On our first family trip to London, I wanted to show the boys the city’s sights and provide them with an opportunity to learn about British history. Sightseeing in London – no problem. Teaching the kids about British history – not so easy. Just a few days into their summer school break, I knew I would be looking at the whites of their eyes if I mentioned history, learning, or anything related to education. It’s a good thing I have Context Travel on speed dial! Actually, it is more like speed email, but you get it…right? Context Travel can do what I can’t – teach my kids about history and more, without them even realising it.
Context Travel Tower of London Walk
With its rich history as a palace, prison, and home to the sparkling crown jewels, I selected the Tower of London as our first sightseeing activity. We met Sarah Jane, our engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate Context Travel docent at The Tower Hill Sundial. At Tower Hill, we talked about the history of London from the Roman Conquest in AD 43 to present day, as we walked around the massive copper sundial that depictsĀ the history of London through a series of engravings.
We were intrigued from the outset of our Context Travel Tower of London walk. Sarah Jane continued to build connections and engage the boys in learning during our short stroll over to the Tower of London and throughout the walk.
During the Context Travel Tower of London walk, we learnt heaps of British history, met a few of the legendary ravens that live on the property, gazed at the brilliant crown jewels, and rushed up a winding staircase to watch the historic Tower Bridge open. I won’t go into the detailsĀ because I’m sure you will appreciate hearing about the Tower of London from an expert gifted at sharing the sight’s rich history. 
Travel Tips
- Access the Tower Hill Sundial from the Tower Hill tube station (London’s Underground). Ā The tube is a convenient way to get to the Tower of London and elsewhere in the city.
- Visit the Context Travel website for more information on the Tower of London Walk and other opportunities for laughing and learning in London.
- Context Travel limits the tour group size to six people to ensure a conversational atmosphere. The best way to describe the experience is that it like a small, outdoor classroom with a knowledgeable, engaging professor.
If you love exploring London, you might enjoyĀ the Context TravelĀ London Orientation walk.
Context Travel continues to receive accolades from the travel industry and media including Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. I am honoured to be selected by Context Travel as one of their Deep Travelers, a group of bloggers and content creators who travel thoughtfully and responsibly and write stories to promote and encourage movement. We were guests of Context Travel on the Tower of London walk. As always, my opinions are my own. If I donāt love an experience, I wonāt recommend it.Ā
Just reading about the Tower of London, conjures up so many historical and terror related events.
Great storyā¤ļø
I love it when a tour teaches you things alongside simply being entertaining. I think it’s the equivalent of hiding veg in the kids food – and definitely something I need for my partner! I’ll keep Context in mind next time we’re in London.
We went there with my German classes (1 week in England) and tried to learn something about the history. Unfortunately, it was very full and crowded and because we were more than 10o people we were not allowed to join the tours…I assume my students did not learn much but it seemed it was not that busy when you were there and the kids learned about the really interesting aspects of British history.
Great post Nancy. Never did a tour, I just strolled around the place as I am a local. Maybe a tour would have given me a better hindsight into the castle š
Although I’ve been to London several times I’ve never been inside the Tower of London. The Context Travel tours sounds like it would be informative and provide many insights into the history of the tower. I’ll remember it for my next trip to London. Thanks!
Context Travel is awesome. They know so much! I’m sure the boys soaked up some of it at least. The history there is all part of the sightseeing experience.
Sounds like a fun and definitely an educational way to have a Tower of London tour. I am always up for a tour, especially somewhere with as many secrets and stories as this. Didn’t you just love the crown jewels?
What a great idea, you can learn so much more about one place this way. I never really considered this, just did a quick walk around and that’s it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Looks like a great way to explore the tower. I have only passed by it since I was in London for way too short of a time. Hope to get back one of these days and will keep this walk in mind.
The Tower of London is one of my favourite places to visit when I visit. I know, strange right? But there is just something about the place. Context Travel seems a wonderful way to explore!
I’ve only ever heard amazing things about Context Travel tours – Tower of London is one of my favorite attractions in the UK, so I’m so glad you got to take it in, and that Context were so fabulous that the kids enjoyed learning about British History too!