripper" Walking tour (which was a hoot).
Posted by
Gloucester, UK
27 posts
"For example I would like to see where Elizabeth kept Mary Queen of Scots" Mary Queen of Scots was never imprisoned in the Tower of London. Elizabeth wouldn't let her anywhere near London. Elizabeth was imprisoned in the Bell Tower, but I don't know which room.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Simon, You are right sir!!
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
If you go to Bolton Castle in Yorkshire you can visit the very room that Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned in. It's a fascinating place to visit. Pam
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
What a shame this happened to you,,, 200 hundred people is riduculus,, the days I have been we had about 75 or so and I thought that was more then enough. Perhaps they were short staffed that day.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
719 posts
200 people... I agree with Pat, that's ridiculous. My wife and I were there in September and our group was about 25 people. Excellent tour. In fact, the tower was so UNcrowded that day, we were walking backwards on the people mover in the Crown Jewels so that we could inspect them better. I'm not trying to rub our good luck in your face, but just trying to say that maybe going later in the year could give you a better experience on your next visit. I hope that you get to try again some day.