Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
The Royal Menagerie, Tower of London
Tiny historic site
Place photograph
4.3
Wildland
1–2 hours for the menagerie story
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.3For centuries, the Tower’s royal animal collection brought lions, a polar bear and an elephant into the heart of London. One bear was allowed to fish in the Thames on a leash; the elephant, sent by the King of France in 1255, drew crowds but died after only a few years.
This is a vivid historical discovery within one of London’s best-known landmarks: look beyond the fortress story to the sculptures and traces that recall its former royal menagerie, and the strange, often troubling lives of the animals kept there.
Atmospheric · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapTower of London, London, EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
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The experience
Explore the Royal Menagerie as a historical thread within a visit to the Tower of London. Look for the sculptures associated with the former animal collection, then use the official menagerie history to connect them with the Tower’s royal past.
Things to do
Find the Royal Menagerie sculptures
Look for the sculptures commemorating animals once kept at the Tower, including a polar bear and lions. Historic Royal Palaces says the sculptures are positioned in relation to where the animals may have been cared for.
Allow time during your Tower visit
Trace the story of the polar bear
Discover the account of the bear given to Henry III by the King of Norway in 1252. According to Historic Royal Palaces, it was allowed to swim and fish in the Thames while tethered by a collar and stout cord.
Explore the Tower’s major highlights
The Tower ticket includes access to the White Tower and Crown Jewels exhibition. Historic Royal Palaces recommends allowing an hour for the Crown Jewels; check its current visitor information before setting your schedule.
Allow about 1 hour for the Crown Jewels exhibition
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
A quick look at the royal beasts
- 01
Visit the Tower of London with valid admission.
- 02
Look for the Royal Menagerie sculptures, including the polar bear and lions.
- 03
Read the official menagerie history to connect the sculptures with the former animal collection.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of the Tower
- 01
Explore the menagerie sculptures and its history.
- 02
Visit the White Tower, described by Historic Royal Palaces as a major example of Norman architecture.
- 03
Allow about an hour for the Crown Jewels exhibition, as advised by Historic Royal Palaces.
- 04
Consider joining a Yeoman Warder tour; check the official site for current times and availability.
Verified history
The Tower housed a collection of exotic animals from the 1200s until the menagerie closed in the nineteenth century. In 1235, Henry III received three animals described at the time as ‘leopards’, probably lions, from the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. A polar bear arrived in 1252 as a gift from the King of Norway, and an elephant was sent by the King of France in 1255. The collection later included many other animals. Historic Royal Palaces records that the menagerie’s remaining animals were moved to Regent’s Park in 1832 and identifies the Tower collection as London’s first zoo. The story can be explored through sculptures at the Tower and the official menagerie history.
Hidden details
A bear fishing in the Thames — The menagerie’s polar bear was reportedly permitted to swim and fish in the Thames while secured by a collar and a stout cord—a remarkable detail in the history of the Tower’s royal animals.
A physical trace of the lions — Historic Royal Palaces describes a lion femur found in the west moat in 1996, a surviving archaeological reminder of the animals once kept at the Tower.
When to go
· Check the Tower’s official opening times and plan around the current schedule; no quieter time is verified by the supplied sources.
The menagerie story is presented as part of the Tower of London visit rather than a seasonal outdoor activity. Check opening times and temporary closures before travelling.
Check the forecast and the Tower’s visitor information before setting out.
What to look for
Look for the Royal Menagerie sculptures, including the polar bear and lions, and consider how their positions relate to the places where animals were once kept. The official history also describes a lion femur found in the west moat and the former Lion Tower at the western entrance.
The story
Royalty, Animals and menageries
Best time to go
Year-round; check Tower opening times and closures before visiting.
Check the Tower’s official opening times and route-closure notices before travelling. Allow time to explore the wider site if you want to see more than the menagerie story.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the menagerie story; allow longer if exploring the Tower.
Perfect for
Families · History lovers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
The menagerie’s history and sculptures are associated with the Tower of London. Access to the Tower requires admission; check the official website for current opening details, prices and any temporary closures.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance for the Tower of London. Check the official visitor information for current route and access details relevant to your visit.
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Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around The Royal Menagerie, Tower of London
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
