I visited the Tower on my 27th birthday at the start of a mission to visit all 27 of the UK's World Heritage sites within the year. It was a different visit to many people's I suppose as I was joined by 35 children on a day trip from the English language summer school I'd been working at, but still I was able to walk around the Tower and peruse the Crown Jewels all while trying to keep the kids in check. 

The Tower is best approached by river cruise along the Thames. Approaching the tower from the water, you can sense the fear that the tower would have inspired as you glide past the famous ‘Entry to the traitor’s gate’ inscription on the wall. This is the second gate to the Tower and certainly the one through which no one hoped to pass. Those who had committed treason were taken by barge along the river, passing under London Bridge on which the heads of recently executed prisoners were displayed on spikes, and entering the complex through this gate.These ill-fated prisoners included Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Thomas More, amongst many others who were accused of treason during the reigns of England’s unforgiving kings. Thankfully it's now a fairly stress-free way to get to the Tower, unless you've been bad-mouthing the royals!

Once inside there's a plethora of things to see, but the Crown Jewels exhibition is the highlight and therefore the longest queue. I think we waited around 45 minutes in a queue that snaked around the White Tower in the middle of the complex. Once inside, the exhibition was short but sweet. The Crown Jewels consist of 140 items. Of those 140 items, there are 13 crowns (seven sovereign, six consort), six swords and five sceptres, all adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other treasures possessed as a result of bloody wars and colonialism. All necessary items of regalia, though the one spoon and the one walking stick in the collection, as well as the 16 trumpets, are a tad surprising. You can't take photos inside and they are pretty strict on this with big signs by the door and wardens reminding you as you walk in. It's also a bags on fronts situation, I guess to avoid people turning and bashing into others.

It gets pretty packed inside and you have to be patient. It’s fair to say that you don’t walk through a room full of gold and diamonds every day so in that respect the Crown Jewels are rather special and unique. You have some of the most objectively beautiful stones in the world displayed here. The Koh-i-noor diamond, for example, is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world (3.6cm by 3.2cm) and has had a fascinating history since it was mined in Golconda, India. It was ceded to Queen Victoria in 1849 after years of swapping between factions in India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan; the governments of which have all claimed rightful ownership and demanded its return, claims of which have been rejected by the British. Due to its checkered history of being fought over by men, only female members of the British Royal Family have worn it so as to avoid bringing bad luck to any man who wears it. Walking through, you don't get a great deal of time to admire the jewels or read the information boards about them, but there are, of course, books on the jewels for sale in the five souvenir shops around the complex.

Overall, it's understandably a very popular site and therefore very busy, but the Tower is interesting in so many different aspects that it's a must-see when in London. Worth spending a day to get your money's worth as entry isn't cheap. I'd advise also against taking 35 kids with you when you visit! Still, it made for an interesting visit!