TOWER OF LONDON
A global landmark on the north bank of the Thames, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a royal residence as well as a notorious prison. It is now home to the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of 23,000 priceless gems, as well as the guardians of the tower – the ravens.
It is said that the kingdom and the tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress.
There are seven ravens there today — the required six, plus one spare! The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, have guarded the tower since Tudor times.
Dressed in their striking dark blue and red uniforms, they are on hand to show off the feast of Norman architecture, the Bloody Tower, the medieval palace and battlements. There are also magnificent armour displays in the White Tower.
■ hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london