• A Beefeater opens the West Door during the reopening of the Tower of London in London, Britain. EPA
    A Beefeater opens the West Door during the reopening of the Tower of London in London, Britain. EPA
  • A model of the polar bear gifted to King Henry III by King Haakon of Norway in 1251 is seen as Guardsmen and Yeoman Warders prepare to take part in a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
    A model of the polar bear gifted to King Henry III by King Haakon of Norway in 1251 is seen as Guardsmen and Yeoman Warders prepare to take part in a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
  • Beefeaters and a guardsman officially reopen the Tower of London. EPA
    Beefeaters and a guardsman officially reopen the Tower of London. EPA
  • A guard lowers the Middle Drawbridge during a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
    A guard lowers the Middle Drawbridge during a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
  • Beefeaters officially reopen the Tower of London. EPA
    Beefeaters officially reopen the Tower of London. EPA
  • Tourists queue up to enter the Tower of London. Getty Images
    Tourists queue up to enter the Tower of London. Getty Images
  • Tourism hotspots such as the Tower of London are re-opening their doors, hoping to draw in visitors on the opportunity to see the sights during these much quieter times. Getty Images
    Tourism hotspots such as the Tower of London are re-opening their doors, hoping to draw in visitors on the opportunity to see the sights during these much quieter times. Getty Images
  • The first two tourists take a photograph as they pass under the Middle Tower. Getty Images
    The first two tourists take a photograph as they pass under the Middle Tower. Getty Images
  • A tourist has her bag searched following a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
    A tourist has her bag searched following a ceremonial event to mark the reopening to the public of the Tower of London. Getty Images
  • A visitor speaks with Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. EPA
    A visitor speaks with Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. EPA
  • Hand sanitiser for public use is seen at the Tower of London. EPA
    Hand sanitiser for public use is seen at the Tower of London. EPA
  • A Yeoman Warder speaks to a visitor as the Tower of London reopens. AP Photo
    A Yeoman Warder speaks to a visitor as the Tower of London reopens. AP Photo
  • A Yeoman Warder checks on the area around the Middle Tower. Getty Images
    A Yeoman Warder checks on the area around the Middle Tower. Getty Images

The Tower of London lowers its drawbridge and welcomes back visitors - in pictures

The 1,000-year-old attraction has been closed since March

Selina Denman
Selina Denman

July 10, 2020

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“Today’s the day: we’re lowering the drawbridge,” the Tower of London announced on Twitter on Friday, July 10, as it reopened for the first time since the pandemic struck.

“We’re delighted to be open once again. We can’t wait to welcome you back, and as a self-funded charity we’ve never needed your support more,” the message continued.

The tower's red-clad Beefeaters were on hand to welcome guests back, with a few additional additional safety measures in place. Tickets for the attraction can now only be booked in advance, in accordance with timed entry slots.

Reduced capacity is being implemented to allow visitors to keep a distance of 2 metres from each other, and there are "hygiene standards fit for a king or queen with enhanced cleaning regimes", according to the tower's website.

The 1,000 year old fortress, where Henry VIII's second wife Anne Boleyn was famously executed, had been closed since the end of March.

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