tower of london german tour

Private Guided Tour: Tower of London Including Tickets & Pickup

• Private Tour of the Tower of London
• 5-Star Licensed Guide speaking fluently in your chosen language
• Reserved entrance tickets to the Tower of London
• Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation
• Round-trip tickets for London Underground
• Entry/Admission - Tower of London
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• Please check your email the day before the tour for important information.
• This tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in London. You will travel to your destination on the London Underground, return tickets are included.
• With reserved entrance tickets to the Tower of London you can skip the line at the ticket office, but not at the entrance and security checks. It’s less crowded in the morning. The line to see the Crown Jewels may be 90 minutes long, so it may be excluded from the itinerary. Live commentary isn’t allowed inside the Jewel House.
• Due to the Tower’s regulations, 1 licensed guide can lead a group of 1-35 people. We will arrange additional guides for larger groups.
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Tower of London

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Tower of London Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 2 The Crown Jewels Stop: 2 hours See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• martinf347 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lunch in the Members Room . A very pleasant visit . We visited the Members Room Restarunt last week . My sister is a Member . The room has a lovely sunny ambiance . The food was very good and fairly priced . We greeted by a smiling waitress named Cara . Cara took time to talk and advise us on the food etc . I feel that Cara made our visit more enjoyable , Mainly because she appeared happy in her work. We were happy to be there , she was happy to look after us . I must also say that we were impressed by all the various guides who were very knowledgeable and helpful with information and advice . They appear to "Go the extra Mile" in order to be helpful to visitors. Our visit to the V&A was a great day out . We will be visiting again , there is so much to see in the V&A. We are so lucky to have it in London . Read more Written April 27, 2024
• garycH202UG 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointing tour and not worth the price Good guide but 80% of the tour is just Westminster Abbey as the Buckingham Palace and Houses of Parliament are cursory and only outside both places Read more Written March 29, 2024
• josevE9817NM 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience. I will start by saying that I am not a serial reviewer but my experience in London today with Tom Thornhill from YELLOW MOON TOURS was fantastic. His knowledge of the city, his passion and history telling abilities are unparalleled. We were immerse for a few hours in an incredible experience. I would definitely recommend his services if you are planing to visit London. Read more Written March 24, 2024
• johnmT5258FP 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lucy is Brilliant! My teen son and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour with many thanks to our guide, Lucy. She perfectly curated the sights we enjoyed throughout the Abbey and as we further explored the Westminster area. Lucy’s wit and ever-so-clever insights made this tour a delight. Remarkably, several days later we saw Lucy again -only by chance- at Stonehenge, where she quickly and voluntarily reassumed her role as a “fountain of knowledge” and quickly gave her advice for our otherwise self-guided visit. Highly recommend! Thank you! (and Lucy, should you happen see this review, know that we saw the King at Windsor, wish you were there!). Read more Written March 18, 2024
• 174alberton 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles London days It was an amazing guide with a lot of information to share, we really love it, so if you are on London you should take this tour with Lucy, joyful tour Read more Written March 14, 2024
• 640suzannen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Be prepared to walk and learn Our guide was full of knowledge and took her time in explaining all the points on the tour. While 4 hours seems like a long time, we learned many key and interesting facts about Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace as well as the Royal families throughout England’s history. This tour will leave you wanting to know more and googling late into the night to learn even more about England’s fascinating history! Read more Written March 4, 2024
• libbyf833 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thoroughly Enjoyed! Isla was an amazing tour guide with a vast amount of knowledge of London’s history. She had a great sense of humor as well. Fair warning- you are on your feet the entire time at a fairly good clip. Read more Written February 27, 2024
• chatrinek2024 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The best day to spent in London!!!! Tour guide, Viona was it? She knows her history. She knows what she’s doing, knowledgeable and friendly too! I’m glad I went with this tour, would recommend!!! Read more Written February 23, 2024
• V8079HWannetteh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great afternoon Great guide, very educational. Learned things that I had never heard before. Guide went at a very reasonable pace so everyone could hear her. Took hundreds of photos. Would definitely recommend Read more Written February 19, 2024
• H2461HZroberts 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Tour and a very knowledgable Guide The tour was excellent from start to finish. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and clearly loved the history of Britain. There wasn't too much info on Big Ben but the two hour tour in Westminster Abbey was first class. The walking part of the tour was also great. .... walking through St James Park to Buckingham Palace was very enjoyable. The guide continually pointed out things of interest which would have been missed had we been on our own. I thought four hours would be too long but the time went by so quickly as it was so enjoyable. Read more Written February 16, 2024
• appartementen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great excursie! Lucy was our guide and she did a great job. She told the most beautiful stories, with passion. At first I thought that a 4-hour excursion was long. Because of Lucy this was over quickly and it was a shame that it was over. Lucy was so enthusiastic that she showed us all kinds of special places with a story. It was really great! Read more Written February 15, 2024
• fleurd386 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful experience What an amazing experience! We had an amazing tour that took us about 2,5 hours. Our guide had so much information to share! She had humor, but was also very respectful. After the tour she shared some wonderful places to go to after the tour. I recommend this tour! Read more Written February 12, 2024
• Hannah N 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful and informative. Guide was punctual and professional The tour was amazing. Our guide Ulrich was so informative and passionate. It made the experience so meaningful and interesting. Read more Written January 24, 2024
• Tricia B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Kings and Queens! Millie made our day unforgettable. She seemed to know the history of every nook and cranny of Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the surrounding area. Read more Written January 21, 2024
• ean o 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour Definitely recommend this tour if you want to visit Westminster Abbey and some of the surrounding sites! Great tour with a great guide. Such a lovely afternoon spent! Read more Written January 19, 2024

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Inside the Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most visited attractions and is a must-see for anybody visiting London. 

When going to the Tower of London, there are a few different options on how to tour the building complex.

This post is a walkthrough of what you will see as well as a review of guided tours that you can take.

What follows is our guide to guided tours at the Tower of London.

Visiting the Tower - What Will You See?

The Tower of London is not just one tower, but a huge complex of towers, turrets, walls and buildings, all constructed over the last 1,000 years.

Once you’ve bought your ticket, you are free to roam the grounds.

The route we have laid out below follows our virtual tour of the Tower of London (see above).

Here is the route.

You’ll enter through what’s known as the Middle Tower, seen here on the right.

You’ll walk over the now filled in moat, into the complex itself.

You’ll then be near Mint Street, previously the site of the Royal Mint and now home to a number of Yeomen Warders and their families. 

There’s a small museum here detailing the history of the mint, as well as the harsh working conditions inside.

Then, around the corner you will find the infamous Traitor’s Gate.

Unlucky prisoners were sent to the Tower of London via the river, and this gate opened directly onto the water. 

Here is where many famous figures entered the tower, like Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard and Queen Elizabeth I. 

Of course many of the souls brought through ehre would never leave the Tower again…

A staircase to the side of the gate leads to a set of royal apartments.

These rooms were once part of the Mediaeval palace that was built into the Tower. 

First laid out by King Edward I in the 1270’s, the rooms feature an accurate recreation of a royal bed, fireplace, and private chapel.

Just a few steps away from this bedroom lies another royal chamber featuring a gilded throne and the royal family crest of the Plantagenets above the fireplace. 

This room was also reportedly the site of the murder of King Henry VI…

From these rooms, a one-way system leads guests up onto the battlements.

Walking along these walls of the Tower provides some magnificent views over the Thames and Tower Bridge.

From up here, there’s also a view onto Tower Green where the famous ravens of the Tower reside.

The Battlements lead to Lanthorn Tower, where a number of preserved medieval artefacts relating to life at the Tower are on display.

You’ll find things such as a chalice, wax stamps, and pottery.

The path then moves toward the Salt Tower, guarded by a Yeomen Warder made out of Iron. 

At one time, this tower was a prison, and the (often surprisingly detailed) carvings made by these doomed prisoners can still be seen scratched into the walls.

From here, the route returns to the Battlements.

But, this time they are displayed as they would be in times of warfare or siege - wooden ramparts with rooves structured here to defend the fortress and protect the soldiers inside.

This eastern part of the Tower also features a number of interesting animal sculptures.

For centuries there was a menagerie inside the Tower of London and guests would come here to see exotic creatures. 

It wasn’t until the 1800’s that London Zoo was established and the animals here were moved to Regent’s Park.

The building high up on the right of this photo was once part of the menagerie.

Further along the wall, there is access to the Bowyer Tower, Flint Tower and Deverux Towers.

These Towers all feature changing exhibition spaces, like miniature museums.

The wall walk runs East to West, and gives an excellent view of the Victorian Waterloo Block, built to house hundreds of soldiers, but today an administrative centre and home of the Crown Jewels.

Walking behind Waterloo Block also offers a sneak peek into the front ‘garden’ of a Yeoman Warder, housed behind the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula.

The chapel (still a working church) itself is the burial site of two English Queens: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Although the exact location of their bodies is not known, there are memorial plaques to them located near the altar. 

A gold sign to the right of the doorway gives a (rather long) list of those interred inside.

The Chapel of St. Peter and Vincula sits just on the edge of Tower Green.

The tudor buildings that surround the Green, to the right in this photo, are known as the King’s House. 

This is lodging for King Charles III - were he ever to stay!

These were built on top of the rooms where Anne Boleyn was kept during her time at the Tower.

Adjacent to the green is the stunning monument to those who were executed at the Tower of London.

A delicate glass cushion, representing the final resting place of many heads… separated from their bodies!

Also on the edge of Tower Green sits the Beauchamp Tower. 

This is another Tower that was used to hold prisoners, and still displays the carvings they left behind, like the one here that says ‘Jane.’ 

This is believed to have been carved by Robert Dudley, husband of the so-called ‘Seven Days Queen’ Jane Grey.

The Waterloo Block, seen early from the wall walk, is accessible from this area.

It is inside this building that the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are held. 

The Crown Jewels have been on display inside the Tower of London for centuries. 

In fact, in the late 17th century, a man named ‘Colonel’ Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels.

And her nearly made it out of the Tower before he was caught!

Adjacent to the Waterloo Block sits the Fusilier Museum.

This museum details the story of the British infantry regiment that was first raised here in 1685 and is still based inside the Tower.

Perhaps the most famous part of the Tower Complex, the White Tower, sits just opposite the Waterloo Block and Fusiliers Museum. 

This is the oldest part of the Tower, having been constructed in 1071 by William the Conquerer.

He had recently invaded England and, having decided London would be his main base, set to work building a castle on the edge of the River Thames.

It was intended as a status symbol and sign to Londoners - and those approaching the city from the river - that their new king was here to stay.

The White Tower is home to a branch of the Royal Armouries, displaying armour, swords, guns, plate, canon, and all manner of protective gear and weaponry.

One of the highlights are three suits of armour belonging to King Henry VIII, one of which still has his initials intwined with those of his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Before the medieval palace rooms were built, the king would have based himself in the White Tower and there are two remnants of this still to be viewed. 

Firstly, the Norman fireplace, dating from the 11th century and still showing the blackening of the stone from the countless fires that blazed here.

Secondly, is the stunning St. John’s Chapel.

This would have been the private chapel for the King and his family, while everybody else would have attended St. Peter ad Vincula.

On the top floor of the White Tower, keeping watch over all the treasures that lay inside sits Keeper.

A fire-breathing dragon built entirely out of arms and armour!

Near the exit of the Tower of London lies the Bloody Tower.

Perhaps the tower with the most famous name, the Bloody Tower today holds an exhibition relating to torture carried out at the Tower of London. 

It is worth noting, however, that a lot of torture - including that of Guy Fawkes, supposed leader of the Gunpowder Plot - was carried out in the basements of the White Tower. 

Evidence of the success of this torture can be seen in the signatures of Guy Fawkes.

The Bloody Tower currently holds a few recreations of torture devices.

These include the rack, used to stretch the body until every bone was released from its socket.

Also on display are manacles, used to hang prisoners by their arms, causing difficulties breathing and permanently destroying the use of their limbs.

When you leave the Tower of London, you exit over a drawbridge back out onto the edge of the River Thames, in the shadows of Tower Bridge.

It’s easy enough to do all of this on your own.

There are information panels throughout the Tower complex and all the exhibitions are well designed. 

However, if you’re like us, you’ll want to learn as much as possible about the Tower of London while you’re there.

To enhance your experience at the Tower, it’s worth considering taking a tour.

Read on to find out some of the options you’ll have…

Early Bird Tours

If you want to get inside the Tower of London before everybody else, consider taking an early bird tour.

These tours are provided by licensed tour companies with expert guides.

Visitors are allowed to enter this historic landmark before the gates officially open and experience one of the most popular sites in London before it gets busy.

You’ll skip the lines and be escorted inside to watch the Opening Ceremony, when the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters) official open the Tower for the day.

Then, your guide will take you straight to the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. You’ll then be taken on a tour of the rest of the Tower complex.

NOTE: The ONLY way to see the Opening Ceremony is with a tour group.

Get Your Guide offers the early bird tour, as well as an early bird tour followed by a River Thames cruise and tour of Royal Westminster!

Early Bird Tour

• Tickets: Adults - £69.00 / Children - £64.00
• Duration: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

Early Bird Tour with Thames Cruise and Royal Westminster Tour

• Tickets: Adults - £79 / Children - £74.00
• Duration: 4 Hours

Audio Guide

As soon as you enter the Tower of London, you will have the opportunity to purchase an Audio Guide Tour.

The Audio Tour includes a 2 hour Highlights Tour, in multiple languages, as well as multiple additional tours you can take:

Imprisonment and Execution - Hear stories about prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes

The Medieval Palace - Explore the medieval palace rooms and learn how royalty lived at the Tower.

The Crown Jewels - Discover the history and usage of these famous gems

The Tower’s Beginnings - Detailing the origins of the White Tower and the London of William the Conquerer 

Life at the Tower - Hear the Beefeaters talk about what it’s like to work and live inside the Tower of London

Family Tour - A tour for children led by two young ghosts! The route and timing of this tour corresponds to the Highlights Tour so families can tour together (only available in English)

Alternative Tales from the Tower - Poetry, stories and interviews relating to the Tower’s past and present (only available in English)

• English 
• Chinese Mandarin
• Adult - £5.00
• Concessions - £4.00
• Child - £4.00
• Family (2 Adults and Up to 3 Children) - £14.00

Beefeater Tours

This one is a freebie! Starting from just inside the Tower entrance, the Yeomen Warders will take you on a fantastic tour of the Tower complex.

These tours are jam packed with not only the history of the Tower but intriguing tales of imprisonment and torture, ghostly happenings, and behind the scenes secrets.

You’re always guaranteed at least one laugh and you’ll definitely learn a lot and best of all, they are entirely FREE with your entry ticket.

When: These tours depart either every 30 minutes, or hourly, season dependent (tours may be cancelled in poor weather conditions) 

Note that these tours are not always suitable for young children!

Ticket Prices

• Adult - £29.90
• Child (5 - 15) - £14.90
• Concession - £24.00
• Children Under 15 - FREE
• Family Ticket - £52.20 for one adult and up to three kids 
• Family Ticket - £82.10 for two adults and up to three kids

Opening Hours

Note that the Tower of London is a working building.

Occasional changes to opening times and even full closures can occur so always check before you go.

Summer - 1st March to 31st October

• Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 - 17:30
• Sunday and Monday: 10:00 - 17:30
• Last Admission: 17:00

Winter - 1st November to 28th February

• Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 - 16:30
• Sunday and Monday: 10:00 - 16:30
• Last Admission: 16:00

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Tower of London, Tower Bridge 3,5-hour Guided Tour

Embark on a haunting journey through London’s bloody history, ghost stories and unsolved mysteries - visit the Tower of London and follow the trail of Jack the Ripper! Immerse yourself in the history and urban legends of the City of London.

• Visit the historic Tower of London with a 5-Star Blue Badge Guide
• Save time with pre-booked tickets to one of London’s most visited attractions
• Learn about Tudor England, the 6 wives of Henry VIII, and royal intrigue
• Discuss facts and theories about the unsolved case of Jack the Ripper
• See the Tower Bridge, Thames River and other places surrounded in history and legends

Check Price

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Godzina  (optional)

Available trips:

Activity details.

• Small Group Maximum of 30 participants
• Just buy and we instantly organize Your booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
• Live Guide English, German
• Walking tour

This original group tour brings to life the exciting history and dark mysteries of the City of London. We’ll visit the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most haunted places in Britain, and we’ll search for the missing clues in the case of Jack the Ripper, an infamous Victorian-era murderer. Immerse yourself in stories of royal intrigue, betrayal, murder, ghost haunting, and more!

Join us on a 4-hour guided tour of the Tower of London and be ready for a ghostly encounter or two, as we’ll take a closer look at the Tower’s bloody history and the unsolved case of Jack the Ripper. We’re the only tour operator to offer this spine-chilling experience with live commentary in 1 selected language: English or German, depending on your preferences. Our tours are led by Licensed Guides with a great sense of humor and many stories to tell, from historical facts about the court life in Tudor England, to folklore superstitions and legends about the famous Ravens of the Tower and how their presence is tied to the fate of the kingdom.

We include pre-booked tickets to the Tower of London, so our group will save time by skipping the ticket line. We will delve into the murky past of this medieval fortress as we explore its ancient walls, the White Tower, the Traitor’s Gate, and the Tower Green, where some of the most famous executions in British history took place, including that of King Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn. Another highlight will be the panoramic views of the Tower Bridge and Thames river, which is also surrounded by a fair share of legends!

After a visit to the Tower, our Expert Guide will take us on a ghost walk through the City of London during which we’ll encounter more history and urban legends. We’ll discover the remnants of Roman-era London, we’ll learn about the 2 Tudor period rebels buried at St Botolph without Aldgate, and we’ll travel back in time to the Victorian period as we visit the site of the murder of Catherine Eddowes by Jack the Ripper in Mitre Square. Who was the Ripper, who were his victims, and why was he never caught? Come and find out!

• Dark History Walking Tour of the Tower of London and Jack the Ripper in London
• 5-Star Licensed Guide with live commentary in only 1 language
• Pre-booked entrance tickets to the Tower of London
• Interesting facts and theories about Jack the Ripper
• Group tour limited to 30 people
• Guided tour of the Crown Jewels
• Tickets to the Tower Bridge

Important information

What you should know.

• You should arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes early, as latecomers won’t be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
• The guide will provide commentary in 1 language. Select your preferred language when booking.
• We will have a maximum of 30 participants.
• This tour is not suitable for people with disabilities.
• There is no luggage storage so please do not bring extra clothing, umbrellas, large bags, scooters, etc. Pets are not allowed.
• Our pre-booked tickets to the Tower of London allow you to skip the line at the ticket office, but not at the entrance and
• mandatory security checks. Due to large crowds, the Crown Jewels exhibition is not included in the program.
• We’re not afraid of the sun and rain, so the tour will take place as planned, regardless of weather, so please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
• We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.
• Customer info on the voucher:

1. Please arrive 10 minutes before the tour starts. You will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund if you are late. 2. It is possible to cancel and modify the booking, e.g. change the number of participants, through the portal system on which you made the reservation. Please contact their Customer Service if you need assistance. 3. The guide will arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled start time. You may contact us if you arrive during this time but your guide is not there. 4. There is no luggage storage for umbrellas, large bags, suitcases, etc. 5. Pets are not allowed. 6. The tour is not suitable for people with disabilities. 8. Tips are greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the tour. 9. Did you know that bad weather is a common reason for dissatisfaction with a tour? Don’t let extreme weather spoil your experience, check the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions, rain or shine.

Why choose Rosotravel.com

Customer reviews

• Customer Service: 4.57 4.57 / 5
• Organization: 4.57 4.57 / 5
• Value for money: 4.57 4.57 / 5
• Guide: 4.57 4.57 / 5

Only customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

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Tower of London

By: History.com Editors

Updated: August 21, 2018 | Original: July 18, 2017

The Tower of London is one of the world’s oldest and most famous prisons, though its original purpose was not to house criminals. In fact, the Tower, which is actually a complex of several towers and structures, was built in the latter part of the 11th century as fortress to protect London, the capital city of the British Empire. The Tower of London soon became notorious for its other, more brutal, uses.

The White Tower

Initial construction of the “White Tower,” the oldest structure in the Tower of London complex, started in 1078 and was completed in 1100, during the rule of King William II.

It was designed and built by Gundulf of Rochester, a Norman bishop who has been credited with overseeing the construction of a number of important sites in English history, including the Priory and Cathedral Church in his home city.

The White Tower was made from white limestone (hence its name) imported from Caen in northwestern France as well as a local building material called Kentish ragstone.

While designed as a battlement, the Tower of London soon found use as a prison. When King Henry I assumed the throne in 1100, following the assassination of his brother, William II, one of his first acts was to order the arrest of Rannulf Flambard, the Bishop of Durham.

Flambard was charged with the crime of simony, or the act of selling administrative positions in the church for money. He became the first prisoner held in the Tower of London, though he later escaped.

The Bell Tower and the Wardrobe Tower

Subsequent monarchs took steps to fortify and expand the complex. Construction of the Bell Tower commenced in 1190 and was completed in 1210. The bell at the top of the tower was rung to warn of emergencies, such as a fire or impending enemy attack.

The Wardrobe Tower was also commissioned in 1190 and completed in 1199. As the name indicates, the tower was used to hold the royal garments and the famous Crown Jewels of England .

Ten years after completion of the Bell Tower, King Henry III ordered construction of the Wakefield and Lanthorn towers, the latter being the Old English spelling of the present-day word “lantern.”

As the name suggests, a lantern was positioned at night at the top of the Lanthorn Tower to help guide ships entering the River Thames and the historic port of London.

The Beefeaters

Over the ensuing centuries, many towers as well as a protective wall were added to the Tower of London complex. In the late 1200s, for example, King Edward I ordered the construction of a mint in the complex, which remained in use until 1968.

Since 1485, security at the Tower of London complex has been maintained by a special order of guards known as the Yeomen Warders, commonly known as “the Beefeaters.”

The name of the Beefeaters is allegedly based on a comment from an Italian nobleman in the 17th century, who remarked that members of the security corps were given a large daily ration of beef.

Torture in the Tower of London

The Tower of London’s role as a prison evolved to make it the preferred incarceration site for anyone—even members of the royalty—deemed a threat to national security.

As cruel as the place was known to be, however, not all prisoners suffered terrible conditions. Wealthy inmates, for example, were allowed to live relatively luxuriously, with some even allowed to leave to go on hunting trips.

Scottish King John Balliol was able to bring his own servants, hunting dogs and wife with him when he was imprisoned for three years at the Tower until he was allowed to go to France, in exile, in 1299.

Although the site became notorious as a site of torture—most notably with the infamous device known as “the rack”—records suggest relatively few inmates were tortured. Torture was used as a means of compelling political prisoners to provide their captors with information, primarily in the 16th and 17th centuries.

These prisoners were forced to lie down on the rack, with their hands and feet bound. Ropes attached to these bindings were slowly pulled to inflict pain.

Executions at the Tower

Torture may have been fairly rare, but executions were relatively common at the Tower of London. Scores of prisoners were executed at the site, by beheading, firing squad or hanging.

Writer and statesman Sir Thomas More was beheaded in the Tower after refusing to recognize King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England in 1535. A year later, Henry VIII famously ordered the beheading of his wife, Anne Boleyn . In 1542, Henry VIII had his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, executed at the Tower of London as well.

Perhaps most notably, political prisoner Guy Fawkes was executed at the Tower in 1606. Fawkes was arrested for his role in a plot to blow up Parliament, after he was found guarding a cache of explosives and gunpowder in the basement of the legislature on November 5, 1605.

Guy Fawkes Night is still celebrated in much of the United Kingdom on that date, to commemorate the foiling of that plot and the survival of the British Empire.

In addition, King Edward VI was murdered at the Tower of London in 1471 during the War of the Roses civil war.

The Tower of London Today

The Tower of London has been a tourist attraction in the city since the late 19th century, but while Simon Fraser was the last person executed by beheading at the prison, in 1745, for his role in the Scottish Jacobite Rebellion, the facility retained its role in crime and punishment well into the 20th century.

Eleven German spies were executed at the Tower of London during World War I . Interestingly, although London suffered numerous attacks during that conflict, only one bomb was dropped on the Tower. It landed in the moat.

The facility wasn’t so fortunate during World War II . The Tower complex suffered significant damage during multiple bombings, with several buildings destroyed.

The Tower of London still fulfilled its role as a prison in that conflict, however, with Hitler’s second in command, Rudolf Hess, incarcerated there in 1941, after he was captured in Scotland.

Hess was later transferred to another prison. He was eventually tried at Nuremberg and given a life sentence. He died in 1987.

Another Nazi, German spy Josef Jakobs, was the last person executed at the Tower. He was shot in August 1941.

Prisoners of the Tower. Historic Royal Palaces . King John Balliol of Scotland (1292-1296). BritRoyals.com . German spy Josef Jakobs was last man to be executed in Tower of London. The Daily Telegraph .

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5 Best Tower of London Tours 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to book the best Tower of London tours?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top 5 Tower of London tours here.

How do I know?

I’ve lived in London since 2012 and have explored far and wide, so I know that one of the best things to do in London is book a tour of the Tower of London and explore!

Only quality tours are included in this list so you know that every tour you book is worth your money and time.

Want me to cut to the chase?

The best tour of the Tower of London is: Best Tower of London Private Tour . 

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Tower of London tour is this private Tower of London tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

There are plenty of Tower of London tours to choose from, including Tower of London guided tours, Tower of London family tours and Tower of London private tours so let’s get right down to it.

In this list, you’ll find 5 of the top-rated Tower of London tours so you know you’re making the right choice.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Tower of London Tours

1. best private tour of the tower of london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Blue Badge Guide 
• Minimal wait times 
• Private tour

If you visit the iconic landmarks of London, be sure to do so on a tour like this one . While it’s cheaper to go by yourself, you won’t learn all the insider info.

On this tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide who will answer all the questions you didn’t even know you had!

Your guide will make sure you don’t miss any of the royal attractions here at the Tower of London.

You’ll even get to meet the ravens that stand guard at the Tower and learn their names! This private tour has high ratings for good reason.

2. Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Cruise : best London tower tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local English-speaking guide
• First entrance ticket for Tower of London
• First entrance ticket for Jewel House
• Flexible one-way ticket for London river cruise

The Tower of London can get crowded. Which is why it’s so important to beat the crowds!

This tour has “skip-the-line access” so you can get ahead of the crowds. You’ll get an early start which means that you won’t have to pass by an overwhelming amount of tourists. You’ll also get to experience the opening ceremony!

Your tour guide will make sure that you see all the highlights of this iconic London attraction. He’ll also answer all your questions to make sure that you learn as much as possible!

3. Best of Royal London including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 440+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
• Boat ride on the River Thames
• Headsets, when needed
• Guided walking tour of London’s royal sights

Beat the crowds with this early morning Royal London walking tour ! You’ll visit the Tower of London to see all the highlights of this iconic London attraction.

Then you’ll go on a cruise down the River Thames. This will be a great way to see several other quintessential London landmarks.

Before the tour is over, you’ll also get to experience the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall.

Your guide will share lots of Royal history with you so you’ll definitely learn something new. In just a few hours, you’ll see all the highlights of Royal London!

4. VIP Early Access – Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge with Crown Jewels 

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 250+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Meet the chief Beefeater
• Visit Royal Armories collection
• Tower of London Opening Ceremony
• See several historic sights

This tour starts with the opening ceremony of the Tower of London Beefeaters.

You’ll get to see the Crown Jewels before it gets too crowded. You’ll then tour the White Tower and learn lots of history and folklore about this location.

Finally, you’ll get to see the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Enjoy the panoramic views as you learn the history of this beautiful piece of architecture.

You’ll have several photo opportunities and get to see a variety of sights. This tour includes the Raven’s Den, the execution site, and the 11th-century Romanesque Chapel of St. John’s. 

5. Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 1,880+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Tours of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Private cruise on the River Thames 
• Cream tea at Harrods restaurant or London Eye standard flights (if upgrade option selected)

This full-day tour is a great way to see the quintessential parts of London in just a day! If you don’t have a lot of time to explore, you may want to check out this tour.

You’ll start at the Tower of London before it gets too crowded. Then you’ll visit Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral and even get to experience the Changing of the Guard.

Cruise the River Thames so you can see many of the landmarks along this beautiful river.

You can even upgrade to ride the London Eye which will offer a great view of the city!

You’ll also get to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and several other iconic locations throughout the city.

Want more London tours? Check these out!

• 13 Best London Tours with Afternoon Tea
• 15 Best London History Tours
• 5 Best London Speedboat Tours
• 5 Best Westminster Tours in London
• 5 Best Winston Churchill Tours in London
• 7 Best Borough Market Tours
• 7 Best James Bond Tours
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours of London
• 11 Best Royal Tours in London for Visitors
• 11 Best London Art Tours
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 11 Best Full Day London Tours
• 9 Best Tours of London’s East End
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 17 Best London Food Tours
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• 11 Best London Bus Tours
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours for Bookworms
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• 11 Best London Bike Tours
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• 21 Best London Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock N Roll Tours
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 19 Unique London Tours
• 5 Best Open Top Bus Tours in London
• 7 Best London Helicopter Tours

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

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Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

Visiting the Tower of London 2024: Everything You Need to Know!

Last updated: April 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 6 Comments

If you’re visiting London, we think that a visit to the Tower of London should definitely be high on your list of things to do in the city. This is home to one of the oldest intact buildings in London, and has seen a huge amount of history. We’ve visited multiple times, and always have a great day out here.

There’s a lot to see and do at the Tower of London, from seeing the Crown Jewels to learning the legend of the ravens. In this guide to visiting the Tower of London (officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London), I’m going to tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit.

This will include everything from saving money on your Tower of London tickets, to what to see and do, and more tips for your visit. I’ll also share some tips for where to stay near the Tower of London. Let’s get started.

An Overview of the Tower of London

Before we get into the details, you might be wondering what the Tower of London is, and why it warrants a visit. Let me answer that question with some quick history.

In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded Britain, bringing an end to centuries of Anglo-Saxon rule. The monarchy that William started shaped much of the England you see today, right up to and including the current monarch.

Of course, invading and conquering a country is one thing. Keeping it under your rule once you’ve done that is another. With this in mind, William the Conqueror, now William the First, set about building castles to keep control of his new lands. In fact, from 1066 through to 1087, he built nearly 700 castles across England and Wales.

With London as his capital city, naturally an impressive castle had to be built here to demonstrate his absolute power. And so it was in 1066 that construction on the Tower of London commenced. Initially the building was a simple timber structure, but a more impressive stone structure was built in the early 1080s. This was built over pre-existing Roman fortifications that were part of Roman city wall.

This was the White Tower, an imposing stone fortress which still survives today as the centrepiece of the Tower of London.

Over the centuries various changes and additions were made to the Tower of London. These included extra fortifications and structures, including thick walls, defensive towers, and buildings for accommodation, holding prisoners and munition storage.

Today, the Tower of London consists of a series of defensive structures, walls and buildings which span an area of 12 acres. First there is the moat, then there is a defensive wall, the outer ward, another defensive wall, the inner ward and finally the innermost ward where you find the White Tower.

The Tower of London has been the location of many key events in British history. Multiple important figures throughout history were executed here, with 112 people executed at the Tower over 400 years. These included some of Henry VIII’s wives, political and religious prisoners, and even German spies during World War II.

Today the Tower of London is primarily a visitor attraction, a role it has played for around 400 years. It also serves some notable functions, including being the home of the Crown Jewels and the regimental headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site, and also a home for around 40 retired service personnel and their families.

As you can imagine with a building that spans so much history, we’ve only briefly covered the Tower of London in this overview, but hopefully this gives you enough to get an idea as to why to visit!

Where is the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is found on the north bank of the River Thames, right next to Tower Bridge. The address is London, EC3N 4AB. It sits right on the edge of the London borough of Tower Hamlets, next to the City of London.

The Tower of London entrance is on the west side of the building, with the ticket and security check lines forming outside the west gate. This area is also where you’ll find the ticket shop, welcome centre and shop.

How to get to the Tower of London

There are multiple options for getting to the Tower of London, including by rail, underground, bus and even boat! Here are the main options you have.

• Tube . The nearest tube station to the Tower of London is Tower Hill, which is served by the District and Circle lines. This is around a five minute walk from the Tower of London. Other nearby stations (within 15 minutes walk) include Aldgate, Aldgate East, Tower Gateway, Monument, Bank, London Bridge and Fenchurch Street.
• Public bus . Bus services 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1 all stop near the Tower of London.
• Boat.  The Thames River Boat service stops at Tower Pier, and offers connections up and down the river. A day pass for the Thames River Boat is included on the London Pass , which also includes Tower of London admission.
• Train . The nearest train station for the Tower of London is London Bridge Station, around 15 minutes walk away. Liverpool Street Station is around 20 minutes walk away.
• Taxi . You can of course get a taxi to the Tower of London, which prices varying depending on the distance travelled.
• Hop on Hop off Bus . All the London sightseeing buses make a stop at the Tower of London. A sightseeing bus tour ticket is also included on the London Pass .
• Walking . Depending on where you are traveling from, you might find it easiest to walk to the Tower of London. For example, it’s 20 minutes’ walk from St. Pauls Cathedral and the Shard, 45 minutes from Covent Garden or an hour from Westminster Abbey.

For more tips on travel in London, see our guide to getting around London .

Tower of London Opening Times

The Tower of London normally opens between 9am and 10am, and closes between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. These times vary depending on the time of year. They can also change for school holidays. Normal opening times are as follows:

Summer (1st March – 31st October)

• Sunday – Monday: 10am – 5.30pm
• Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 5.30pm

Winter (1st November – 28th February)

• Sunday – Monday: 10am – 4.30pm
• Tuesday – Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm.

Last admission is usually between 1 hour and ninety minutes before closing, however we would recommend giving yourself at least 2 or three hours for a visit.

Note that opening times can vary, so you will always want to check current opening times here in advance of your visit.

Do You Need a Ticket for the Tower of London?

You definitely need a ticket for the Tower of London. You can either book your tickets online in advance of your visit (recommended), or you can buy tickets from the ticket office which is near the main entrance.

We highly recommend booking tickets in advance. At busier times, there can be queues for the ticket office, so you will lose valuable sightseeing time standing in line.

How Much does it Cost to Visit the Tower of London?

As of April 2024, ticket prices for the Tower of London are as follows:

• Adult – £34.80
• Child (age 5-15) – £17.40
• Concession (age 65+, 16-17, full time student, disabled visitors) – £27.70
• Child under 5 years – Free

Pricing can vary, we recommend you check the latest information here .

What Does the Tower of London Ticket Include?

The Tower of London ticket includes:

• Entry to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the Chapel of St Peter
• Entry to the Battlements, the Medieval Palace, the Bloody Tower, the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, the Fusiliers Museum, the Beauchamp Tower, and the Royal Mint Exhibition
• A tour of the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder, or “Beefeater”. These run every hour starting near the main entrance, pre-booking is not required. The first tour is usually at 10am and the final tour is at 2.30pm.

The ticket does not include an audio guide, but an audio guide can be purchased separately for £5 for adults and £4 for children. You can either purchase these with your ticket or on-site. Audio guides can be collected just after you pass through the security check, to the right of the entrance.

Premium Tower of London Experiences

As well as the standard visit to the Tower of London, you can also book special experiences. These usually cost more, but will give you a unique experience. These might include witnessing special ceremonies, or simply getting in before the majority of the crowds. Some examples include:

• This early access tour of the Tower of London with a Beefeater which has you visiting prior to general admission
• This Tour of the Tower of London includes early access to the Tower and Crown Jewels. You’ll also get to see the opening ceremony, and have a fully guided experience inside the Tower of London. It also includes a hop-on hop-off city cruise tour, which departs right outside the Tower.
• One of the most unique experiences at the Tower of London is the Ceremony of the Keys. This is held every night from 9.30pm until 10.05pm, and tickets must be purchased separately. These are very popular, and ca be booked on the official website here . Note that photography is not permitted, and this ticket does not include admission to the Tower of London beyond the Key Ceremony itself.
• If you want to see the evening Ceremony of the Keys and also take a quick tour of the Tower, check out this tour . It includes an hour’s tour with a Yeoman Warder as well as the opportunity to watch the Ceremony of the Keys. I have done this tour and I enjoyed it. However you should be aware it is quite a quick tour and you don’t see inside the White Tower or visit the Crown Jewels. So for a more complete experience I would probably recommend this morning tour .

Where to Buy Tower of London Tickets

There are a number of options for buying Tower of London tickets. The main options you have are:

• On-site in person at the Tower of London ticket office
• On the GetYourGuide website here
• Online on the official website here

We definitely recommend checking prices between the official site and third party sites as sometimes there are discounts as well as bundles that may include other attractions you are interested in.

It’s also worth mentioning that the refund policy varies by ticket. Tickets bought on the official site generally cannot generally be refunded, whilst third-party sites may have a different policy.

The Tower of London is also included on a number of London city passes, see that section of the post for more details on that.

Discount Tower of London Tickets

There are a few ways to get discounted Tower of London tickets, or at least, to save on your admission.

If you are travelling as a family, the Family Saver ticket can save you money. This is available on either the official site here or the Tiqets website here . If visiting during peak times with two adults and three children, you can save over £20 compared to buying the normal full price tickets.

Tower Hamlets residents can visit the Tower of London for just £1. These tickets can only be purchased in person on the day, and residents must provide proof of residence in the form of either an Idea Store card or a Tower Hamlets library card, as well as proof of address.

Finally, don’t forget to check out city passes which include the Tower of London. If you are planning on visiting a few attractions in London, these can quickly save you money.

City Passes that Include the Tower of London

One of the best ways to save money on sightseeing in a city in our experience is to use a city pass. These passes usually include entry to a range of attractions for one price. If you are already planning to visit a number of high value attractions in a city like London, then a city pass can usually save you quite a bit of money.

We normally use the London Pass when we’re in London sightseeing, and have used it to visit the Tower of London a number of times. You can read our full review of the London Pass here , and buy one for yourself here . Of course, there are other city passes which include the Tower of London. Here are the main options to consider. Which one is best for you will depend on your sightseeing itinerary.

• The London Pass – access to over 80 attractions across London for a specific set of days
• The GoCity London Explorer Pass – choose from between 2 and 7 attractions to visit
• The London Sightseeing Pass – access to over 55 attractions across London for a specific set of days
• The London City Card – access to the Tower of London and the London Eye , as well as an audio guide of London and a hop on hop off boat cruise
• The London Big City Saver Pass – includes access to the Tower of London as well as your choice of attractions including the London Eye, Madame Tussauds

We normally use the London Pass as we think it offers the best value, but of course it will depend on what you plan to see.

Tower of London Tickets Sold Out? You still have options to visit the Tower of London!

If you are visiting the Tower of London when they are operating timed entry slots, these do have a maximum number of visitors they can accommodate. As such, tickets can sell out.

If you are looking on one of the online ticket portals, including the official site, then you should also check alternatives just in case. Whilst most of them draw from the same allocation, you might get lucky. We recommend checking  the official website here , on the GetYourGuide website here .

If you have no luck, the next option is to book a tour which includes Tower of London entry. Group tour tickets normally have a pre-allocated amount of tickets which are separate from the standard ticket pool. We list tours in our suggested tour options, but some options to consider include:

• This Tour of the Tower of London which includes early access to the Tower and Crown Jewels. You’ll also get to see the opening ceremony, and have a fully guided experience inside the Tower of London
• This full day tour of London includes many of the highlights of London, and finishes with a guided tour of the Tower of London

Hopefully between these options you’ll be able to visit the Tower of London during your time in the city.

Can you skip the lines at the Tower of London?

There are two main lines at the Tower of London.

The first of these is the ticket line for buying tickets in person on the day. This one is easy to skip by buying your tickets online in advance, which we highly recommend you do. Most tickets or tours which advertise skip the line privileges are referring to this ticket line.

If you are visiting with a London Pass or other city sightseeing pass, you can normally also skip the ticket line and head straight for the entry line. Just read the instructions provided with the pass.

The second line is the entry line which features a security check. All guests have to go through the security check, so this line can’t be skipped. Our advice is to visit the Tower of London as close to opening time as possible so the line isn’t so long.

The only way to ensure faster access is to book one of the early entry tours, which get you in before the main ticket line opens. While you will still have to go through security, it will only be you and the other members of your group doing this, so it will move quickly. Check out this tour and this tour for examples of early access tours.

What to see and do at the Tower of London

There is a lot to see and do at the Tower of London! We recommend visiting the Crown Jewels (located in a section of the Waterloo Barracks) first and then visiting the White Tower as these are generally the two busiest and most popular attractions here. After that, we just recommend visiting the rest of the attractions in the order that makes the most sense for you.

I should also note that due to the historic nature of the Tower of London some exhibit or area is almost always closed at any one time due to renovations, construction, or safety issues. However, it is rarely the most popular areas.

For example on one of our recent visits the Tower’s Mint and the chapel were closed to visitors, and on another the Beauchamp Tower and a section of the battlements was closed. So if there is any specific exhibit or areas you really want to visit, you may want to call ahead to ensure it is open.

Here’s an overview of the main sights and attractions within the walls.

The Tower’s Mint

When you enter the Tower of London you’ll pass through the Middle Gate, go across the moat, and then pass through the outer wall via the Byward Tower. You’ll now be in the outer ward, which sits between the two main sets of walls.

If you head to your left, up Mint Street, you will come to The Tower Mint. This street is also home to the “casemates”, a series of homes built into the walls where many of the Yeoman warders live.

The Tower Mint is open for visiting. It was established here in 1279, and for 500 years, most of the coins in circulation in the country were produced here. A visit to the mint will teach you all about this process, as well as about the people who lived and worked here. There are also some fun interactive games you can play.

The Battlements

The inner curtain wall of the Tower of London separates the outer ward from the inner ward. This was built during the reign of Henry the III in the 13th century, and much of what you see today is original from this period.

It consists of 13 towers (Bell, Beauchamp, Devereux, Flint, Bowyer, Brick, Martin, Constable, Broad Arrow, Salt, Lanthorn, Wakefield, and the Bloody Tower) which are linked by walls, and the whole construction is generally referred to today as the Battlements.

When built, this primarily served a defensive function. Today, you can walk along the majority of the battlements by taking the wall walk. This takes you through a number of the towers, with many of them setup to show mini exhibitions. In these, you’ll learn all sorts of things about the Tower’s history, from the time the walls were breached during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, the Tower’s time as a zoo (the Royal Menagerie), and what happened at the Tower during the World Wars.

One of the more intriguing exhibits for us was about the great fire here that took place in 1841 when Duke of Wellington was the Tower Constable. Another was a room devoted to the history of the animals that were kept at the Tower of London here which included lions, baboons, bears, alligators, zebras, and elephants. You’ll also see sculptures representing some of the animals that were kept here throughout the site.

The wall walk also take you through the next entry in our guide, the Medieval Palace.

The Medieval Palace

The wall walk along the Battlements starts with you entering St. Thomas’s Tower. This is part of the outer defences of the castle, added by Edward I in the late 13th century. As well as an additional defensive wall wrapping around the outside of the original curtain wall, this features a number of defensive emplacements as well as a large tower.

This tower, St. Thomas’s Tower, was built to serve two purposes. First, it had a river-level water gate entrance, offering direct access to the Thames. This came to be known as Traitors’ Gate, as this was where many Tudor-era prisoners would arrive prior to incarceration, often followed by torture and/or execution.

The upper floor of St. Thomas’s Tower was designed to provide luxurious lodging for the Royal family when they stayed at the Tower. Today, St. Thomas’s Tower along with the next two towers you pass through on the wall walk, The Wakefield Tower and the Lanthorn Tower, are collectively known as the Medieval Palace.

These towers are today set up to demonstrate what the interior would have been like for the visiting Royalty, with objects and furniture dating from the period.

The Crown Jewels in the Waterloo Barracks

A highlight for many visitors to the Tower of London is a visit to see the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. This is a collection of royal ceremonial objects, which include the crown worn by the British monarch. It’s the most complete collection of Royal regalia in the world, and the only set still in active use today.

The Tower of London has traditionally been home to the Crown Jewels since the early 13th century. The Jewels on display and in use today primarily date from 1660 when Charles II ascended the throne and restablished the monarchy following the English Civil War.

A highlight of the collection is the Cullinan I diamond, which is the largest clear cut diamond in the world at 530 carats. There are however over 23,000 precious stones in the display, which consists of 142 objects, including plates, swords, sceptres, robes, rings and even a spoon.

My favourite object is the nautical themed silver-gilt Grand Punch Bowl, which can hold 144 bottles of wine, and which is still in regular use!

A visit to the Crown Jewels is a must when visiting the Tower of London. It’s one of the most popular attractions, and one of the only places where photography isn’t allowed. At busier times, there can be quite a queue to visit, so do plan accordingly.

The White Tower

Right at the heart of the Tower of London is the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London and one of the oldest buildings in London.

The building is a keep, which in medieval times was a central fortified tower that normally had the most protection of any building in a castle. It was built in stone in the late 11th century, and fulfilled the role of fortress, royal accommodation, prison and symbol of power. Over the years it’s use evolved, including during the 17th century when the whole tower was used, rather riskily, to store a vast quantity of gunpowder.

Since the 19th century, the White Tower has primarily been a visitor attraction, and a visit to this incredible 11th century medieval palace is a must when inside the Tower of London. Here you will see a number of exhibits including the Line of Kings, which has been on display at the Tower of London since around 1692! Today this historic exhibition is found on the entrance floor of the White Tower.

You’ll also find other interesting armor and weaponry on display, as well as a beautiful 11th century Romanesque chapel, the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist. Note that whilst photography is allowed almost everywhere in the White Tower, it is not permitted in the chapel.

There are also exhibits about the lesser known uses of the Tower of London here including as a jewel, house, records office, Board of Ordnance headquarters, royal mint, menagerie, and royal observatory.

The Bloody Tower

Originally known as the Garden Tower, the Bloody Tower is one of the towers making up the battlements. It gained its rather gruesome name in the 16th century. Two young princes, one of whom was the deposed King and the other was his brother and therefore next in line, were effectively imprisoned in the tower by their uncle the Duke of Gloucester, the future Richard III.

Following their imprisonment and subsequent mysterious disappearance, rumours abounded of their being murdered, and so the Bloody Tower got its name. In 1674, the bones of two children of similar ages were found beneath the staircase in the White Tower at the Tower of London.

Today, you can learn about the Princes and what may have happened to them with a visit to the Bloody Tower. You’ll also learn about other high profile prisoners who stayed here, including Sir Walter Raleigh, who was imprisoned here for 13 years.

Lower Wakefield Tower

Next to the Bloody Tower is the Wakefield Tower, another of the towers along the inner curtain wall. In the lower part of this tower is the Torture at the Tower exhibit.

Over the centuries, and particularly in the 16th and 17th century, there was much political and religious change in the country. These changes resulted in many prisoners being held at the Tower. Often, it was suspected that they held information on co-conspirators, or where perhaps not forthcoming enough with a confession.

Interrogators at the Tower used a range of rather awful devices to extract information from their prisoners, and you can learn all about these at the Torture at the Tower exhibit.

The Fusilier Museum

Formed in June 1685, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers were originally formed to guard the guns at the Tower of London. Since then, the regiment has seen service in conflicts around the Globe, from the American War of Independence through to the Napoleonic Wars and the Great Wars of the 20th century.

They still have their regimental headquarters inside the walls of the Tower of London, where on the ground floor you can visit the Fusilier Museum . This museum tells the story of the regiment from its formation right up to the present day via a series of objects and information panels, and is well worth the visit.

Tower Green & Scaffold Site

To the west of the White Tower, near the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula you’ll find an expanse of grass as well as a memorial.

This area, known as Tower Green, was the site of some of the most high profile executions in British history. Only those of high rank had the privilege of being executed here. Ten people were beheaded on the green, including two of Henry VIII’s wives, Queens Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Today there is a memorial sculpture to those who lives were taken on the green.

Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

Just to the north of Tower Green is the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. “Ad Vincula” is Latin for “in chains”, so this is the Chapel of St. Peter in chains. The chapel is the parish church of the Tower of London, and whilst there has been a chapel on site for many centuries, the current building dates from 1520 and the reign of Henry VIII.

The chapel is perhaps most well known as the final resting place for many of the high profile prisoners who were executed at the Tower. These include Queen Anne Boleyn, Queen Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Thomas More. There were many other people interred here, including a number of martyrs who went on to become Saints.

The Chapel Royal is open for visitors and also has prayer services. It’s one of the few places in the Tower of London where photography isn’t allowed.

Beauchamp Tower

Another of the towers in the battlements, although not part of the wall walk, is the Beauchamp Tower. This 13th century tower was used as a prison for most of its history. It takes its name from Thomas Beauchamp, who was imprisoned here at the end of the 14th century.

Being imprisoned at the Tower was, for most prisoners, a very challenging experience. Many had already been condemned to death, and were passing time in fairly grim conditions. Not every prisoner had their own apartments, like Sir Walter Raleigh!

To pass the time and alleviate boredom, many prisoners took to carving graffiti into the walls of the castle. This is still visible today, and coming to see this graffiti has in fact long been a popular pastime amongst visitors to the Tower.

The Beauchamp Tower has a number of intricate carvings in the walls, along with more standard names and dates. These can all be visited and seen as part of the Imprisonment at the Tower Exhibition, found within the Beauchamp Tower.

One of the most well known sights at the Tower of London are the Tower Ravens. These large black birds have been a common sight at the Tower of London for centuries. The history of the Ravens at the Tower is one of myth and legends, so it’s hard to know exactly what is fact and what is not.

One story goes that the ravens were first encouraged to take up residence at the Tower to enhance the atmosphere at the executions on Tower Hill. Large black birds flapping ominously overhead would certainly lend a certain something to any execution. This association with ravens at the Tower is then said to have led to a captive population being permanently installed by Charles II in the 17th century.

Other scholars disagree, and surmise that this is all a myth put about by romantic Victorians. Certainly, the first known reference of captive Tower Ravens is in an illustration of 1863.

Whichever version of events you choose to believe, the reality is that these days there are always at least six captive ravens who are resident at the Tower, and who are looked after by the Yeoman Warders. The legend goes that should the ravens leave the Tower of London, the Crown will fall, and Britain with it.

Rather than testing this theory, the ravens are kept and fed at the Tower, and you’ll no doubt encounter them on your visit. They are often to be found hopping around after the Yeoman Warders, because they are clever birds who know where their food comes from.

The Yeoman Warders & Guided Tours

An iconic sight at the Tower of London are the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters. These men and women (to date there has only been one woman warder) have the full title Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary.

The Yeoman Warders are the ceremonial guards of the Tower of London, with the responsibility of looking after the prisoners in the Tower as well as safeguarding the Crown Jewels. They are also the de facto guides at the Tower, and have been helping tourists find their way around the sight and sharing their knowledge since the 19th century.

Yeoman Warders are commonly known as Beefeaters, a term whose origin is shrouded in mystery, but likely has something to do with the quantities of beef that formed a part of their diet. They were formed in 1485, and are the oldest military corp still in existence.

Yeoman Warders are today all former members of the armed services with a minimum of 22 years service. They live within the grounds of the Tower of London with their families, and they lead free guided tours within the Tower. We highly recommend spending a bit of time chatting to a Warder, as they have some wonderful stories and knowledge to share.

They run free guided tours throughout the day which are included with your tickets, and these are well worth joining. The talks cover different topics, and you can find out more when you visit about what’s on that day.

As well as the Yeoman Warders, the Tower of London also has a number of Guards on duty. These are active serving military personnel, responsible for guarding the Jewel House and the Queen’s House.

They are recognisable from their red uniforms and their large furry bearskin caps. As well as their guard role, they also take part in three daily ceremonies at the Tower of London: the Ceremonial Opening, the Ceremony of the Word, and the Ceremony of the Keys.

Whilst photography of the Guards is permitted, you should be aware that these are active military personnel performing an important task. When they are marching or otherwise moving around the site, it is important to stand clear and let them get on with their duties.

Unlike the Yeoman Warders, the Guards are not there to provide visitors with assistance and as such they won’t answer questions. So please be respectful and direct any questions you have to the Yeoman Warders, rather than the Guards.

How Long to Visit the Tower of London For?

As you can see, there is a lot to see and do at the Tower of London. We recommend a minimum of two hours for your visit if you just want to see the highlights, but ideally we’d recommend planning to spend around three hours here. At busier times, attractions like the Crown Jewels can involve a queue time of up to an hour, so you will need to consider this as well.

But you can easily spend most of a day here as there is so much to do and see if you visit all the available attractions. In addition to visiting all the various parts of the Tower and attractions, there are also guided tours you can join (most are free with your ticket) as well as the restaurant, café, and gift shops.

Those visiting with children may want to make sure to take some time between visiting buildings and museums to eat and let the kids enjoy the green spaces.

Is the Tower of London Worth It?

Hopefully having read this guide so far, and seeing all that there is to see and do at the Tower of London, you will agree that the Tower of London is definitely worth it.

Whilst the entry price is relatively high, it is on par with other major attractions in London like the London Eye . You could also spend a full day just at the Tower of London if you wanted to as there is plenty to see and do.

We feel it offers great value for what you can see, which includes many things you just can’t see anywhere else like the Crown Jewels.

Practicalities for Visiting the Tower of London

Like any major tourist attraction, there are a few things to be aware of when visiting the Tower of London.

Facilities at the Tower of London

There are a number of toilets at the Tower of London, some of which offer accessible facilities and some of which offer baby changing facilities.

Buggies and push chairs are allowed at the Tower of London, but due to the ancient cobbled ground many parts of the Tower are not exactly pushchair friendly. There is a buggy park outside the White Tower.

There are first aid services at the Tower of London. If you are visiting with children, there is not a meeting point, but children should be instructed to talk with a Yeoman Warder if they need help.

Security at the Tower of London

Like most locations these days, there are security checks when visiting the Tower of London. If you have any kind of small backpack or bag, it will be searched on entry, and the Tower reserves the right to search visitors on entry as well. Large luggage is not permitted in the Tower.

There are a number of prohibited articles which seem fairly obvious to me. Weapons, including knives with a blade in excess of 3 inches are forbidden, as are fireworks, smoke bombs and pepper spray.

Accessibility at the Tower of London

The Tower of London strives to be an accessible venue, with a number of measures in place to make all visitors welcome. However, there are some limitations, as this is a very old building complex with cobbled areas, steep narrow staircases, and low doorways.

There is a full guide to accessibility at the Tower of London, with detailed information on each area of the Tower and accessibility features. You can download this here .

All visitors with disabilities are welcome to bring a carer free of charge. Tickets for carers can be obtained on the day, with presentation of proof of a registered disability.

Luggage storage Near the Tower of London

Whilst small daypacks are allowed, larger luggage and suitcases are not permitted at the Tower of London. There is also no on-site luggage storage. We suggest checking online luggage storage options here and here .

Photography at the Tower of London

As you can see from this guide, I’ve taken a lot of photos at the Tower of London. So I’m pleased to report that photography is allowed almost everywhere within the Tower. The main exceptions to this rule are:

• the Crown Jewels exhibit and the entire inside of the Jewel House
• the Martin Tower
• the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.
• the Chapel of St. John in the White Tower

No photography or filming is allowed in these parts of the Tower.

You are also permitted to photograph the Guard and the Yeoman Warders. For the latter, it is always polite to ask permission. For the former, they don’t speak to people usually, but they do expect to have their photos taken. Just be respectful!

If you plan to do any commercial photography or wedding photography, or use photographic equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks, this needs to be arranged in advance. There are also rules in place to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Food and Drink at the Tower of London

If you get hungry whilst you are at the Tower of London, you have a few options.

First, you are allowed to bring your own food and drink to the Tower of London. However, do be aware that you are only allowed to consume it in designated areas.

There are also a number of options for eating and drinking at the Tower of London. The largest sit down option is the New Armouries Café. This includes a range of full size hot and cold meals, as well as drinks, snacks, sandwiches, cakes and pastries. This is the best option for a sit down meal.

There are also a number of food and drink kiosks, including an ice cream stand, at various locations around the Tower of London. So you won’t go hungry.

Internet Access at the Tower of London

There is full free WiFi access at the Tower of London. Just connect to the free WiFi network.

Tours of the Tower of London

You can book a tour which includes the Tower of London. Some of these focus on the Tower itself, whilst others will include other sights and experiences across the city.

One thing to note is that the only external guides who are allowed to guide inside the Tower of London are Accredited Guides or Blue Badge guides.

Some tours you’ll find online will say that they include the Tower of London. However, if the tour is not operated by an accredited blue badge guide, the guide will not actually accompany you inside the Tower of London. So you would have to guide yourself for this part of the tour, or join one of the free tours after you enter with a Yeoman Warder.

Here are some options to consider.

• This Tour of the Tower of London includes early access to the Tower and Crown Jewels. You’ll also get to see the opening ceremony, and have a fully guided experience inside the Tower of London
• This full day tour of London includes many of the highlights of London, and finishes with a fully guided tour of the Tower of London
• If you’d like a private tour, this tour with a blue badge guide focuses on the Tower of London, and the guide will accompany you inside throughout the experience
• If you want to see the evening Ceremony of the Keys and also take a quick tour of the Tower, check out this tour . It includes an hour’s tour with a Yeoman Warder as well as the opportunity to watch the Ceremony of the Keys. I have done this tour and the experience is definitely interesting, however it is quite a quick tour and you don’t see inside the White Tower or the Crown Jewels. So for a more complete experience I would probably recommend this morning tour .

Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

To help you get the most out of your Tower of London visit, we’ve put together these tips based on our multiple visits.

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio guide

As you have probably noticed, there’s a lot to see at the Tower of London, and the building itself has been witness to around a thousand years of history. As such, it can be a bit overwhelming!

For this reason, we usually recommend that visitors consider either taking a guided tour or using the on-site audio guide to enhance their visit. For guided tours, the Yeoman warder led tours which are included in your entry ticket are a great option. Alternatively, see our section on recommended tours for other ideas.

Chat with the Yeoman Warders

Whether or not you opt to take one of the free guided tours, we definitely recommend taking some time to talk with the Yeoman Warders. They’re easily recognisable from their uniforms, and they have a wealth of knowledge about the Tower of London.

So whether you have a question about what it’s like to actually live at the Tower of London, or want to know something about its history, these are the people to talk to!

What to Bring

You’ll be spending a few hours at the Tower of London, so we would recommend bringing comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as well as a refillable water bottle. We also recommend either an umbrella or lightweight rainproof coat, whatever time of year you visit. There are quite a few outdoor areas, and the weather in London can be unpredictable even in the summer time!

For more ideas on packing, see our guide to what to pack for London .

Plan your day in advance

There is a lot to see at the Tower of London, so having a general idea of the layout and what order you intend to visit things is a good idea. If you are not sure if you have the time to visit everything (there is a lot to see), you will want to prioritize the areas you really want to see by visiting them first.

Planning ahead can save you retracing your steps and walking further than you need to. As mentioned previously, the site spans 12 acres with two concentric walls surrounding the centre, and attractions found throughout.

The site is well signposted, and you’ll get a free map when you visit. You can also download this in digital form in advance of your visit from the official website here . If you need directions when you’re on site, just ask a Yeoman Warder.

We highly recommend planning to arrive as close to opening as you can, and to head straight for the Crown Jewels exhibition. This tends to be the busiest attraction on the site, and queues can be up to an hour long during peak visiting times. So if you can get this done first then you’ll be able to have a more relaxing time overall.

Attractions Near the Tower of London

The Tower of London is very close to a number of other London attractions. These include:

• Tower Bridge (6 minute walk)
• HMS Belfast (10 minute walk)
• The Shard (20 minute walk)
• Borough Market (20 minute walk)
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (20 minute walk)
• Shakespeare’s Globe (20 minute walk)

As you can see, it would be easy to incorporate a trip to the Tower of London with other sightseeing. See our suggested itineraries for 1 day in London , 2 days in London , 3 days in London and 6 days in London for some ideas.

Where to Stay Near the Tower of London

If you want to stay near the Tower of London, we’ve put together some options for you. It’s worth bearing in mind that The Tower of London is right next to the city of London, so this area is largely dominated by office buildings rather than hotels, however there are some options to choose from. We suggest the following.

• Wombats Hostel – just 13 minutes walk from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, this well reviewed hostel offers basic shared accommodation. There’s also a bar and shared kitchen facilities on site.
• Clayton Hotel – well located for the city’s financial district and just 15 minutes walk from the Tower of London, this is a very well rated 4* hotel offering comfortably sized en-suite stylish rooms. There’s free WiFi throughout and an on-site restaurant and bar.
• New Road Hotel – this excellent value and well reviewed boutique 4* hotel in Whitechapel is found in a former textile factory. It’s 25 minutes walk to the Tower of London. A wide range of rooms are available, from more budget oriented options through to higher end options with hot tubs and terraces. Rooms are all en-suite and air-conditioned, and there’s also an on-site bar and restaurant.
• Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard – found between floors 34 and 52 of the Shard, rooms at the well reviewed 5* Shangri-La offer some of the most spectacular views of the city you’ll find in any hotel in London. Good sized rooms feature marble en-suite bathrooms with shower and separate bath tub. Rooms also feature air-conditioning, coffee machines and free WiFi, as well as a set of binoculars to enjoy the view! There are three dining and drinking menus on site, and it’s a 20 minute walk to the Tower of London

Of course, there are many more options for accommodation all across London. See our guide to where to stay in London for some more options and tips on which London neighborhoods might be the best place to stay depending on what you plan to visit.

Further Reading for Visiting London

That’s it for our complete guide to visiting the Tower of London! We hope you found it useful to help you decide on the best property for your trip to the city. We’ve also got a number of other resources to help you plan your trip to London and the UK in general which we think you’ll find useful.

• We have detailed itineraries for  1 day in London ,  2 days in London ,  3 days in London  and  6 days in London
• Another popular attraction in London is the London Eye. See our complete guide to visiting the London Eye for everything you need to know for the London Eye
• You’ll need somewhere to stay in the city if you’re here for more than a day. See our guide to where to stay in London for some suggestions across all budgets.
• If you plan on doing much sightseeing in the city, you will likely save money with a London Pass. See our complete  London Pass review here  to see if this might save you money on sightseeing.
• We have a guide to  getting around London , and a guide to  using the Oyster card in London .
• If you’re flying into one of London’s six airports, see our guide to  getting to London from the airport .
• We have a detailed guide to  what to pack for London , to help you prepare for your trip to London.
• We put together some tips on finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to finding  Harry Potter in London
• 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• If you enjoy military museums, take a look at our guide to  London’s best military museums and memorial . Also see our  Winston Churchill in London guide .
• Tips on  spending Two Weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure
• For budget planning, see our guide to  how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our experience  taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• Thoughts on  visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
• Other good day trips from London include Oxford and Cambridge. See our guide to  Oxford in a day  as well as  things to do in Cambridge  for ideas.
• Heading further north? We have loads of content on  Scotland , including a  2 Day Edinburgh itinerary , a guide to the  North Coast 500  and a  2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the  best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan
• The  Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it! We hope you found our guide to visiting the Tower of London helpful, and as always, if you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and we’ll answer them as soon as we can!

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There are 6 comments on this post

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Anne Clough says

8th July 2023 at 3:29 pm

Are there water fountains on site to be able to fill my bottles?

Laurence Norah says

8th July 2023 at 3:51 pm

Yes there are. I can also recommend getting a copy of the “Refill” app for your smartphone which has a map of all the water fountains as well as cafes and bars which offer free refills of water bottles 🙂

Have a great time in London!

Nichelle says

6th January 2023 at 6:48 pm

We will bein London April 2 and April 3rd, when can we purchase tickets for the Tower of London?

The website does not show any tickets available to purchase yet.

14th January 2023 at 10:22 am

Hi Nichelle,

Sorry about the slow response! I’m travelling with limited internet at the moment. You are correct, currently tickets beyond the 1st of March are not available. I contacted the Tower of London about this, and they were not able to give me an updated timeframe for when these tickets will go on sale, only to say that you should keep checking the website. Sorry to not be of more help! Have a great trip to London!

29th December 2021 at 11:18 pm

great site! do you know if beefeaters will be available in May 2022?

30th December 2021 at 10:12 am

Thanks Susan! Yes, the Beefeaters should be leading their tours in May and also be there for any photos or questions you have. They live on site so they are pretty much always there 🙂

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Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise

138 reviews

Why take this tour?

• Enjoy VIP early entry to the Tower of London’s Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
• Be among a small group to witness the Opening Ceremony, one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world, before the Tower officially opens to the public.
• Explore the infamous fortress-turned-prison (and so much more!) on a professionally guided tour of the Tower of London, including visits to the Bloody Tower, torture chamber, execution site, and a walk along the Tower walls.
• See London from the water on a sightseeing river cruise thanks to your included City Cruises flexible one-way ticket.
• Sites Visited
• Tower of London
• Jewel House (first entrance)
• Old execution site on Tower Green
• Bloody Tower
• Torture chamber
• Castle walls
• Opening ceremony
• London from the water (City Cruises sightseeing cruise)
• Tour Includes
• First entrance ticket for Jewel House
• First entrance ticket for Tower of London
• including Opening Ceremony
• Flexible one-way London river cruise pass
• Blue Badge guide

Take an exclusive visit to Britain's most famous castle on this in-depth early access Tower of London tour.

Total customer reviews: 138, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

Meeting Point 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames Street. Meet outside the Tower of London Shop. Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign.        

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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Is a Tour of Tower of London Worth It?

Ian Sumpter Last Updated: October 24, 2023

Is the Tower of London worth visiting? Yes. If you’re coming to London, you might wonder: should you explore the Tower on your own or take a tour? This landmark attracts millions yearly. In this article, we’ll discuss the value of Tower of London tours.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our best Tower of London tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London.

What is the Tower of London?

Officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London’s history goes back over 900 years. The central keep, known as the White Tower, was constructed by William the Conquerer following the Norman conquest in 1066. The 11th-century Tower was designed to terrify and subdue the local population and deter foreign invasion. Its use as a royal residence declined during the Tudor reign, and the Tower gained a reputation as a gruesome state prison.

Here, the wives of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were beheaded and the ‘Princes in the Tower’ we held captive. Here, the crown jewels are secured. And here, the notorious English mobsters, the Kray twins, were held captive in 1952, for failing to report for National Service, making them amongst the very last to be imprisoned in the famous Tower.

The Tower of London has been the center of the English consciousness for almost as long as there has been an England. To understand its history is to understand England’s history. So is a tour of the Tower of London worth it? Absolutely.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Free Guide to the Tower of London

Is a Tour of the Tower of London Worth it?

Short Answer: Yes, a tour is worth it.

While it is entirely possible and enjoyable to visit the Tower of London without a guide, a guided tour can often elevate a visit to another level.

The entry fee includes admission to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, the battlements, the Medieval Palace, the Bloody Tower, Torture at the Tower exhibition, Fusiliers Museum and Royal Mint exhibition. That is a lot to take in and trying to do it alone can be daunting. With a local expert guide with you, they will be sure to make certain you don’t miss anything vital. Amongst the many advantages of a tour, the following are probably the most important.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

There are two types of tourists: Those who wait in line and those who don’t.

Some 2 million visitors pass through the Tower of London each year. In high season, tickets sell out in advance, but with tours, that is all taken care of for you. This eliminates the confusion outside if there are lots of people trying to get in the right line. 

A guide with skip-the-line tickets can make this a smooth and quick process.

Small Group Tour

With over 900 years of history, getting lost in the Tower of London is easy. A good tour guide is a great storyteller, and the tower has played host to some of the greatest stories ever told. Avoid the large group tours and join one of our more civilized small group tours.

Private Tours

If you enjoy seeing historical gems at a pace dictated for you, or you love to ask questions, then our private tours are perfect. Our expert guides will tailor an incredible experience for you, providing an unforgettable experience for your group.

If Tours of the Tower of London are Worth it Which is Best for You?

Now that you know a tour of the Tower of London is worth it, you need to ask which one is best for you. We have a detailed article on the Best Tours to Take of the Tower of London and why , but below, you’ll find a brief description of our highest-rated experiences.

Legends and Lore of the Tower of London Tour (3 hours)

Board your clipper and glide down the River Thames past some of London’s most iconic sites before reaching the imposing Tower of London.

Your guide will show you around this historic castle turned prison-and share stories of the famous prisoners held and executed here, including Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and Sir Walter Raleigh. You’ll also be able to see the famous Beefeaters and take in the impressive crown jewels. All under the watchful eye of the castle’s resident ravens!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Exclusive Meet and Greet With the Beefeaters (2 hours)

The best tours offer great historical storytelling, solve logistical issues, or offer unique experiences. Great tours like this one offer all three.

No one tells the stories of the Tower of London better than a Beefeater, so you’ll get a private meeting with one inside a room in the Bloody Tower that most people miss!

Then, your expert guide will take you to explore Tower Green, the Bloody Tower, Traitor’s Gate, and much more. And the jewel in the crown? How about a visit to the actual crown jewels?

London in a Day – Westminster Abbey and Tower of London Combo Tour (7 hours)

Want to see London’s most iconic attractions in just one day? This action-packed London-in-a-day tour makes the most of your time in this historic city.

You’ll have time to explore the Tower of London, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and more, all with a local expert guide.

This in-depth tour lets you skip the line to see London’s best sites without the long wait, and you’ll even get to take a boat ride along the River Thames. A perfect way to see many of London’s highlights if your time in the city is limited.

Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters (2 Hours)

On a regular Monday to Friday, I hate mornings. But on vacation, I can’t get enough of them. I like to see a city before it wakes up. Before the crowds swarm in. So this is my favorite tour.

You’ll get to watch the Beefeaters ceremoniously open the gates to the Tower. Grab a picture and then be the first to see the crown jewels. That’s not all; afterward, you’ll explore the rest of the Tower with your expert guide.

A truly unique experience.

Private Tower of London Tower

If you want to learn about the darker side of Britain’s famed prison and fortress, this private tour is for you. You’ll enjoy a gentle ride on a water taxi down the River Thames, where you can learn about London’s skyline and the bridges you pass by. Then your passionate local guide will guide you through the Tower of London, regaling you with their knowledge about all things related to Britain’s extensive history.

This tour is an ideal way to get familiar with London and its often-controversial past.

See tour itinerary, price, and descriptions

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Top Things to Do in London

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Tower of London Tour

The  Tower of London  has stood by the side of the River Thames for over 900 years. It started off as one single tower but over the centuries has expanded into the formidable complex we see today.

Most famous as home to the  Crown Jewels , The Tower also boasts many colourful stories since it has been used over the years as a; Prison, Fortress, Royal Palace, Royal Mint, Astronomical Observatory and as a Menagerie for wild animals. Some of the famous inhabitants include the uniformed  Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders),  the large, menacing looking  Ravens  and reputedly, the heartbroken ghost of  Lady Arabella Stuart…

Highlights of the tour include:

• Crown Jewels – display of priceless regalia and jewellery, much of which is still in use today
• White Tower – original Tower of London and home to marvellous armour collection
• Scaffold Site – actual site of execution for Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the 2nd and 5th wives of Henry VIII

Up to 4 hour

Sir Walter Raleigh, instrumental in the exploration and naming of Virginia, was imprisoned twice in the Tower of London. Eventually beheaded for treason, his final words were reputed to have been “this is a sharp Medicine, but it is a Physician for all diseases and miseries.”

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16 insider tips for visiting the tower of london.

The Tower of London has been a fixture on London’s landscape for over a thousand years. With its rich – and often gory – history, it is a must-see attraction for Londoners and visitors alike.

But how can you make the most of your Tower of London visit?

This is where I can help you. Drawing on first-hand experiences and the knowledge of my friend Lisa who is a volunteer at the Tower, I am sharing top insider tips for visiting the Tower of London.

It is also packed with practical information you will need to ensure an unforgettable visit to one of London’s most iconic landmarks , including how to buy tickets.

Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases . Read the full disclosure here .

IN THIS ARTICLE

The Tower of London’s long and colourful history begins with William the Conqueror (r 1066 – 87), who built the White Tower

Although it was built as a fortress and a royal palace – it is one of the greatest European palaces – the Tower of London had several other roles. It was the site of a royal menagerie, the Royal Mint and armouries, and was used to store records of government.

However, the Tower gained infamy as a prison . Between 1100 and 1952, 8,000 people were incarcerated within its walls for crimes ranging from treason and conspiracy to murder and sorcery.

It was from here that Anne Boleyn was led to her grisly fate. Guy Fawkes was taken to the Tower of London after he was caught red-handed with the 36 barrels of gunpowder intended to reduce the House of Lords to rubble. 

Today, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and the world-famous Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters.’

Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

1. buy your ticket in advance.

Don’t be a hostage to fortune.

Pre-pandemic, the Tower of London attracted close to 3 million annual visitors. Visitor numbers are rapidly recovering.

The Tower of London carefully manages visitor numbers and ticket availability is limited at busier times. Pre-book your ticket in advance to guarantee entry.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKET FOR THE TOWER OF LONDON

2. Get there early to avoid the crowds

Looking for the best way to visit the Tower of London? Get a head start on the tour groups and the gaggles of schoolchildren looking like mini construction workers in their hi-vis jackets.

Aim to arrive at the Tower of London as they open their gates to visitors. This will give you precious time before it fills up and will secure your place in line for the Crown Jewels.

3. Consider booking an early access tour

You can also visit the Tower before the official opening time by booking an early-access tour with a Beefeater. Perfect if you want to experience the magic of the Tower of London with far fewer people. 

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR EARLY ACCESS TOUR

Alternatively, why not join a before-hours Tower of London tour with the opening ceremony? It’s slightly more expensive but it does allow you to see an age-old ritual.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR EARLY ACCESS TOUR + OPENING CEREMONY

4. Pick up a free map at the entrance

This clear and super useful map is colour-coded according to the Tower’s main functions over the last millennium: fortress, palace and prison

5. Consider an audio guide

There is a lot to see at the Tower of London and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One way of making it easier on yourself is to pick up an audio guide.

As well as revealing the stories and secrets of the Tower of London, the guide also has useful information about what to see, where to eat and shop and how to plan your day.

6. Avoid visiting at the weekend

Inevitably, the Tower of London is busier at the weekend with locals making the most of their days off and those visiting London on a city break. If possible, visit the Tower of London on a weekday.

7. Don’t underestimate the time it will take to visit the Tower of London

This is one of my top Tower of London tips. Don’t be tempted to just give the site a cursory tick on your checklist of things to do in London .

The Tower of London is a big site with many historical buildings to explore, each with its own stories to tell. You also have to factor in queueing to see the Crown Jewels.

How long you spend at the Tower of London will depend on how busy it is, which determines access to the Crown Jewels, and how much of a history fan-girl or fan-boy you are.

On my last two visits, I spent half a day there. For me, this was the perfect length of time.

8. Make the Crown Jewels your first stop

With good reason, the Crown Jewels display is one of the most popular things to do at the Tower of London. This world-famous collection of gold and gem-encrusted ceremonial items worn by British kings and queens attracts visitors in their droves.

The queues to see the Crown Jewels can be epic. According to one of the Yeoman Warders, people have been known to wait in line for up to 90 minutes to see this sparkling collection.

Ignore everything else when you enter the Tower of London. Instead, follow the signs for the Crown Jewels, which are displayed in the Jewel House, located behind the White Tower. 

For security reasons, photography is not allowed in the exhibit.

9. Join a Yeoman Warder tour

One of the best ways to see the Tower of London is to join a tour led by a Yeoman Warder. Educational and entertaining in equal measure, tales of pain and passion, treachery and torture are delivered with style.

These 45-minute walking tours start from the moat at the Tower’s entrance and are included in the price of your admission ticket. The times of the tours are posted on a board at the entrance.

10. Check the opening times of the Tower’s parish church

The Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is a must-see sight at the Tower of London.

A site of worship since before the Tower was built, it became the final resting place for many of the Tower’s executed prisoners under Henry VIII. These include Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

However, as the church is a popular venue for private events, opening hours can be unpredictable. Services are held there each Sunday and it’s not unusual for it to be used for weddings and christenings on Saturdays.

Aim to visit the Chapel Royal in the morning. Better still, check with a Yeoman Warder or volunteer at the start of your visit.

11. Make friends with the Yeoman Warders and volunteers

The Yeoman Warders and volunteers are rich wells of information. Don’t be shy. Approach them if you have questions.

And the Beefeaters are well practised in posing for photographs.

12. Try to see the Changing of the Guards

Did you know that Buckingham Palace isn’t the only place in London where you can witness the Changing of the Guard?

The Tower of London is protected by 22 guards, provided by different units on rotation. The sentries are changed every two hours and you can check times with one of the Yeoman Warders or a volunteer.

At 3 pm, a ceremony called The Word takes place. The Officer of The Guard and escort march to the Byward Tower to collect the Word, which is the password for after-hours entry to the Tower of London.

13. Walk along the battlements

A visit to the Tower of London isn’t complete without a walk along its battlements. This is an excellent way to discover the Tower’s different functions as a palace, fortress and prison.

Starting at the Salt Tower, explore the nine towers of Henry VII’s massive wall that was used to defend the fortress from attack. Some of these towers were once used as prison cells and you still see prisoner graffiti carved into the walls.

14. Watch out for those ravens

After the Beefeaters and Crown Jewels, the Tower of London’s most famous occupants are its ravens. Legend has it that the kingdom and the tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress (in fact there is one spare, just in case).

Although they are well fed by the Ravenmaster, the ravens are partial to sandwiches and crisps. My volunteer friend tells me that she spends a good chunk of her time shooing them away from visitors’ picnics.

15. Try to get tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys

‘Halt! Who comes there?’

These words have echoed down Water Lane for over 700 years. They are part of the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, during which the outer gates of the Tower of London are locked for the night and the keys passed to the Resident Governor.

I was lucky to attend this ceremony five years ago. The historical verve was almost tangible and I felt privileged to be in the deserted lanes of the Tower of London at night.

16. Consider timing your visit with the lifting of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is visible from the Tower of London. Unlike the other bridges across the Thames , Tower Bridge is a drawbridge, meaning that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to allow river traffic to pass through.

Tower Bridge lifts around 880 times a year and you can check the schedule here .

What to See at the Tower of London

Crown Jewels

Known collectively as the Coronation Regalia, these are the fabulous gold and gem-encrusted pieces used at the coronation of a sovereign.

These items in the Jewel House include trumpets and ceremonial maces, swords of state and coronation robes. The most famous are the crowns, some of which are in use at state events today.

White Tower

Completed in 1100 AD, the imposing White Tower is one of the best preserved secular buildings from early medieval times. It is the oldest part of the Tower of London.

The Battlements

The impressive stone battlements that form the Tower’s walls have protected kings and queens since the mid-13th century.

Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula

Dating from the reign of Henry VIII, the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula is the final resting place of two of his wives – Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard – as well as Sir Thomas More, John Fisher and Thomas Cromwell.

Traitors’ Gate

Those accused of treason entered the Tower through this notorious 13th-century watergate. They included Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas Moore.

Tower Green

Several British nobles were beheaded in this pretty space, away from the curious eyes of spectators. Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey were among those that were executed here.

Where is the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames on the eastern border of the City of London. Its address is London, EC3N 4AB. An area map is here .

It covers a vast area but you’ll find the entrance and ticket office on the western side of the complex.

How to Get to the Tower of London

It’s easy to get to The Tower of London by London Underground (Tube), Dockland Light Railway (DLR), mainline stations, bus or boat.

The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, a 5-minute walk. District and Circle Line trains stop here.

Other London Underground or DLR stations that are within a 15-minute walk are Aldgate, Aldgate East, Tower Gateway, Monument, Bank, London Bridge and Fenchurch Street.

By mainline train

The Tower is located within walking distance of the following mainline stations:

• London Bridge Station (10 -15 minutes)
• Liverpool Street Station (20 minutes)
• London Charing Cross Station (25 minutes)

By public bus

London bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1 stop close to the Tower of London.

By hop-on-hop-off bus

All of the major London hop-on-hop-off (HOHO) buses include the Tower on their routes.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR LONDON HOHO BUS TICKET

A very special way to arrive at the Tower of London is by boat. A river pass allows you to hop on and hop off for 24 hours at any of London’s main destination piers, including Westminster, Greenwich, London Eye and the Tower.

This is something that I have done as a local and is a wonderful way to explore London’s main attractions.

>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR LONDON HOHO CRUISE TICKET

The Thames River Boat is included in the London Pass and London Explorer Pass .

A black cab or minicab will get you to the Tower of London in comfort. Uber and Bolt operate in London.

If you are looking for a black cab after visiting the Tower of London, there are usually some waiting for a fare outside Starbucks, close to the Tower’s entrance. Turn right out of the exit close to Traitors Gate, which brings you out onto the riverbank.

Don’t rule out walking to the Tower of London. It may be closer than you think.

For example; it’s a scenic and easy 20-minute stroll from The Shard on the opposite side of the river. St.Paul’s Cathedral is a similar distance to the west.

Tower of London Opening Times

The Tower of London opens between 9 am and 10 am and closes between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm, depedning on the season. The last admission is one hour before closing time.

Opening hours are seasonal and are subject to change, especially during the school holidays. It is closed from 24th until 26th December.

Check opening hours here .

Buying Tower of London Tickets

How much does it cost to visit the tower of london in 2024.

As of December 2023, it costs an adult £33.60 to visit the Tower of London and you can stay for as long as you like after your allocated arrival time. The following ticket types are also available: – Child (age 5-15) – £16.80 – Concession (age 65+ or 16-17, full-time student, disabled visitor) – £26.80 Children under the age of five go free.

Consider buying a membership for Historic Royal Palaces. For £65 for an individual membership, you get free and unlimited entry to these five historic royal palaces, including exhibitions:

• Tower of London
• Hampton Court Palace
• Kensington Palace
• Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Except for Hillsborough, all of these palaces are in or near London. Additionally, you get a 10% discount on admission to the wonderful Kew Gardens.

With just two visits, you will make your money back on your membership. If there are two of you and you buy a joint membership, the savings are deeper still.

I bought an annual membership in 2021 and did not regret it in the slightest, revisiting the Tower of London (twice), Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and Kew Gardens.

What does your Tower of London Ticket include?

Your Tower of London ticket includes entry to the following:

• The Crown Jewels
• The White Tower
• Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
• Battlements
• Medieval Palace
• Bloody Tower
• Torture at the Tower Exhibition
• Fusiliers Museum
• Royal Mint exhibition

That’s a lot of bang for your buck. The tour of the Tower of London with a Beefeater is also thrown in for good measure.

An audio guide is not included with your Tower of London ticket. This can be purchased separately, either with your ticket or on arrival. You can collect your audio guide from the Acoustiguide desk in the Water Lane shop, just inside the main entrance.

Where to Buy Tickets for the Tower of London

Here are your main options for buying tickets for the Tower of London:

• In person at the ticket office at the Tower of London
• From the Historic Royal Palace’s website here
• From the GetYourGuide website here

It can pay to compare both the price of tickets and the refund policies of the official website and GetYourGuide. For example; with GetYourGuide you usually get the benefit of free cancellation within 24 hours of your scheduled visit.

Can you buy tickets for the Tower of London on the day?

Yes. Subject to availability, you can buy your ticket on the day, but I don’t recommend leaving it to chance.

How to save money on Tower of London tickets

Lucky you if you are a Tower Hamlets resident . Thanks to an agreement between the Tower of London and this London borough, you can visit the Tower of London for only £1. More information is here .

For most people, a London City Pass is a good way to save money on admission to the Tower of London. Entry to the Tower of London is included in both the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass . To determine if these sightseeing passes will be good value for you, check my review of the London Explorer Pass or this lowdown on the London Pass .

Are skip-the-line tickets available for the Tower of London?

Fast-track tickets for the Tower of London aren’t available as such. That said, there are two ways that you can reduce your waiting time 1. Buy your ticket in advance or come armed with your London Pass or London Explorer Pass . That way, you eliminate the queue at the ticket booth. 2. Visit at a quieter time – or book an early access tou r here or here – to cut down the amount of time waiting in line at the security check. While you can’t avoid the queue at security, you can make it easier for yourself.

What to do if Tower of London tickets are sold out

As the Tower of London caps visitor numbers at busier times of the year by operating timed entry slots, you could find that the official website shows no availability (or you rock up at the ticket office to be given the same message).

If this happens, check if there are tickets available through GetYour Guide here .

Failing that, see if there is a group tour that includes entry to the Tower. As a separate allocation of tickets is available for group tours, you may have more luck.

Here are a few options to consider:

Beat the crowds with an early-access tour with a Beefeater .

A before-hours Tower of London tour with opening ceremony .

Early access to the Tower of London Tour plus a Thames River Cruise

>>> CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR

Visiting the Tower of London: Practical Information

Facilities at the tower of london.

The Tower of London has toilets across the site, including those for disabled visitors. There are also baby-changing facilities.

There is a buggy park outside the White Tower and at the Middle Drawbridge (those ancient cobbles don’t exactly lend themselves to pushchairs),

Free WiFi is available throughout the Tower Of London.

Luggage storage is not available and large bags are not permitted in the Tower.

Accessibility at the Tower of London

HRP are committed to providing access and facilities for visitors with disabilities. There are a number of measures in place to assist those with disabilities and limited mobility and there is a full guide here .

That said, this is a historic building with steps, cobbled passageways and low doorways, and wheelchair access is limited.

Visitors with disabilities can bring an accompanying carer free of charge. These adult carer tickets can be obtained on the day of the visit upon presentation of proof of registered disability.

Eating & drinking at The Tower of London

Eating and drinking facilities at the Tower of London are limited.

Your best bet is the reasonably priced New Armouries Café, which serves hot meals, sandwiches, soup, salads, cakes and pastries, hot and cold drinks and a children’s menu. They also do a great plate of fish and chips, one of the foods that you must try in London .

A smaller range of snacks and drinks are available from a few kiosks dotted around the complex but they may not be open, especially during the week.

Photography at the Tower of London

Photography is allowed at the Tower of London with two notable exceptions:

• The Jewel House
• The Chapel of St. John (in the White Tower)

The Yeoman Warders will happily pose for a photo, but it’s only polite to ask before pointing your camera lens towards them.

Use of tripods and selfie sticks is subject to prior arrangement with the Tower’s conservation team.

Thank you for reading my Tower of London tips

Visiting the Tower of London is well worth £30 or so of your hard-earned cash. As a historic site, it is hard to beat.

The Tower was the setting for some of the most famous moments in English history. It was from this UNESCO World Heritage site that kings and queens wielded their power, shaping society and influencing our world.

If you have found this article helpful, take a look at some of my other articles on top attractions in London:

• Visiting the Sky Garden, London
• How to Visit The Shard for Free
• Tate Modern vs Tate Britain: Which is the Best London Tate Gallery?
• 35 Epic Things To Do Alone In London
• 30 Famous Streets in London You’ll Love

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman is a Londoner and has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at [email protected] or follow her on social media.

Tower of London Tour: History, To-dos, Buy Tickets, Best Tour Guides, Private Tour

The Tower of London tour is an experience to remember as the entire structure is a landmark of rich British culture and heritage. It is one of the most famous tourist spots in London. Tourists from around the world visit this place to observe all the traditional practices that have been happening ever since the Tower of London was constructed. It is also viewed as a symbol of evolution because it has been a witness to how society has changed over time in terms of finances, artillery, and trade.

This fascinating yet horrifying Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror during the 1070s in the center of his London fortress to proclaim and defend his royal status and power from the Londoners. This skyscraper was built to dominate the minds and hearts of the defeated people. The Tower took almost two decades to be built. The stone used in its making was brought from Caen, France, by the masons themselves.

After the death of William, the Tower of London kept on expanding and developing by the rulers who came afterward. Henry III and Edward I played a pivotal role in expanding the fortress by building defensive walls and similar small towers, thus spreading the castle.

The medieval kings also converted the Tower into one of England’s strongest and largest concentric towers. They also ended up constructing stunning royal lodging. The Tower became a safe spot for all the kings and queens during times of war and trouble. The royalties would go into hiding in order to protect themselves and their royal possessions. Even today, it is used for protecting the Crown Jewels with the help of the garrisons of the soldiers. However, the Tower ended up suffering from failed defenses during the Peasant’s Revolt in 1381 when the rebels ran in through the open gates.

The fortress has a number of luxurious apartments where the medieval monarchs lived. They offered their prayers in the Royal Chapel and kept a number of exotic animals. This place was used to host rulers from different countries in extravagant ceremonies. The rooms of the Tower were modernized during the time of Henry VIII for the coronation of his new bride, Anne Boleyn.

Despite being a safe spot for the royalties, the Tower does have its fair share of tragedies and death. Henry VI was murdered here during the War of Roses in 1471 while praying in his private chapel, and later Edward IV, the great rival of Henry VI; his children were killed in this Tower in 1483. Anne Boyln was also locked here when she was accused of treason and adultery before being executed by the sword.

The Tower of London became a state prison during the Tudor age, and anyone who threatened national security would be sent there. Until the 20th century, German spies were brought here and shot.

Henry VIII, during his reign, ordered that the Yeoman Warders would stay and guide the Tower permanently. The Yeoman Warders are considered a symbol of the historical towers around the world and were part of the monarch’s personal guards and would travel with him everywhere. The guards, till today, carry out all the ceremonial activities associated with the Tower, such as locking and unlocking the Tower in a ceremony called the Ceremony of the Keys. They wear their infamous red uniform during the official ceremonies and during the gun salutes. The Tower is now home to the resident governor, a garrison of soldiers, the Yeoman Warders, and their families.

The Tower of London Tour Experience

The Tower of London has also played a part in literature and history, and till today, it is contributing to English history. As the Tower houses all the royal artifacts and crown jewels, it gives a very fleeting experience that all the wars, deaths, and conquests were real and not a figment of fiction. The Tower of London tour is an experience to behold for a lover of history.

Private Tower of London Tour

The private tour offers a personalized and intimate exploration of this storied fortress. Guided by a knowledgeable and engaging Yeoman Warder, also known as a Beefeater, you’ll be transported through time as you meander through the vast complex. From the chilling Traitors’ Gate to the splendor of the Crown Jewels, each stop is a revelation of history and intrigue.

As you traverse the winding cobblestone paths and the hallowed chambers, your guide will unravel the rich tapestry of stories that makes the Tower a living chronicle of England. Hear tales of love, treachery, power, and demise that have played out within these ancient walls. Whether it’s the legends of the ghostly queens or the enchanting lore of the ravens, the private tour ensures an experience tailored to your interests.

Away from the bustle of large tour groups, the private tour allows for moments of reflection, personal interaction, and the opportunity to ask detailed questions. The insider’s perspective transforms a simple visit into a profound experience, connecting you to the soul of this enduring symbol of British heritage. You can choose a private tour below.

How to Get to the Tower of London

There are multiple ways to get to the Tower of London. You can get here through the following:

• Hop on Hop off Bus: Almost all Hop on Hop off buses stop at the Tower of London.
• Public Bus: Bus numbers 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1 can take you to the Tower of London.
• Train: London Bridge Station is the closest train station near the Tower of London and is only 15 minutes away on foot.
• Tube: The Tower Hill tube station is the nearest station to the Tower and is only a five-minute walk away.
• Taxi: You can always take a taxi to the Tower. The fare depends on the distance traveled.

Watch: Margaret, a tour guide and manager of Free Tours by Foot London, takes you on a virtual walking tour of the Tower of London

Items You Need to Prepare for the Tower of London Tour

Only small daypacks are permitted on the Tower of London tour. Since you’ll be spending a few hours at the Tower of London, you should bring comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and a rainproof jacket. You will visit a few outdoor areas, and the weather can get unpredictable, even during the summer.

Best Time to Do the Tower of London Tour

It’s always best to remain  updated about the opening and closing times of the Tower of London tour to avoid any uncertainty.

No matter the opening time, you should consider visiting during the weekday as it’s always crowded with tourists. We recommend you arrive early in the morning, even on weekdays, as crowds are expected after 3 pm or all day on weekends.

Sights to Look Out for During the Tower of London Tour

Once you have entered the Tower, there are numerous places you can visit and look at various crown jewels. A few of the hotspots in the Tower of London are listed down below:

• The Tower Mint

This place was specifically used to make coins for trade. The remnants of the craftsmanship are displayed here, and the tourists can enjoy a number of activities that are offered here.

• The Crown Jewels

The Tower has been used as safekeeping for all the royal jewels since the 1600s. The jewels may not be appealing to some, but the history which comes with them is.

• Medieval Castles

This is the ideal place for all history lovers to understand how life was in the past and how different monarchs lived in luxury. The walls of the castles are the witness to all the events which took place starting from the reign of William the conqueror.

Other places you can visit in the Tower of London are

The Battlements, the Bloody Tower, the White Tower , the Royal Chapel , the Ravens, the Tower Green, and Scaffold Site, among many others.

How to Get Tickets for the Tour 

In order to book the Tower of London tour , there are numerous options available. The entire tour lasts up to 60 minutes if you are visiting with a group and almost three hours if you want to visit every place in the fortress and look at everything in detail.

The easiest way is to buy your tickets online. Click any of the tour links in this post to make a booking.

One other option is to purchase the city pass . This will allow you a full free day entry and has a plethora of other activities to offer. The pass has two options from which you can choose; the  London Pass  allows you to access the other attractions in the city. It has a list of 80 tourist spots you can choose from, and the other pass is called the Gocity London Explorer Pass. It is for those who prefer to visit one or two places per day. Both tour options are offered at the Tower’s main entrance.

Another way to book the Tower of London tour is via a travel guide. If you are not fond of looking for directions and waiting in long lines and you have to travel with children and older people, then booking a guide is the most suitable option for you.

Facts about the Tower of London

There are several curious facts about the Tower of London, and we are here to share some of them with you.

• The Tower has ravens that cannot leave

The ravens living in the Tower are regarded as its guardians; they can be found on the south lawn and love to mimic sounds and play with each other. Most of the ravens there have a name too. It is said that Charles II insisted that the ravens should be kept in the Tower.

• The ceremony of the keys is the oldest ritual remaining

The ceremony of the keys happening in the Tower is one of the oldest rituals that has been going on for the past 700 years. The ceremony used to take place even during the world wars and the great plague.

• The Tower can be haunted

A lot of people have reported strange sightings in the Tower. Some of them even said that they had seen the ghost of Anne Boyln walking in the fortress.

• The Tower of London has a secret pub

Yes, there is a secret pub on the premises of the Tower called the Keys.

• The White Tower is the oldest and the most famous part of the building

The top block of the White Tower was last used in 1747, and its basement is thought to be a torture chamber in the past.

Other Places to Visit Nearby:

Despite being the main tourist attraction, the Tower of London has many other places you can visit nearby. Some of them can be visited on foot; for others, you may have to use a cab or bus.

The most famous places you can visit are:

• The London Dungeon
• Shrek’s Adventure! London
• Houses of Parliament
• The London Eye
• HMS Belfast
• Tate Modern
• Tower Bridge
• Restaurants near the Tower of London

• History & facts
• Famous people
• Famous places
• Science & nature
• Tech & business
• Entertainment
• Tech & Science

London’s 10 Downing Street Garden Set to Open for Public Tours

London Garden Trust is celebrating 25 years of unique access to over 100 hidden green spaces in London that are not normally open to the public. The trust has been organising the Open Garden Squares festival for the past 25 years, which offers exclusive access to London’s private, secret, and little-known gardens during the weekend of 8 and 9 June. The festival began with volunteers’ passion to open up iconic but locked London squares in the west. It has since grown to embrace gardens across central London, including exquisite roof spaces, historic institutions, community allotments, and reclaimed and rewilded urban oases.

According to the London Garden Trust , this year’s festival will be extra special as 10 Downing Street’s garden will be part of the event. Two public tours of the garden at 10 Downing Street will take place on 8 June at 11.30 am and 1.30 pm. It’s part of the annual London Open Gardens weekend, which sees many of London’s closed gardens open to the public.

An adult weekend ticket offers exclusive access to over 100 gardens across 12 London Boroughs. Under 12s go free! Ticketholders will receive a free A2 foldout map guide on arrival at their first garden, which will also be available online in April.

All proceeds from around 40,000 garden visits made by ticketholders during the weekend each year support LPG’s year-round work to cherish and protect city green spaces. Profits are shared with the community gardens that take part.

The ballot for 10 Downing Street is open to those aged 12+, and a photo ID will be required on the day. The ballot closes at the end of 7 May. Demand is likely to greatly outstrip supply, so the 48 places are allocated by ballot. To be in with a chance of admiring the lawn where Dominic Cummings described his cavalier attitude to eye tests, the spot where Boris Johnson partied in the Covid sunshine, or simply admire Rishi Sunak’s neatly trimmed undergrowth, then enter your details on the ballot page.

Good News for Whiskey Lovers in Dublin this April!

London Open Gardens festival is a much-loved event that allows visitors to explore London’s green spaces and admire the city’s hidden gems. This year’s festival promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with the addition of 10 Downing Street’s garden. Visitors can expect to see a variety of gardens, from historic institutions to community allotments and more, all while supporting the trust’s year-round work to protect city green spaces.

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Tennis legend Boris Becker discharged from bankruptcy court in England

Brian Melley

Associated Press

LONDON – German tennis legend Boris Becker was discharged from bankruptcy court in London after a judge found Wednesday he had done “all that he reasonably could do” to repay creditors tens of millions of pounds.

Becker fell far short of repaying his creditors nearly 50 million pounds ($62.5 million) he owed, but Chief Insolvency and Companies Court Judge Nicholas Briggs said it would be “perverse” not to end the case given the efforts Becker made.

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“On the spectrum of bankrupts who range from ‘difficult as possible and doing everything to frustrate the trustee’s inquiries’ to ‘co-operative, providing information and delivering up assets’, Mr. Becker clearly falls on the right side of the line," Briggs wrote.

Becker, 56, was deported to Germany two years ago after serving 8 months in a London prison for illicitly transferring large amounts of money and hiding 2.5 million pounds ($3.1 million) in assets after he was declared bankrupt in 2017.

He had been convicted in a London court on four charges under the Insolvency Act, including removal of property, concealing debt and two counts of failing to disclose estate. He was acquitted of 25 other charges, including nine counts of failing to hand over Grand Slam trophies and his Olympic gold medal to bankruptcy trustees.

He was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison , but was released early under a fast-track deportation program for foreign nationals.

Becker rose to stardom in 1985 at the age of 17 when he became the first unseeded player to win the Wimbledon singles title. He went on to become the world No. 1 player, winning two titles at Wimbledon, two at the Australian Open and one at the U.S. Open.

He retired from professional tennis in 1999 and worked as a coach, television commentator, investor and celebrity poker player.

Becker blamed laziness and bad advice for his financial problems that led him to declare bankruptcy after owing creditors nearly 50 million pounds ($62.5 million) over an unpaid loan of more than 3 million pounds ($3.75 million) on his estate in Mallorca, Spain.

Attorney Katie Longstaff said at a High Court hearing last month that the joint trustees did not oppose his effort to end the case but did not support it because he still owed about 42 million pounds ($52.5 million).

Becker's lawyer, Louis Doyle, said the two sides had reached a settlement that includes a “substantial sum” the tennis great must pay. The agreement “includes the outstanding trophies,” Doyle said, adding Becker “can’t do more than he has done to bring us to this point."

Becker's age has been corrected to 56, not 57.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks

Tower Bridge is celebrating 130 years with a free, summer-long exhibition you won't want to miss.

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Booking information

Dates: Opens 22 June

Times: All day, every day

Location: On the pavements of Tower Bridge

Price: Free to access

About the exhibition

Get ready to dive into a hidden treasure trove - a collection of photographs from the Tower Bridge's public opening in 1894, unseen for over a century.

Imagine: peering through the lens of time and seeing the Bridge come alive through the eyes of the workers who built it and the first Londoners to walk across its magnificent path. These unique photographs offer a fresh perspective on a historic event.

But wait, there's more: Get ready for an augmented reality adventure that brings the photos to life, transporting you back to the bustling streets of Victorian London. And dive deeper with exclusive online content that explores the Bridge's fascinating history.

This summer, join the celebration! See the unseen, meet the makers of this magnificent landmark, and be part of Tower Bridge's incredible journey.

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7-9 may 2024.

Due to upcoming train strikes, please check your travel before visiting us. We aim to operate business as usual, but we ask for your understanding during the strike dates.