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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!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 6 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

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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How To Visit the Tower of London in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: October 26, 2023

When in London, you can’t miss the Tower of London. Its fascinating and macabre history as a royal residence, fortress, royal treasury, and prison has many mysterious twists and turns, which will be a lot easier to understand with this visitor’s guide put together by a London expert. Whether you’re going solo or taking our recommended guided tour of the Tower of London, here’s how to visit the Tower of London.   

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 .

Visiting the Tower of London: What We’ll Cover

The Tower of London is a large complex with a long and often grisly history dating back to the 11th century. This must-see London attraction has been a fortress, a prison, a palace, an arsenal, a museum, and even a zoo with a bizarre collection of animals.

As such, the site comes with lots of interesting legends and folklore you’re not going to want to miss. In this guide, find out how to visit the Tower of London, from tickets to the best guided tours, what to see, and where to eat nearby. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• What to see in the Tower of London
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of the Tower of London
• Where to eat nearby

Tower of London Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

The Tower of London is open seven days a week but admission times change according to the season. During the summer season (March 1 – October 30) the visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm; Mondays and Sundays, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Final entry is at 4.30 pm.

Adult tickets cost £29.90 but conditions such as Peak, Off-peak, or Concessions must also be considered. There are also family deals.

• Adult: £29.90 Peak | £28.90 Off-peak.
• Child (Aged 5-15): £14.90 Peak | £14.40 Off-peak.
• Child (Under 5): Free entry.
• Concession: £24.00 Peak | £23.20 Off-peak.
• Family Saver 1 (One adult with a maximum of three children): £52.20 Peak | £50.50 Off-peak.
• Family Saver 2 (Two adults with a maximum of three children): £82.10 Peak | £79.40 Off-peak.

Address: Tower of London

Not ready to book a tour? See the  best Tower of London tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at the Tower of London

Short Answer: 3 hours

Firstly, it has several ticket offices which help reduce lines. But there are occasions when you could spend 10-15 minutes in the queue. Secondly, there may be more queues inside for attractions that are particularly popular—such as the Crown Jewels—especially during peak hours. However, if you buy your tickets online this can save you both time and money.

A guided tour by an expert takes at least an hour, but more is better. If you do not require a guide for your visit, it will take 3 hours minimum to figure out where to go and what you’re looking at. This will give you time to see everything in the Tower in a comfortable and leisurely way.

What To See in the Tower of London

When you’re in the Tower of London’s massive complex, make sure you see these top sights. For a more detailed list with in-depth descriptions and images, check out our article on the top things to see in the Tower of London .

• The Crown Jewels
• Tower Green
• The White Tower & the Line Of Kings
• The Bloody Tower
• The Medieval Palace
• Armoury in Action
• The Torture at the Tower Exhibition
• The Fusilier’s Museum

Tower of London Tour Options

If you’re planning a trip to the Tower of London, you should certainly consider our guided tours. You don’t want to leave this site underwhelmed because there was so much to see without knowing all the gruesome tales and fascinating history!

We have hand-picked expert guides who can walk you through the tower’s magnificent history and you can learn about the British kings and queens who lived here and were executed here! Also, many enemies of the state and crown were imprisoned here and the history lesson about them will be easier to digest under our expert guidance. 

Did you know most executioners were drunks and often missed their target—for better or worse? Would you rather have an axe to your shoulder or neck? Learn more gruesome facts on these Tower of London guided tours .

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

Looking for a guided tour of London’s oldest fortress? Our passionate London guides are ready to take you! This tour starts with a gentle cruise on a River Thames taxi boat where you’ll see London’s iconic skyline and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater from a new perspective.

Then dive deep into history at the Tower of London where your guide makes your trip easy by explaining what you’re seeing in this massive complex. Legends of the ravens, stories of the Beefeaters, a visit to the crown jewels, and much more are included!

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters (2 hours)

Looking for that ultra-exclusive experience at the Tower of London? It doesn’t get much better than this! You get an exclusive, private meeting with a famous Beefeater guard in a room inside the Bloody Tower. These guards know how to entertain you with stories and jokes, and they’re happy to answer your questions too!

After your one-on-one time, the rest of your guided tour of the Tower of London will feel even more enthralling as you hear more tales, truths, and debunked myths about prisoners here at the Tower. Plus, you’ll have a chance to see the collection of the British crown jewels that have no comparison in the world!

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

There’s something special about witnessing a time-honored ceremony that’s happened for hundreds of years. This tour gives you exclusive entry to the tower before the crowds as you watch the Beefeaters open the gates. They’ll tell tales and read a royal proclamation at this entertaining event that overshadows how important the tradition actually is.

Then, since you’ve entered before the crowds, you’ll have a chance to explore some of the 18 acres of grounds here as your guide leads you to the most fascinating places at the Tower of London. Step inside a re-created king’s bedroom, see Traitor’s Gate, and enter the Jewel House to see what’s probably the most expensive collection of jewelry and valuables on Earth.

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

Our top-selling London tour is a must-do when you’re traveling to the heart of the United Kingdom. Your local guides are highly qualified and can share an unreal amount of cool facts and stories about London’s iconic sites and history. Starting at Westminster Abbey, you’ll be amazed at just how much of London you can see on foot and on a Thames river cruise.

Your skip-the-line tickets help you maximize your time, and your guides know where the best spots to see the Changing of the Guard are found. Your final stop at the Tower of London brings London’s more grisly history to life. It’s the perfect place to end your busy day tour of London!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Tower of London tours to take and why .

Facts and History of the Tower of London 

• The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror around A.D. 1070, a few years after his warriors from Normandy, France conquered Britain. 
• At first, it consisted of just the White Tower, but Henry III (1216-72) and Edward I (1272-1307) added substantial new structures.
• It is one of the few remaining 11th-century European fortress palaces. 
• The enemies of both the monarchy and state were imprisoned and executed here. 
• Two English queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were executed here on the orders of Henry VIII who constantly sought to replace his wives and remarry.
• England’s kings and queens lived here but also kept their treasures and money here knowing this fortified palace was the safest place in Britain.
• The Beefeaters who guard the Tower wear an easily recognisable red uniform. They were once the monarch’s official bodyguards, known as the Yeoman of the Guard or Yeoman Warders. They are known as Beefeaters because the king permitted them to eat as much beef from his table as they could manage. 
• Such are the high levels of security, the Tower was once regarded as impossible to enter illegally. But in 1381, protestors walked in through the gates during the Peasant Rebellion.

Places To Eat Nearby

The Tower of London has its own restaurant, which is just one minute away if you’re looking for a place to eat with a relevant connection. Here are a few more suggestions for places to eat nearby. For more options, check out our guide to the best restaurants near the Tower of London .

New Armouries Restaurant : ££ | Quick Snack —This is the Tower’s official eatery and both hot and cold refreshments are sold here, including snack options and more substantial meals. Of course, you can have fish and chips but also soups, sandwiches, salads, and sweets. 

Cento Alla Torre : £££ | Italian Cuisine —This restaurant is affordable yet has noticeable sophistication. They serve Italian cuisine such as homemade pasta and meat and vegetarian dishes with an artisanal touch. 

La Dame De Pic : ££££ | French Cuisine —This is a classy French restaurant run by the world’s number one female Michelin chef Anne-Sophie Pic. It has two Michelin stars and although expensive, it’s a worthy choice after the comparative grandeur of your Tower of London visit. 

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Visiting the Tower of London (FAQs + best tickets & tours)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2023

If you’re planning on visiting the Tower of London, then this article is for you! 

In this post we cover everything you need to know so you can plan the perfect visit, including why you must go, ticket and tour options, frequently asked questions and the passes you can purchase that include entrance to Tower of London.  

If you want to know about opening times for the Tower of London, what there is to see and how to get to the London Tower, stay right here for the full lowdown. 

Tower of London – Tickets & Tours Quick Picks

Why visiting the tower of london is a must-do, what are the tower of london opening times, what is the cost to visit the tower of london, is it worth booking a tour of the tower of london, how do i get to the tower of london, when is the best time to visit the tower of london, how accessible is the tower of london, what about other places to visit near the tower of london, purchase online via the official tower of london site, purchase a ticket through get your guide, buy inclusive tower of london tour tickets, visit as part of a multi-venue tour , buy your ticket as part of a multi ticket option, how will you visit the tower of london , london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

Whether as part of a group or on a more independent basis, taking a London Tower tour is a must for just about anyone visiting the capital of England. 

The Tower of London history is a rich, varied and very royal one. Visitors to the Tower can see the crown jewels in all their noble glory, as well as the uniformed guards who protect them. 

You can also explore structures like the Bloody Tower, the Medieval Palace and the Norman style White Tower. 

During your visit you can also explore the Fusilier Museum, enjoy a hands-on armoury experience, see the armour of past Kings and learn lots of Tower of London facts about the tower’s ravens and how the site was used in the past for torture, execution and imprisonment.

Admission to the Tower of London opens the door to a fun-filled day packed with fascinating historical insights. Everything about the place is so quintessentially British that it really would be a crime to miss it off your list.

Visiting the Tower of London FAQs

So what are the Tower of London visiting hours – when can you go? Times actually vary according to the season, so it’s best to check the latest details here . 

At the time of writing, the cost of visiting the Tower of London varies according to when you go, your age and if you’re eligible for any concessions. 

You can buy two types of family ticket to the Tower of London, and kids under five go free. 

Booking the best Tower of London tours allows you to make the most of your day there, so you can spend your time wisely and learn from knowledgeable and enthusiastic history experts. 

A guided tour of the Tower of London costs extra, but this can be from just a few more pounds if you opt for an audio tour . 

Those wondering how to go to the Tower of London have several options, including the London Underground , mainline train and river or uber boat. 

The closest tube station is Tower Hill on the Circle and District lines. It’s also possible to walk from London Bridge station in 10-15 minutes, Liverpool Street in 20 or Charing Cross in 25. 

Transport for London’s journey planner can be accessed here .

Entry to the Tower of London can be quicker and easier during weekdays. Whichever day you go, arrive during the early morning if you can. 

The crowds will generally get smaller after about 3 pm on weekdays, but as the Tower sometimes closes as early as 4.30 pm this would leave you with very little time to see all the sights.  

Historic Royal Palaces, who operate Tower of London tickets and entry, are committed to accessibility. 

The Tower is, however, a historic building containing features like steep staircases, narrow passageways, low doorways and cobblestones. This does limit wheelchair access. 

Outdoor areas are open, and all registered disabled persons may bring a carer free of charge. Proof will be required to obtain this complimentary ticket. 

The most obvious place to see nearby is Tower Bridge. If you can, the walk from here to visit London Bridge is worthwhile – plus it’s free and you can get some fresh air by the river. 

There are some interesting sights to look out for along the way, such as the Shard, the city skyscrapers, Butler’s Wharf, HMS Belfast and St Katharine Docks.

Other London attractions that aren’t too far from the Tower include Borough Market and the Golden Hinde galleon, both of which are near London Bridge station. You could also cross the river to wander around the Tate Modern or to see Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. 

Or head west instead of east from Tower Bridge, looking out for iconic landmarks like the OXO tower, Westminster and the London Eye as you stroll along the riverbank. 

How to visit the Tower of London – Best Tours and Tickets for the Tower of London 

There are various options open to you when it comes to purchasing Tower of London tickets, and each has its plus points. 

Factors to bear in mind include what is included, such as free cancellation, skipping the queue or a guided tour. Also how is the ticket delivered – will it be available as a download on your smartphone or printed on paper? 

These are the main options when you want to buy Tower of London tickets.

You can of course buy tickets from the official Tower of London website. 

You can book your tickets and see what there is to do while you’re there all in one place.

Tickets purchased via the site can only be amended or cancelled six weeks in advance. 

At the time of writing, standard adult ticket prices cost from £28.90 when booked directly.

You can buy tickets via Historic Royal Palaces here .  

Cancellations and amendments are permitted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you also get to skip the queue when buying via Get Your Guide. 

You may also need to visit the official Tower of London site for further information. 

Standard adult ticket prices also cost from £28.90 when booked via Get Your Guide – but unlike tickets purchased from the official site, these can be cancelled up to a day before if required. 

Due to the flexibility of this ticket – and the fact that you won’t need to wait in line – we recommend buying them, at no extra cost, from Get Your Guide here . 

Guided tours include extras as well as expert guidance. You can witness the opening ceremony,  tour the Tower with a Beefeater, take a two-hour private tour or gain exclusive early entry to the Crown Jewels.  

These options do cost more than a stand-alone entry ticket. 

The cost varies according to the option selected: click the links below for more info. 

• Buy the Tower of London small group Beefeater tour here
• Buy the Tower of London opening ceremony and early access tour here
• Buy the Tower of London two-hour private guided tour here
• Buy the Tower of London opening ceremony, early access and guided tour here ( read our review of this tour )

Multi-venue tours are ideal for those with limited time in London, as you can pack more into a day than you otherwise would. These packages can also be good value for money. 

One day tour even includes visits to Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace as well as the Tower of London, and even includes a cruise on the Thames. 

You’ll have less time to spend at the Tower of London. 

Each tour is priced differently. To find out more, you can click the links below. 

>Buy the Tower of London and Tower Bridge tour here

>Buy the Tower of London and Westminster walking tour here

>Buy the Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Westminster tour here

>Buy the Tower of London full day London sightseeing tour with river cruise here

You can also buy London Tower admission as part of a multi-ticket such as the London Pass or the Go City London Pass. 

This is delivered as a smartphone app , and can save money compared to buying separate tickets. You have 60 days to use it and can pick where to visit as you go. 

You’ll have to buy at least 2 credits, and it may end up costing you more if you don’t use them all. 

Prices start at £34 for an adult 2 choice pass, and go up to £118 for a 7 credit pass. 

Find out more about the London pass in our complete review here or the Go City London Explorer here .

We hope these visiting the Tower of London tips, tricks and ticket options have helped you plan your trip. 

The Tower of London is one of those UK sights that you really cannot miss, and for most people, the memories will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

Related reading

• How to purchase London attraction tickets
• Guide to the best London bus tours
• Best day trips and tours from London
• 22 London landmarks to add to your itinerary

Honest Visitor’s Guide to the Tower of London (2024)

This post contains affiliate links for which I may make a small commission to help keep the site running. You will not be charged extra for these items had you not clicked the links. Thank you for your help to keep the site running!

Visiting the Tower of Londo n is one of the most important things on the list of many London tourists.

Not only is it a fortress in the middle of London with some pretty amazing views, but it’s also home to the Crown Jewels and thousands of years of history (including some pretty gnarly medieval torture!)

In this guide, I want to answer some of the main questions visitors have about visiting the Tower of London, an iconic London attraction , including the price, when to visit the Tower of London, and the different tour options.

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Where is the Tower of London?

You’ll find the Tower of London on the edge of the Thames River, near Tower Bridge .

The exact address is: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB.

The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

• 😍 Cheapest Way to See it All: Get the London Pass here (yes, it’s worth it)
• 🎭 Cheapest site for West End theatre tickets: London Theatre Direct
• 🚕 Cheapest and most reliable airport transfer service: Welcome Pickups
• 🚉 Cheapest Way to Book Train and Bus Tickets: Omio
• 🔌 Most Reliable Adapter for UK Plugs: This one

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!

How to Get to the Tower of London

The easiest way to get to the Tower of London is by public transportation or Uber/London taxi.

If you’re traveling by taxi, they won’t need the address, just tell them where you’re going!

If you’re traveling by public transportation, take the London Underground to Tower Hill Station (which serves the Circle and District lines) and then you’ll see the Tower as soon as you walk out of the station, just across the road.

⭐️ Top tip! ⭐️

To save yourself time, make sure to book your Tower of London tickets in advance here (and you’ll save some money!)

>>Click here to book in advance

Should I Visit the Tower of London?

Absolutely, yes!

This is a fan favorite amongst Londoners and London visitors alike.

One of the best things to do in London with kids , best things to do in London for couples , and best things to do in London overall.

Yes, it’s worth the money, yes it’s worth the time, and yes, if you can fit it in, you should definitely do it!

IMPORTANT: are you coming to the UK from abroad?

In case you’re reading this from outside the UK and will be a foreign visitor here, you need to know these 2 things to stay safe and save money.

• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
• International debit cards without fees – do not get stuck paying extortionate foreign fees when using your card abroad (and the UK is almost all card these days). I use the Wise debit and travel card which you can apply and learn more about here .

Buying Tickets to the Tower of London

You can buy tickets to the Tower of London on the day of try, but it’s a few pounds more than buying them online ahead of time.

I always recommend buying tickets online ahead of time if you can , though it is a massive place so you don’t need to buy them too far ahead of time to guarantee entry like some other London attractions.

The current prices for adults are £32.90 and starting at £16.40 for kids (with the online discount).

Kids under the age of 5 go free, and if you want an audio guide, they start at £4.00 extra.

You should also know that if you are buying tickets on the day, you need to go to the ticket office which is across the main entrance from the Tower of London.

It will be obvious if you’re walking from the tube station, but if you’re coming from a walk along the river, you’ll note that they do not sell tickets at the entrance directly facing the river.

Can I Use the London Pass at the Tower of London?

Yes, you can use the London Pass at the Tower of London.

Simply show your pass and you’ll be let in (there may be a line to get to the entrance, but once you get in, you’re in).

When Should I Visit the Tower of London?

As one of London’s most popular attractions, the Tower of London does get busy, particularly in the summer months.

London in August is very crowded, and this rings true for the Tower of London lines.

It’s always best to visit on a weekday for lower crowds, no matter the time of year, and if you’re really intent on getting in as fast as possible, try and arrange to be there at opening rather than mid-day.

Are there Tours at the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is, for the most part, a self-guided experience as you wander your away around the tower and the surrounding buildings to see what life was like for London residents (and prisoners) back in the day.

However, there are regular “beefeater” tours run by the yeoman warders throughout the day which are fantastic and worth doing.

Officially, they are “defenders of the tower,” but in reality they spend their time giving tours and educating visitors about the importance of what has and does go on at the Tower of London.

The regular beefeater tours are free with entry, you just need to get the daily guide that tells you the times and then meet at the starting point for the next tour.

As I mentioned, you can also get an audio guide to help you around the tower, particularly if you learn better listening to things rather than reading informational plaques.

If you want a more personalized experience with a smaller group than a standard Beefeater tour, you can also book onto a small group Beefeater tour with more opportunity to ask questions.

And, of course, if the Tower of London is even more important to you than that, you can take an exclusive pre-opening tour without the crowds and get to enjoy the opening ceremony, which is a truly special London experience .

Tower of London Touring Plan

Once you gain access into the Tower over the moat, you’ll have a ton of history, artifacts and displays at your fingertips.

The Tower of London is very much an entire day’s event if you are truly interested in seeing every nook and cranny, but if you don’t have that much time, you should start by lining up to see the Crown Jewels.

These are the real, authentic, actually-have-been-on-the-Kings-and-Queens heads crowns, jewelry, and other precious Royal Family heirlooms.

To see them, you go through an exhibit that shows Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation on the screen, and then proceed into the Crown Jewels room which has two moving walkways on either side.

You are not allowed to take pictures, and while you can go back and get on the walkways again, you cannot walk “backwards” on yourself while on them – the point is to give people enough time to see them without there being huge crowds of people surrounding them, blocking the view.

The Crown Jewels exhibit can have long lines if you go in peak summer months, which is why I prefer to do it first to get it “out of the way,” as it were.

After that, you could go explore the Medieval Palace, decorated how it would have looked when it was used by medieval royal residents.

Head to the Raven area to learn about the influence of these precious birds on the Tower’s history and folklore.

Stop by the “Torture at the Tower” and Tower Imprisonment exhibits to learn more about prisoners in the Tower of London and how they were treated (it’s pretty gruesome, but it’s medieval torture, so what do you expect?).

There’s also a super cool room based around animals at the Tower, as it was used to house animals who were gifted from all over the world at one point (not today, mind you!).

And of course you’ve got the White Tower in the center of it all, keeping everyone under control and under a watchful eye!

There are also various museums throughout the tower, as well as green patches and monuments to important historic moments, though some rather horrifying ones like public executions.

How Long Should I Spend at the Tower of London?

You’ll want to set aside at least 2 hours for a visit to the Tower of London, but you can easily spend 3-4 here if you take the Beefeater tour and want to explore all of the nooks and crannies.

And if you’re really interested in the Tower history specifically, this could be a full day event including lunch at the café by the time you see all of the exhibits, immerse yourself in the museums, and enjoy the events and talks.

Planning this in advance can help you decide how many days to spend in London .

Is the Tower of London Good for Kids?

The Tower of London is amazing for kids.

First of all, it’s a fortress, so what’s not to love?

Secondly, there are plenty of kid-friendly exhibits, lots of big signs and interactive things to enjoy, and they’ve kid-proofed the place so you don’t fear they’re about to knock over some ancient artifact or something – the important stuff is all behind sturdy glass!

Is the Tower of London Accessible?

One thing to be aware of about visiting the Tower of London with mobility issues is that you will be able to gain entrance and there will be accessibility ramps in some areas, as well as staff members who can guide you, but sadly the Tower was not built with care for those with mobility issues in mind and there is a limit to how many modifications can be made because of its historic nature.

Make sure to enquire with the Tower of London ahead of time what support there will be for you if you require extra assistance.

What else should I not miss in London?

If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

• Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
• Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book .
• Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Visiting the Tower of London – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

Everything you need to know to book your visit to the Tower of London

Our Top Picks: Tower of London Tours

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ VIP AFTER HOURS TOUR AT THE TOWER OF LONDON WITH THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS ✔️ Exclusive access to the Tower of London after closing ✔️ 1 1/2 hour small group tour with a Yeoman Warder ✔️ Witness the 700 year old Ceremony of the Keys

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TOWER OF LONDON AND TOUR ✔️ Enjoy access to the Tower and see the official opening ceremony ✔️ Access to the jewel room before the hoards descend! ✔️ Small group Beefeater tour

Listen to our experience at the Ceremony of the Keys

Visiting the Tower of London: Tickets & Tours

Nearest Tube station – Tower Hill (District & Circle Lines)

How long to set aside for your visit? 4 hours +

• Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket

Good to know – Entry to the Tower of London is included in the London Pass .

Combi tickets

• Tower of London and Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour
• Full-day London Tour (includes Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, Thames cruise & London Eye

Guided tours

Prefer a guided tour of the Tower of London?

• 3 hour guided tour with early access ticket & exclusive 15/20 minute private tour with a Beefeater – buy ticket .
• 1 1/2 hour guided tour with early access to the Tower of London – avoid the queues with this ticket – also includes small group Beefeater tour
• Small group guided tour with exclusive access to the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London with early access to the crown jewels and a Thames cruise. Book here.
• Best of London tour which includes the Tower of London, and Changing of the Guard, plus optional cream tea or London Eye upgrade. Book here.
• Walks Tours – London in a Day small group tour – includes the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Changing of the Guard. Full review of this tour here .

🗝🗝🗝 EXCLUSIVE – WITNESS THE CEREMONY OF THE KEYS 🗝🗝🗝

• VIP Tower of London: After-Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys – Get VIP access to the Tower of London on a private after-hours tour with a Yeoman Warder.

Visiting the Tower of London

Brief History

The Tower of London has a long and varied history, having served as a royal palace, a prison, a treasury, a mint, and a zoo, among other things.

The tower was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror, who built it as a symbol of his power and a means of defence against possible invasions. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, and it now consists of several buildings and structures, including the White Tower, the Royal Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, and the Waterloo Barracks.

Throughout its history, the tower has played a significant role in English royal history. It has served as a royal palace for many monarchs, including Henry III, who extensively renovated the tower in the 13th century. The tower has also been used as a prison, holding notable prisoners like Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and the Kray twins.

In addition to its royal and prison functions, the tower has also served as a treasury and a mint. It was here that England’s gold and silver coins were produced for hundreds of years. The tower has also been home to the Royal Menagerie, a collection of exotic animals given to the monarchy as gifts from foreign rulers.

Today, the Tower of London is a major tourist attraction and is managed by the Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity that cares for several of the UK’s historic royal palaces.

Getting to the Tower of London

• Tube:  The closest tube station is Tower Hill (on the Circle and District lines), a 5-minute walk to the Tower of London.
• Overground rail:  Fenchurch Street and London Bridge are located within 10 – 15 mins walking distance of the Tower.
• Uber boat:  Tower Pier
• Sightseeing buses: All major sightseeing buses pass by the Tower of London

Opening hours

The Tower of London is generally open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Opening hours vary between summer and winter seasons and also during school holidays. Check the official website for more information before planning your visit.

When is the best time to visit the Tower of London 

• The Tower of London is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London so expect it to be busy!
• It can be especially crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.
• If possible plan your visit for a weekday.
• Visit as early in the day as you can – be there at opening time or even better still book a tour which allows early access such as this Walks tour . Not only can you observe the opening ceremony but you will also be the first to access the Crown Jewels.

Tip – Queues to see the jewels can exceed 1 – 2 hours later in the day so we highly recommend heading to the Crown Jewels as soon as you enter the Tower of London.

What other London attractions are located near the Tower of London?

• Tower Bridge
• St Dunstans in the East
• HMS Belfast
• Borough Market (head over there for lunch after your visit)
• Shad Thames (hidden gem)
• Leadenhall Market (as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone)
• Monument of the Fire of London (Pudding Lane)
• The Sky Garden
• St Paul’s Cathedral

Tips for planning your visit to the Tower of London

• Plan your visit in advance to avoid long lines. Go early in the day and as soon as you enter head for the Crown Jewels – the later in the day you are the longer the queue will be!
• There is a lot to see once inside the Tower of London so plan to be there for at least 4 hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking including up and down flights of stairs.
• Walk the walls for fabulous views of Tower Bridge, the Shard and more!
• Consider booking a small group tour to learn more about the tower’s history. While the free Yeoman warder tour is excellent you may find yourself in a very large group!
• There are strict security measures at the Tower of London including bag searches. Travel light and avoid bringing large bags. Selfie sticks and tripods are also not allowed.
• Check the tower’s website for any scheduled events or closures before you visit.
• The Tower is a medieval building and as such is unfortunately not fully accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
• You can’t take food and drink into the tower. There are a couple of cafes and a kiosk for snacks – the New Armouries Cafe, the Ravens Cafe and the Jewel Kiosk.
• Consider purchasing a combination ticket like this which includes the Tower of London and a Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour ,
• The tower is home to the famous ravens which are considered good luck to the tower and the kingdom. Legend has it that if the 6 resident ravens ever leave the tower the kingdom and tower will fall. There are 9 ravens kept at the tower today – maybe the extra 3 are insurance??
• There are traditional ceremonies held at the Tower of London every day including the opening and closing ceremonies. If you wish to attend these you will need to either book a tour which includes access (eg the Walks tour which includes the opening ceremony ) or here for the Ceremony of the Keys – tickets cost only £5 and are released on the first working day of the month for the following month. Book as soon as they are released as this is extremely popular. I would highly recommend the Walks VIP Ceremony of the Keys experience though!
• Visiting Westminster Abbey
• Visiting the London Eye
• Visiting Windsor Castle
• Visiting Kensington Palace
• Visiting Hampton Court Palace

London Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner Ebook (+ 4 BONUS ebooks)

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Solo Location Guides
• Solo Travel Advice
• Solo Inspiration
• Luxury travel

DESTINATIONS , ENGLAND , EUROPE

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 used 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.

How to Get There

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.

It’s easy to get there 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 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 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 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 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.

Opening Times

The Tower of London opens between 9 am and 10 am and closes between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm, depending 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 .

Tower of London Tickets

Ticket price.

As of May 2024, it costs an adult £34.80 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) – £17.40 – Concession (age 65+ or 16-17, full-time student, disabled visitor) – £27.70 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, 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 on the day?

Yes. Subject to availability, you can buy your ticket for the Tower of London 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?

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 tickets are available through GetYour Guide here .

Failing that, identify 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

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

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

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

Although expensive, visiting the Tower of London is worth 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. From this UNESCO World Heritage site 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.

• Visit 100 Countries
• Visit 500 UNESCO Sites
• Landmarks of the World

Construction began on the Tower of London in 1066 by William the Conqueror as a means to keep hostile Londoners at bay, and since then it has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of London.

Over the past 1000 years it has been a prison, with its most famous inmates including  two young princes  (who were presumably murdered), Anne Boleyn (who was then beheaded on Tower Green), Lady Jane Grey (only queen for nine days and then she too was executed), Princess Elizabeth (who thankfully survived and went on to become Queen Elizabeth I), and  Guy Fawkes  who was tortured at the Tower following the failed Gunpowder Plot.

Want to save this for later? Click the Pinterest button on the left for a pinnable image!

In addition to prison, the  Tower of London  has also been a palace, held a royal menagerie ( including a polar bear that was said to like to fish in the Thames! ), a munitions store during the Civil War (1642-49), and a recruitment and training site for troops during WWI.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOWER OF LONDON

With stories from over 1000 years of history, you can imagine there would be a lot to see at the Tower. And there is! Here are some of the highlights to get you started when planning your trip to the Tower of London.

YEOMAN WARDER TOURS

To really understand the Tower and its history, we think a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders is a must-do. Sometimes called “Beefeaters” (due to the large rations of beef given to them in the past), they have been a part of the Tower’s history since 1485 and today their official role is to guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels.

To qualify for this role they must have served at least 22 years in the Armed Forces and have earned a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Once they have earned the role, they also earn a place to live within the Tower’s outer walls! Few people likely realise the Tower of London is like a miniature village and may be surprised to see the Yeoman Warder’s washing hanging out on the line beside the castle walls.

The Yeoman Warders lead daily hour-long tours which are included in the admission price. The tours leave from just inside the portcullis in the Middle Tower every 30 minutes. The tours are entertaining with lots of tales of beheadings and torture, but also they are informative so you will learn about the history of the Tower.

If you’d rather proceed at your own pace, you can also pick up an audio-guide for £4.00 (though try to get one early as they can run out during peak season), or there are official guidebooks for sale (£4.99) to read about the Tower and its history.

THE WHITE TOWER

The most recognizable building in the complex, the White Tower is a Norman tower with a turret on each of its four corners and a golden weather vane that spins atop each turret. It is the original royal palace of the Tower of London, but it hasn’t been used as a royal residence since 1603.

The White Tower includes a few remnants of its Norman architecture, including a fireplace and a garderobe (toilet), but mainly the interior is now a museum. The exhibits from the Royal Armouries include a collection of cannons, guns, medieval weapons, and suits of armour – including a suit of armour that once belonged to Henry VIII.

The original moat was drained of disease-ridden sewage in the 19 th  century because of the persistent cholera outbreaks; today there is a dry moat in its place that is used for different events.

PLEASE NOTE : There are about 100 stairs to climb to tour the White Tower, some of which are quite steep and uneven.

CROWN JEWELS TREASURY

Visitors may think the Crown Jewels are the Queen’s personal collection, but they are actually the ceremonial regalia used during Coronation ceremonies. The collection also includes items other than jewellery, such as candlesticks, trumpets, swords, and the Grand Punch Bowl (which is the mother of all punch bowls!).

A very slow-moving travellator takes you past the exhibits including the Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, which contains a famous diamond known as the Star of Africa. The Crown Jewels aren’t actually insured, because they could never be replaced.

TIP : Due to limited capacity and popularity, there is very frequently a line to enter the building to see the Crown Jewels. If you arrive early, check here first to see if there is a line and if not, grab your opportunity to get in with minimal wait time. Many people start with the Yeoman Warder tour since it is near the entrance, but you can easily come back to the entrance and join another tour later on your visit.

TOWER GREEN AND THE RAVENS

Along the green, you can see a collection of black-and-white half-timbered Tudor houses (some with Yeoman Warders standing guard outside) that are home to the Tower of London staff.

The green is also where you will find the Scaffold Site, with a circular glass memorial, where seven people, including two of Henry VIII’s wives (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard), were executed by beheading in Tudor times. Most executions actually took place outside the Tower on Tower Hill and were attended by thousands of spectators, but to spare the monarch embarrassment these queens were beheaded behind the tower walls. Perhaps to save himself embarrassment Henry VIII shouldn’t have ordered their execution!

On the green, you’ll also see the famous ravens. They are believed to have first arrived at the Tower in the 1200s to feast on dripping corpses of the executed who had been taken from Tower Hill and hung outside the battlements as a warning. Legend states that if the resident ravens ever leave the Tower the monarchy would fall, so a royal decree states that there must be at least six ravens at the Tower at any time (with their wings clipped to ensure they don’t leave).

BLOODY TOWER AND TRAITOR’S GATE

Just past the Bell Tower along the Water Lane between the walls, you’ll find the famous Traitor’s Gate. This is the gate where prisoners being brought by the River Thames entered the Tower.

Just a little further along inside the walls you’ll find the Bloody Tower. This tower got its nickname from the story about the “princes in the tower” (Edward V and his younger brother) who were murdered, likely by their uncle Richard III, to annul their claims to the throne. Sir Walter Raleigh, the Elizabethan adventurer, and Elizabeth I were also both imprisoned in this tower in the 1600s.

CEREMONY OF THE KEYS

There are three ceremonies that take place at the Tower each day.

The first is the Official Opening at 9:00 am, followed by the Ceremony of the Word which is when the day’s password is issued.

The last ceremony of the day is at 10:00 pm where visitors are welcome to attend the Ceremony of the Keys. This is when the gates are locked and the castle is closed to all but those who live within its walls. It is free to attend, but reservations must be done in advance (usually many months in advance).

HELPFUL LINK:

• Click  here to make your reservation  for the Ceremony of the Keys. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE TOWER OF LONDON

Information last updated September 2019

HOW TO GET THERE

The address for the Tower of London is: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

The closest tube station is Tower Hill (District and Circle Lines) which is about a 5-minute walk away. Other nearby options are Fenchurch Street (National Rail) and Tower Gateway (DLR line).

Buses on routes 15, 42, 78, 199, and RV1 all stop near the Tower of London.

The Tower of London is also on many of the Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tour routes including the Yellow Route with the Original Tour (which we personally recommend).

There is no on-site parking and parking in the general area is limited as the Tower is in the Congestion Charge Zone .  The nearest public parking is at Tower Hill Coach and Car Park at 50 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DT which is less than a 5-minute walk to the Tower and is fully accessible.

You can also travel to the Tower by boat! Tower Pier, right next to the Tower of London, is served by riverboats travelling from Westminster and North Greenwich Pier. This offers great views of the Tower from the water, which may even allow you to see Traitor’s Gate, depending on the direction you’re coming from.

Options for travelling by boat include the River Bus (run by Transport for London) which work on the same payment system as the tube or City Cruises . We’ve used both services on multiple occasions and like that they offer a different view of the city and a neat way to get between places. 

HELPFUL LINKS:

• If you need an app that will navigate you around whether walking, driving or using public transport and even works offline then click for a guide about   how to use Here WeGo .
• The Tube Map London Underground App  (Android) is very useful for getting around London. It’s free, has a route planner, and works offline.
• Transport for London website’s “ Plan Your Journey” tool will give you results for trip time on the Tube, bus, or walking. Note the walking time as sometimes it is the quickest, easiest, option!

OPENING HOURS

  Summer Hours : Opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday 09:00-17:30 and Sunday-Monday 10:00-17:30 from March 1st -October 31st. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time (17:00).

Winter Hours : Opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday 09:00-16:30 and Sunday-Monday 10:00-16:30 from November 1st through February 28th. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time (16:00).

The Tower is closed on December 24-26th and January 1st.

Leave yourself about 3-4 hours for a visit. The Yeoman Warder tour takes about 1 hour and then you will still have a few hours to explore on your own.

TIP : During peak days (in the summer) it can be quieter after 3:00 pm when big groups have left for the day. During the winter it is far less crowded so you can visit any time of the day.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS & SAVE MONEY ON ADMISSION

Admission prices for tickets purchased at the Ticket Office on-site are £27.50 adults (age 18-64), £13.10 children (age 5-15), £21.50 for students, disabled visitors and adults over 65 years. Children under 5 are free.

Your admission ticket gives you entry to the Crown Jewels, all public areas of the Tower of London (including the White Tower, Bloody Tower, and battlements), the Yeoman Warder tours, and children’s activities and trails.

Audio guides are priced from £4.00 and guidebooks are priced from £4.99.

If you purchase your tickets online you will save 10% and prices are as follows:

£24.70 adults (age 18-64), £11.70 children (age 5-15), £19.30 for students, disabled visitors and adults over 65 years. Children under 5 are free.

If you purchase your tickets online, you must present a physical ticket at the gate, as the ticket scanners can’t scan mobile phones. You can either print your tickets at home (which allows you to go straight to the entrance gate) or you can collect your tickets from the group ticket office where a member of staff will print your tickets for you.

They also offer “Family Saver” rates (both online and if purchase on-site) which can provide savings to families. For 1 adult and up to 3 children (age 5-15), the rate is £49.40 (on-site price) or £44.90 (online price). For 2 adults and up to 3 children (age 5-15), the rate is £69.90 (on-site price) or £62.90 (online price).

If you are travelling by train on the National Rail you may also be eligible for great savings with the  2 for 1 London offer by Days Out Guide . It’s not available all the time but is well worth a quick look on their website to see if it’s available for when you’d like to visit. The Tower of London is also included with the  London Pass  as another money-saving option.

ACCESSIBILITY

Because the Tower of London is a historic building with steep stairs, narrow passageways and low doorways, access may be difficult in some areas for those with limited mobility.

Please find their complete Access Guide here which includes detailed information for visitors.

IS THE TOWER OF LONDON WORTH THE VISIT?

The Tower of London is quietly likely my favourite attraction in all of London. It’s hard to believe I missed visiting it on my very first visit to the city, but I’ve more than made up for it since and it’s the one attraction I recommend to all friends, family, colleagues – everyone actually- to visit on their first visit to London.

Certainly it is one of the more expensive attractions in London but I believe it is worth the visit because of how much there is to see and do for anyone that is interested in history, the monarchy, or warfare. It’s also a great attraction to bring kids as they have put together Activity Trails and Digital Missions to help bring the Tower alive for young visitors. 

It’s also one of the busiest attractions in London, but the highlights outweigh the inconvenience of the queues. Once past the entrance line, you may end up queuing for the Crown Jewels, but otherwise, you can explore the site at your leisure. You’ll even find some places along the walls, or the lesser-known exhibits, to be quite quiet.

See what others think of this attraction on Trip Advisor .

ADD TO YOUR ITINERARY

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life” said Samuel Johnson, so it’s no surprise that there are a plethora of things to do in the UK’s capital city. Here are a few choice selections to whet your appetite.

IN THE AREA

• Nearby Tower Bridge offers wonderful views of the city, including straight down to the road and river below through the glass floor!
• Take a double-decker bus from the Tower Hill stop to the Monument stop ( line 15 ) on one of the old Routemaster buses . These are becoming quite rare so take your ride on one while they are still available.
• See a portion of the old Roman Wall , that once enclosed the city, at the Tower Hill tube stop.
• Visit the All Hallows-by-the-Tower church next door to the Tower which is the parish where the famous diarist, Samuel Pepys, recorded his observations of the Great Fire of London in 1666. The current church was rebuilt after WWII but a church has stood on this site since AD675.
• While in a “medieval torture” mood, you can grab a bite to eat at the very aptly named pub called the “ Hung, Drawn, and Quartered ” that is just around the corner on Great Tower Street.

OTHER UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN LONDON

If you like to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world, we think you’ll also like:

• Visit the final resting place of kings, queens, writers, and scientists at Westminster Abbey , and then enjoy the neo-Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster while learning all about the parliamentary system of government.
• Stand in two hemispheres at once on the Prime Meridian in the Meridian Courtyard, do a little star gazing in the Royal Observatory , learn about tales of exploration and endeavour at the National Maritime Museum , and take in a unique view of London from the hillside park. All this, and even more, is waiting to be discovered at Maritime Greenwich .
• Wander through countless species of trees and flowers at the Arboretum, view 800 paintings from 19th-century artists in the Marianne North Gallery, tour the Royal Kew Palace , and visit a Japanese Garden at the Royal Botanic Kew Gardens .

RESOURCES | PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LONDON

To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

These are a few tours that include the Tower of London that we would recommend for your trip to London.

Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission but this does not affect the price to you. Please read our   full disclosure policy here . 

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What You Need To Know About The Tower Of London Before You Go

From beefeaters to crown jewels, royal jail cells, a millennium of history and even resident ravens, the Tower of London is a must-see.

The Tower of London is a quintessentially British experience , steeped in history dating back to 1066 . It is impossible to overstate the importance of this London icon. Within these hallowed halls sit the treasures of the United Kingdom – the crown jewels . However, you’ll also hear of untold horrors committed by and against kings and queens. All of this is observed by the ravens who guard the tower. It’s said that if the ravens ever leave the tower will fall !

Background on the Tower of London

The Tower of London boasts nearly a millennium of history . It’s a symbol of royalty but also one of power and has played such a role since its erection in 1066 , commissioned by William the Conqueror . The structure has evolved through the ages, as a royal palace , prison , torture chamber , treasury and tourist attraction .

If walls could speak… The Tower of London is steeped in history. From the imprisonment and bloody execution of Ann Boleyn and Sir Thomas More to the modern day. Notable prisoners and even victims of execution at the tower also include Catherine Howard , and Lady Jane Grey . Those of high society were executed within but gruesome executions outside of the walls provided public entertainment.

One captivating story is that of the two princes . Two nobles, one of whom was destined to become king, mysteriously disappeared after having been imprisoned in the tower. What happened to them? We may never know but there is plenty of speculation given the backstabbing nature of royal politics in fifteenth-century England.

Where is the Tower of London and how to get there

You’ll find the Tower of London on the North Bank of the Thames and it truly is a sight to behold. You can get the tube (London Underground) to Tower Hill station and then it’s only a few minutes’ walk away. If you’re able to walk there, it’s definitely worth doing so because the views along the Thames are spectacular and that’s where most of the sights can be seen.

What to expect when you visit

In true British style, this place isn’t open late. The last admission is 4.30 pm and the place closes at 5.30 pm so don’t be tardy! Actually, the best time to visit, hands down, is when it opens at around 9-10 am . You’ll be perusing while the tourists are snoozing and it’s such a huge place that even if there are a couple of hundred visitors there, it will feel pretty empty.

Is the Tower of London free to enter?

If you are a member then it is free but if you’re not then it does cost. However, given how richly historied this place is and the vast scale of the place, it’s more than worth paying for a ticket.

Is it worth going to the Tower of London?

In a word: YES! Whether you’re a history buff, a true crime enthusiast, a committed royalist or just a person who appreciates a good story, the Tower of London is a must-visit .

How long does it take to see the Tower of London?

You’re not just exploring the tower but the moat and all of the fortifications so we would advise setting aside at least 4 hours . Once you’ve seen everything, there are plenty of famous locations to explore nearby so it’s never a bad thing to set aside a good portion of time.

Take a trip through the Tower of London, where centuries of history await and where bloody executions unfolded. This special spot boasts the Crown Jewels stunning Norman architecture and even the armour of Henry VIII , Charles I and James II. There you can see the famous White Tower , explore millenium-old graffiti in the old holding cell and say hi to the very friendly ravens who guard the place.

What else can you do when you visit the Tower of London

Give your visit plenty of time to enjoy what’s on offer at the tower. Its name is quite misleading because it’s made up of several buildings, spanning a whopping 18 acres of land . Once you’ve covered that, you can take a guided tour , exploring the Jewish history of London . It begins at the tower and ends with St. Paul’s Cathedral, incorporating a trip to the oldest synagogue in the city .

The Tower of London should certainly be on your bucket list. It’s a place that charts the history of what we now know as the United Kingdom. This place has played such a pivotal role in the country’s history that it’s tangible. You can see centuries-old graffiti on the wall, walk the same steps as queens and kings and appreciate the tower that has stood strong for almost a millennium .

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

You in London

Itineraries and things to do in london, 10 tips for a perfect day at the tower of london.

The Tower of London is one of the most visited attraction in London and every year it attracts 3 million visitors. It surely can get crowded!

But is visiting the Tower of London really worth it? Absolutely, but it can also turn into a bad day if you don’t follow a few tips. These are my suggestions for a perfect day at the Tower of London

1) Choose the day well 2) Arrive early 3) Buy a membership 4) Visit the Crown Jewels first 5) Visit the White Tower next 6) Follow a Yeoman tour 7) Visit the Bloody Tower and learn the story of the two princes 8) Make a tour of the ramparts 9) Arrive at the Tower by boat 10) Take a walk on the Tower Bridge

Choose the day well

The Tower of London is a very popular destination for Londoners and tourists alike, so it can get very very busy. The summer months and the school holidays are the times of the year when it gets incredibly crowded, so you’d better avoid them, if you want to have a pleasant day out. If you can make your visit during the week, that would save you the hordes of the weekend, but again try to avoid half terms or other school breaks. Even if you manage to choose the best day of the calendar to visit the Tower of London, don’t forget my second tip…

Arrive Early

Buy a membership.

This might sound like a weird suggestion, especially for those who don’t live in London. A membership costs a whopping £53 – £82 if you choose a joint membership. However, the entry ticket costs £30, so two visits will amply cover the entry costs. Plus, a membership allows you to visit other royal palaces for free, like the beautiful Kensington Palace and the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. You also have a free entry to other interesting places in London, like the Banqueting House on Whitehall and reduced tickets for Kew Gardens (and a free entry to Kew Palace). If you live in London, or if you happen to come to London fairly often, a membership is surely advisable.

For tourists a membership might not seem the most economical solution, but if you have 2 of these palaces in your list of things to do in London , the cost will be amply covered . Those tourists who really want to see more attractions during their stay, could consider a London Pass instead. I will talk a bit more about this in a separate post.

Visit The Crown Jewels first

If you have followed my first 2 tips, probably you have spent a minimum time queuing before entering the Tower, but you’ll risk to ruin your day if you don’t go and see the Crown Jewels before anything else. If you don’t want to take my word for it, look at the images below: this is the empty entrance to the Crown House even on a busy Sunday in June

And this is what it looked like only 30 minutes later: the queue is building up

And an hour later this is what you get:

Convinced? Go straight to the Crown Jewels as soon as you get in! You’ll have more time to wonder around after you have ticked this box. And trust me: the Crown Jewels are really magnificent!

Visit the White Tower next

Inside the White Tower there is also an interesting short film showing the history of the Tower of London, and there’s an area for kids to play (although I don’t think the Tower of London is the ideal place to visit with young children: too many queues and not much space to play, and a lot of steps. I have written a specific post on what to do in London with your children ).

Follow a Yeoman tour

The yeomen are the guardian of the Tower of London, the crows keepers and also the official guides of the Tower. They are a group of very dedicated people, extremely friendly and knowledgeable on everything about the Tower. They also live inside the Tower of London with their own families, which I think make them even more specially attached to it.

They simply know every story and legend, every ghost and gruesome anecdote about the Tower, and following one of their tours will give you a more complete experience.

Visit the Bloody Tower and learn the story of the two princes

The Bloody Tower owes is name to the unfortunate experience of those who were kept prisoner there. However, the imprisonment in the Tower was not always as bad as it is sounds. Inside the Bloody Tower, for instance, you’ll see the living quarters of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was imprisoned here, but lived in relative comfort with his family, was allowed to attend a garden and to follow his botanical interests. Clearly, he was not a free man, so he had is moment of depression, but still was able to conduct a decent life.

The story of the two princes is one of the saddest of the Tower: the young Edward V and his younger brother Richard were transferred to the Tower of London in 1483, before Edward’s coronation. While they were kept here – allegedly for security reasons – the were declared illegitimate, thus losing their right to the throne. Initially they were left free to play around the castle and its grounds – after all they were just two 9 and 12 year old kids – but later they were seen less and less until they disappeared. Apparently, they were murdered by their own uncle, the future King Richard III, and their bodies hidden.

As we all (probably) know, King Richard III did not have a long and peaceful reign, and soon after having removed the young princes from his path to the throne, he was defeated in the battle of Bosworth – the last King of England to die on a battlefield (how many things you learn from a Yeoman…)

In 1674, during the some work in the White Tower, a box was found under a staircase, containing some human bones. An analysis revealed that they were two young children. Many think that these were the remains of the two unfortunate princes, whose ghosts are still spotted in the grounds… Ask a Yeoman for confirmation!

Make a tour of the ramparts

A walk on the ramparts of the Tower of London will offer amazing views on the Thames, the Tower Bridge and the City of London. Along the rampart you can also see the reconstruction of the medieval palace and you’ll be able to learn more interesting stories about the Tower and its inhabitants. Images speak more than words…

Arrive at the Tower of London by boat

Take a walk on the tower bridge.

If you have visited the Tower of London and would like to leave your own suggestions for a perfect day out, you can use the space for your comments below.

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How long does it take to go around the tower?

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Tower of London Questions & Answers

Longer than the 2 hours I put aside.

Can be waiting in the queue to see the Crown Jewels for 20 minutes but well worth seeing- a must.

Aim for 3-4 hours so much to see. The beefeaters guided free tour takes over 45 mins but also a must for the info they tell.

Suggest 3-4 hours. First, there might be a line to get tickets. Second, there are some attractions inside that are more popular hence another line, ie. Crown Jewels. Third, if you want to see everything, two hours will not be enough. I went for 2 hours and I only got to see the Crown Jewels and the Tower where they do the tortures. Lots of other areas that I was not able to see. Lastly, if you are the type who takes a lot of photos -- then you need to allocate taking time to get the best photos. When I was there, the Poppy Flowers Art installation was still there (not sure how long it will be there) -- but that was already 20mins just taking photos.

Oh, almost forgot --- also allocate time to eat the fish n'chips they sell by the ticket booth! Yummy!

Enjoy your trip!

Suggest you plan for the day though time can be saved by purchasing your tickets online in advance. Just have a 'plan B' in case you leave early - tower bridge is nearby.

we were there with two little kids (so we were on kid time) we spent 5 hours there and still didn't see it all!

Just like most major attractions, if you go during school holidays or weekends, expect some long queues. It can take several hours to see the major features of The Tower if you go at the weekend during peak hours. My advice would be to get up early and arrive at opening time, to get the major spectacles such as the Crown Jewels and the Bloody Tower under your belt.

Depends on how thorough you want to make your visit & whether or not its in school holidays. My wife and I spent 2 days there - about 5 hours each day - and pretty much saw everything. That was in term time....

How long is a piece of string? You could easily spend the day there but I would agree that 3-4 hours would be about average depending on how much you want to see and how leisurely you want to go round.

When I went round with children we spent about 4 hours. This didn't include queuing time as we had overbooked tickets, and also we did not eat there. You could quite easily spend all day, it depends how interested you are in the history of the place.

The longer you can allow the better. We just said lets go for the day as length of queues can take quite some time to get into the various attractions. Also if it is busy, some of the rampart walkways are narrow and of course people stop and take photos, which all takes extra time. If it's a nice day, take a picnic - at least then you don't have to queue for refreshments

Thank depends on your interest, but allow 2 hours at least

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The Best Tips for Visiting the Tower Of London

By Eden Ashley To cover the cost of my website and the time I spend writing these posts, sometimes I link to affiliate products. If you choose to buy through these links, thank you! It makes it possible for me to keep doing this. Disclosure Page

Ravens, beefeaters and bloody history – it’s easy to see why the Tower of London is such an iconic building, which attracts nearly three million visitors per year.

Officially called, Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, this historic castle is a must-visit when in London.

Here are the best tips for visiting the Tower of London to help ensure that you make the most of your trip.

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Table of Contents

Getting to the Tower of London

London Underground and Trains – It’s a 5 minute walk from the Tower Hill Underground station . This is served by the District and Circle lines.

Other stations that are within a 10-15 minute walk from the Tower of London include Monument, Bank, Aldgate, Aldgate East London Underground , London Bridge and Fenchurch Street stations .

Sightseeing Bus Tour – You can also take the  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour  which stops right at the Tower of London.

River Boat – You can also arrive here by river boat. Tower Pier is the closest river boat stop.

Buses – London’s public bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, 343 and RV1 stop nearby the Tower of London.

Buy your tickets in advance

The Tower of London is the #1 thing to do in the city, according to TripAdvisor . Due to its popularity, you’ll want to make sure to buy your tickets in advance.

You don’t want to waste your vacation time waiting in a long line, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (June, July, August, Easter, Christmas, and bank holidays).

You can purchase your tickets through GetYourGuide . They offer free cancelation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund just in case your plans change.

Alternatively, if you’re planning to visit a few of London’s paid attractions, consider buying the London Pass or the London Explorer Pass , which offers free entry to the Tower.

The London Pass is a pre-paid sightseeing card which gives you FREE fast-track entry to the city’s top tourist attractions, including the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey , and a  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour .

Plus, you can use the London Pass to get free entry to 80+ other attractions , museums and tours in the city.

My husband and I used the London Pass for our summer trip to London. It was SO easy and convenient for sightseeing.

You just have to purchase your pass online, then you’ll show your pass on your phone when entering the Tower of London. There’s no need to wait in long ticket lines, just head to the ticket holder entrance and you’re ready to enjoy!

PRO TIP:  Buy the pass online to  save extra money off the retail price. To buy the London Pass, click here to go to the official website.

How to get your London Pass:

Step 1: Choose which pass duration you want to buy (1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 day). You can click here to purchase your London Pass from the official website.

Step 2: Download your mobile pass instantly using the London Pass App. If you prefer a physical pass, simply opt for delivery (they deliver worldwide) or collect on arrival in London.

Step 3: You now have FREE access to any of the 80+ top London attractions included for the duration of your pass. You can activate your pass anytime within 12 months from the date of purchase.

Step 4: Download the free guide book , which is included with your purchase. Use this book to help you easily plan your itinerary.

Skip the line

When visiting the Tower of London, there are two lines:

• A line for those who need to purchase tickets.
• A line for those who have already purchased tickets.

The second line is shorter and will guarantee quicker entry into the Tower of London.

You can purchase your tickets online or use a tourism pass, such as the London Pass or London Explorer Pass .

And if you really want to skip the line and avoid the crowds, consider booking an early access tour .

With an early access tour, you can enter the Tower of London before the long queues to see the Crown of Jewels.

One of the legendary Beefeater guardsmen will take you around to explore the palace so you can learn the history of the Yeoman Warders, the Royal Castle, and other landmarks.

Get there early to avoid the crowds

The best time to visit the Tower of London is in the early morning, just after it opens, to avoid long lines and crowds.

Summer and bank holidays will be busy, but you can still beat the crowds by visiting first thing in the morning on a weekday. Weekends are always busier than visiting on a weekday.

If you can, avoid visiting during Easter, Christmas, and school holidays.

Visiting in the fall – I went to the Tower of London when it first opened on a weekday morning in November and it felt like we had the place to ourselves. 

We headed straight to the Crown Jewels and were the only people inside (other than the security guards). I felt like a VIP!

Visiting in the summer – We arrived 15 minutes before the Tower of London opened on a weekday morning. There was already a line up outside the main entrance for people who have already purchased their tickets.

But once the Tower opened, it only took a few minutes to get inside. Once inside, it was quiet for the first couple of hours before school tours and more people arrived.

This is why it’s SO important to buy your tickets before you visit. You can grab your tickets here or purchase the London Pass or London Explorer Pass .

There are two entrances

Another way to skip the lines is by knowing your entrances. There are two main ways to enter the Tower of London: West Gate Entrance or the Middle Drawbridge Entrance .

The West Gate Entrance is the main entrance, opposite the Tower Shop. It’s often the most crowded because on-site tickets are available only at this entrance.

The Middle Drawbridge Entrance is where groups enter, but if you have pre-booked your tickets online or you’re using the London Pass, you can enter through here. 

No matter which entrance you choose, everyone will have to go through a security check where bags will be searched on entry. Also keep in mind that luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Grab a free map at the entrance

The Tower of London is quite large and there are many interiors, walkways, buildings, and exhibitions to explore once you’re inside.

I highly recommend grabbing a free map at the entrance so you can easily navigate where you want to go and to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Try to visit on a weekday

The weekend is the busiest time to visit the Tower of London. If you can, try to visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

You’ll have a more enjoyable visit without having to wait in a long line or pushing through crowds to see the Crown of Jewels.

Head to the Crown of Jewels first

The Crown of Jewels is the most popular thing to see at the Tower of London. No matter what time of year you visit, make sure to head there as your first stop.

Early morning or lunchtime are usually the quietest times to visit the Crown of Jewels.

During peak travel season, it’s not unusual to wait in line for up to an hour to see the collection since they limit the amount of people that can be in the exhibit at any time.

What is the Crown of Jewels?

These are the nation’s most precious treasures which are under armed guard in the Jewel House inside the Tower of London.

Here you can see the sacred objects used in the coronation ceremony, the Imperial State Crown, the Black Prince’s Ruby, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, and many more items.

Once inside the Jewel House, there are no photos allowed and the lighting is low. But you’ll still be able to see other people around.

The first section of the display shows close-ups of the crown jewels. There second section has a moving walkway along the side of the main display of the Crown Jewels. This allows you to easily see the crowns, orbs, and sceptres at slow pace.

Join a Yeoman Warder tour

Included in your ticket is a free guided tour led by a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater). These tours start from the West Gate entrance (opposite the Tower Shop) and last for about an hour.

They run every 30 minutes and you can enjoy walking around the outside of the buildings and into the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.

These entertaining tours are popular and can get very crowded, so I recommend trying to aim for a morning tour. 

Yeoman Warders have protected the palace for over 600 years. They need to have at least 22 years’ military service and received a long service and good conduct medal. Most of them live within the palace walls.

Visit the Tower of London when the Tower Bridge lifts

There’s an excellent view of the Tower Bridge from the Tower of London.

The Tower Bridge is a drawbridge, which means that the middle section of the bridge can be raised to allow tall boat and other river traffic to pass through.

You can check the schedule here to see when the bridge will lift.

Don’t feed the ravens

The ravens are some of the most famous residents at the Tower of London. You can see them at over four different territories within the Tower’s walls.

They are well taken care of and fed twice a day by the Tower’s Ravenmaster. They enjoy a special diet of mice, chicks, rats and assorted raw meats.

Since they are wild birds, it’s important to not touch or feed them, as they can bite if they feel their territory is being threatened.

Experience the Ceremony of the Keys

Every night the Guards and Chief Yeoman Warder participate in the Ceremony of the Keys, when the Tower of London is locked up for the night.

This is a 700-year-old ancient tradition where the sentry says, ‘Halt, who comes there?’. The Yeoman Warder then replies, ‘The keys.’  ‘Whose keys?’  ‘King Charles’ keys.’  ‘Pass then, all’s well.’

If you want to see this ceremony, you must pre-book tickets online in advance. It becomes fully booked quickly and there is no waitlist for this event. So check the website regularly for up-to-date availability.

Visit the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

The Chapel existed before the 12 th century and has been demolished and rebuilt a few times since then.

It’s also the final resting place for many of the Tower’s executed prisoners under Henry VIII, including Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Thomas More, and Thomas Cromwell.

You can visit this unique chapel as part of a Yeoman Warder tour. It is still a place of worship so it’s not usually open to visitors on Sunday mornings.

Wear comfortable shoes

You could easily spend half a day exploring the Tower of London. During your time here, you’ll be walking on cobbled areas, climbing stairs, and standing in line (if you have to wait to get inside or see the Crown of Jewels). 

To make your experience more comfortable, please wear appropriate shoes. Leave the heels at home and dress comfortably.

Bring and umbrella, snacks, and water

London weather can be unpredictable. Since there are many outdoors areas to explore within the Tower’s walls, I recommend bringing an umbrella or packing a rain jacket just in case.

There are cafes and kiosks selling drinks and food in the Tower, but it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and a bottle of water to stay hydrated.

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12 interesting facts about the Tower of London

1. The Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

It is one of the few intact medieval buildings in the world.

2. At least six ravens are kept at the Tower of London at all times

Legend says, “If the ravens leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall…” . According to the stories, Charles II was the first one who insisted that the ravens of the Tower should be protected.

3. The tower was originally built as a royal palace and defense system

Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, the tower was never supposed to be a prison. It was used a Prisoner of War Camp during World War II.

4. The total value of the jewels is said to exceed £20 billion

There are 23,500+ jewels there today and their actual value is priceless.

5. There are 32 Yeoman Warders (‘beefeaters’) at the tower

To qualify as a candidate, they must have completed at least 22 years in the Armed Forces and have received the “Long Service and Good Conduct” medal during their years of service.

6. Only 22 executions took place within the Tower of London

Lord Lovat was the last man to be beheaded on Tower Hill, in 1747 for treason.

7. During the 1200s, there was a royal zoo at the Tower of London

The zoo was filled with exotic animals before being transferred in 1835 to the London Zoo in Regent Park.

8. The tower is haunted by several ghosts

These include Henry VI, Lady Jane Grey, the Princes in the Tower and even a grizzly bear!

9. Someone has a spare key

The key to the internal lock was stolen in November 2012. The locks however were immediately replaced.

10. The tower was damaged during World War II

The Tower of London was bombed in 1940 during the Blitz, which damaged several building in the castle grounds, but didn’t hit the White Tower.

11. The basement of the White Tower is where torture was practiced

This mainly took place during the 16th and 17th centuries in order to extract information about plots against the government. One of the methods used was the rack, where the victim was stretched using ropes and levers.

12. The sons of King Edward IV were sent to the Tower by their uncle

Their uncle is Duke of Gloucester and his sons were never seen again. The sons were declared illegitimate and the Duke was crowned King Richard III. He is considered the most likely culprit for their disappearance, and in 1674, two skeleton remains were found which were identified as the two Princes.

London of Tower FAQs

When is the best time to visit tower of london.

The early morning on a weekday is the best time to visit Tower of London. This is when you can avoid long queues and beat the crowds.

What is the busiest day at the Tower of London?

Weekends and public holidays are the busiest days to visit the Tower. Mid-mornings on a weekday can also be busy with school groups. The best time to go is in the early morning on a weekday.

How long should I allow to visit the Tower of London?

Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Tower of London (or more if it’s busy). There is so much to see and learn about here that you should try and get as much value out of your ticket as you can.

Is it worth entering the Tower of London?

Yes, it’s rated the top tourist attraction is London. This historic castle has over 1,000 years of history and is perfect for all ages to enjoy. You can check out the Crown of Jewels, the “Beefeater” Yeoman Warders, and the famous ravens that have kept the palace from falling.

Can you see Tower of London for free?

No. To go inside the Tower, you will need to purchase a ticket. You can buy your tickets online before you visit (recommended), or you can buy tickets from the ticket office near the main entrance.

How to avoid lines at the Tower of London?

The best way to avoid lines is to visit early in the morning on a weekday and to purchase your tickets online in advance.

Do you have to pay extra to see the Crown Jewels at Tower of London?

No. Your admission ticket includes entry to the Crown Jewels, a tour with one of the Yeoman Warders, the White Tower, Battlements, Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower, Fusiliers Museum, Royal Mint exhibition, and Torture at the Tower exhibition.

Can you bring a backpack to the Tower of London?

You can bring small backpacks and bags, but there are no left luggage facilities and large bags are not permitted in the Tower.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

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How much time for The Tower of London? - London Forum

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How much time for The Tower of London?

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As I recall it is a bit out of the way with not a lot around it as far as sites go. What is a good amount of time to allow for a VERY thorough tour of pretty much EVERYTHING at the Tower?

I think you could do a full tour in around 3 - 4 hours. One could spend a very full day there. There is a lot to see, especially if you are a history geek like me.

Tripadvisor staff removed this post at the original author's request.

Since you aren't going till June, you may also want to send away for Ceremony of the Keys tickets - that's a cool thing to do in the evening.

http://hrp.org.uk/tower_of_london_events/the_ceremony_of_the_keys_every_night_thr

Wallace Collection – Bond St or Marble Arch tube.

Hertford House | Manchester Square

10a-5p FREE Audio guides.

http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/

“Both a national museum and a prestigious private collection of art bequeathed by Lady Wallace in 1897, this attraction features one of the world's best collections of French 18th-century pictures, porcelain and furniture, plus a fantastic array of 17th-century paintings.”

We (family including a history loving teen) first did the Crown Jewels. Started here to beat the crowds as once its busy you can waste a lot on time just lining up to get into the Jewels, Next the Yoeman Warders tour which was great. Then we hired the audio machine and did the audio tour. The two did not really overlap that much and we found both really worthwhile. Then you still have the White Tower where the Armoury collection is housed. Certainly I would say 4 hours but maybe even more.

Pixiekeeper is right, the Wallace does have a good collection of armour, which would probably interest your husband. Although from what I remember there is not too much in the way of interpretation to help you make sense of it (although maybe with the audio guide there is. We went without this). The Wallace is a really nice collection. The restaurant in the centre looks pretty good too, although I didn't get chance to eat there. Think it has been refurbished recently.

Do you know if the restaurant is open after the collection is closed? Can we do a late afternoon visit and then go to the restaurant after the collection closes at 5pm?

Pixiekeeper,

The restaurant only appears to be open late on Friday and Saturday. The other days it closes at 5pm. There is a menu that can be downloaded from the website:

http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/templates/tmpl_default_subcategory.php?subcategoryid=76&openmenu=3_76_0

Hope that link works!

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London's Tower Bridge: The Complete Guide

Tower bridge.

London's iconic Tower Bridge is the city's most famous bridge, often mistakenly called "London Bridge." Built over 120 years ago, the bridge initially was constructed to ease road traffic. The roadways on the bridge have the ability to lift up, allowing ships to pass underneath, and the bridge has been a landmark of London for over a century. Today visitors can see Tower Bridge and its inner workings up close and personal, or elect to snap a photo of the impressive bridge from a nearby viewpoint. Many tourists pair Tower Bridge with a visit to the nearby Tower of London.

History and Background

Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 across the River Thames. It was selected from over 50 designs and ultimately created by Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry. At the time, Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built and the bascules continue to be operated by hydraulic power even today. In 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, but it was restored to its original blue and white color scheme in 2017.

The interior of the bridge officially opened to the public in 1982, featuring a permanent exhibition inside called The Tower Bridge Experience. Cars and pedestrians can access the bridge's main deck anytime, however the towers, upper walkways, and engine rooms are now part of the exhibition and only available with a ticket.

How to Get There

The best way to get to Tower Bridge is via public transportation. The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, accessible by the District and Circle lines. Visitors can also use London Bridge station, which is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines. Trains will bring you in to London Bridge, Fenchurch Street, or Tower Gateway DLR Stations, while numerous buses stop directly by the bridge. These include routes 15, 42, 78,100, and RV1.

A fun alternative is to take a riverboat service along the Thames to Tower Bridge. Boats stop at St. Katherine Pier and Tower Pier on the north side and London Bridge City Pier on the south side. Because of the busy location it's not recommended to drive to Tower Bridge, but if you do have a car the nearest parking garage is Tower Hill Coach and Car Park on Lower Thames Street.

How to Visit the Bridge

Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with the exception of Dec. 24 through 26, when the exhibition is closed). Visitors will get to go inside the two bridge towers, visit the Glass Floor—a viewpoint 138 feet (42 meters) above the River Thames—, and learn about the history of the site. The visit includes a peek into the Engine Rooms, where you can see steam engines, coal burners, and accumulators that used to power the bascules. 

Purchase tickets online in advance to take advantage of lower prices. There are various group discounts and family ticket prices if you're traveling in a larger group, and children under 5 are free. It's recommended to go at less busy times, like weekday mornings, and avoid weekends or holidays.

For bonus information, book into one of the Behind the Scenes guided tours. The tours last two hours and include access to areas of the bridge, towers and Engine Room not seen by regular guests. The tours don't run every day, so it's best to check the available times and dates online and book in advance when planning a trip.

Best Views of the Bridge

The best view of Tower Bridge may not actually be from the bridge itself. To snap a great photo of the iconic site, head to one side of the Thames, either in front of the Tower of London on the north bank or in front of City Hall and Potters Fields Park alongside the south bank. Those visiting the HMS Belfast, another ticketed attraction, can also score amazing views from the upper deck. For a straight-on look at Tower Bridge walk along the pedestrian sidewalk at London Bridge, where you can catch an uninterrupted glimpse from right in the center.

Things to Know

Tower Bridge is fully accessible for guests needing special access. A lift is available to all levels, including in the towers and to the Engine Room exhibition, and there are also accessible toilets available. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome in all areas and not restricted.

It's important to note that all bags will be searched upon entry to Tower Bridge and guests should not bring any glass items, including glass bottles, to the walkway area. Dogs are permitted, in case you want to bring along your furry friend.

Tower Bridge is a working bridge and it does raise the platforms regularly (about 850 times per year) to allow ships to pass through. The bridge lift times are listed online, so check ahead if you want to see the bascules in action.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Visiting the Crown Jewels

This post covers visiting the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, including what they are, where they are kept, and, how you can get tickets to see them.  

You can skip this post and purchase tickets to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels here.

• Plan Your Visit
• What Are the Crown Jewels?
• Guided Tours
• Things to Do in London

TICKETS FOR THE CROWN JEWELS

Access to see the Crown Jewels is included with a ticket to the Tower of London .  

You can also purchase a tourist pass and use that to enter without waiting in line for tickets.

In particular, the  London Pass  and the  Explorer Pass  offer a cost-effective way to visit the Crown Jewels and skip the queue.

• Adults:  £29.90 | Concession: £24
• Children (5-15): £14.90 | Under 5: FREE
• Pre-purchase tickets  to skip the queue

EARLY ACCESS TICKETS

If you're planning to take a tour of the Tower of London, it's worth noting that tickets are included with some outings from Take Walks.

One of their more popular options is a tour which includes early access to the Crown Jewels, allowing you to avoid the lines and get in before everyone else!

Early Access Tower of London Tour

• £74/Adults | £69/Children
• Duration: 2 ½ - 3 hours
• Hours: 8:30 am
• Includes early entry to the Tower of London.
• Includes first entry to the Jewel House.

London in a Day

• £129/Adults | £119/Children
• Duration: 8 hours
• Hours: 9 am
• Includes Tower of London admission.
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes a Thames River cruise.

This section will cover all the best ways to save money on tickets to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, including details about concession sites and tourist passes.

1. Use a Tourist Pass

Several London tourist passes include admission to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels at no additional cost.

These services typically offer access to dozens of attractions and activities for one low price, allowing you to save 50% or more off standard ticket prices.

Currently, the following passes provide tickets to this attraction:

• The London Pass
• London Explorer Pass
• London City Card

If you want to learn more about how these services work, make sure to read our full post covering London tourist passes .

2. Combo Packages

If you're planning to visit multiple attractions in London, these combo deals provide a concession on tickets for the Tower of London and one other activity or landmark.

Tower Bridge + Tower of London

• £41.30/Adults | £20.60/Children (5-15) | £32.60/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels
• Includes admission to the Tower Bridge Exhibition
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Tower of London + The Shard

• £52.11/Adults | £38.61/Children (5-15) | £46.80/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Shard Observation Deck

Tower of London + London Eye

• £76.86/Adults | £57.85/Children (5-15) | £71.25/Concessions
• Includes admission to the London Eye

Tower of London + Kew Gardens and Palace

• £46.93/Adults | £18.91/Children (5-15)
• £39.43/Concessions | £36.96/Students/Youth (16-29)
• Includes admission to Kew Gardens and Palace

Tower of London + Queen's Gallery

• £44.56/Adults | £22.71/Children (5-15) | £38.95/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Queen's Gallery

3. Use a Promo Site

There are several websites like Discount London and Groupon that frequently offer deals on tickets for local activities and attractions, including the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels.

In addition to their already low prices, these services usually also offer extra promo codes to help you save even more money!

4. 2 For 1 Deal

If you're planning to use the National Rail to get around, you might be able to save a lot of money on tickets to the Tower of London.

Find out more about the 2-for-1 deal or learn how to take advantage of this offer .

5. Family Tickets

Families planning to visit the Tower of London will want to take advantage of the family ticket options:

• £52.20/Family (1 Adult, 2-3 Children)
• £82.10/Family (2 Adults, 2-3 Children)
• Purchase Family Tickets or learn more .

6. Tower Hamlets Resident Offer

If you live within the borough of Tower Hamlets and you have an Idea Store card or library card, you can visit the Tower of London for only £1.

Check our post on the Tower of London for more Concession options!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

There are a lot of details to consider before going to see the Crown Jewels.

This section will provide information about the best times to visit, how to get here, and what to expect.

For more details, make sure to read our post about visiting the Tower of London .

Summer Hours (June 1st – September 18th)

• 9:00 – 17:30 (5:30 pm)

Winter Hours

• 9:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm)
• 10:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm) *last entry at 4 pm

Best Times to Visit

Some visitors recommend getting there as early as possible and heading straight to the Crown Jewels.

Due to their popularity, the only way to ensure you won't be waiting in line for a while is to get there while the crowds are still relatively small.

Consider arriving at the Tower of London right when it opens and doing your best to see this attraction between the hours of 9 am - 10 am .

To save time, consider an early bird tour that gets you into the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels before the general public.

Several guests also indicate you'll run into fewer crowds during weekday mornings than during the weekend.

They also note that weather can play a factor, as people are far less likely to visit the Tower of London on a rainy day than when the sun is out. 

What to Expect

Most people who choose to visit the Tower of London will spend at least 15-30 minutes in line waiting to see the Crown Jewels.

Plan on setting aside at least 45-60 minutes for the entire experience.

Many visitors recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to see the entirety of the Tower of London.

Several guests note that even that might not be enough time for everything, so prepare for the possibility that you will spend up to 5 hours at this landmark.

Please keep in mind that you will not be able to take any photographs while visiting the Crown Jewels. Cameras are strictly forbidden and visitors are not allowed to take pictures.

Be aware that guards may try to stop you if any attempt is made to use a camera or snap a shot of this exhibit.

WHAT ARE THE CROWN JEWELS?

One of the most enduring symbols of Monarchy, and the centrepiece of the Royal Collection, in the United Kingdom is the Crown Jewels and no visit to London should be undertaken without a visit to see this most stunning of collections.

The Jewels have been available for the public to observe for centuries and millions have traveled from around the world just to see these most remarkable creations. 

More than just a collection of crowns, the Crown Jewels actually encompass present and past crowns belonging to Sovereigns, Consorts, and Princes of Wales, scepters, rings, swords, orbs, spurs, robes, bracelets, and gold and silver plates!  

The ceremonial and symbolic objects used during the coronations of British Kings and Queens are collectively known as the Regalia.

Not just used for their beauty, these are the most treasured and revered items in the Crown Jewels, as these are the pieces that are used in the centuries-old coronation ceremonies.

The Jewels are the most powerful symbols of Monarchy, although technically they do not belong to the royal family but to the nation - and they hold both cultural and religious significance.

It is lucky that the jewels are on display today as throughout their history they have variously been lost (by King John in 1216), used as collateral (by Edward III in the 1370s), pawned (by the wife of King Charles I in the 1640s), broken down and sold during the English Civil War (by Oliver Cromwell), and nearly stolen (by Colonel Thomas Blood in 1671)!

The majority of the pieces on display today date from the 17 th century.

In 1660 King Charles II had a new set of Royal Regalia made – the ones on display today – however, there is one artifact that dates from before this time: the 12 th century Anointing Spoon (sometimes referred to as the coronation spoon) – still used in coronation ceremonies today.

When Charles commissioned the Crown Jewels, he spent the princely sum of £13,000.00 (around £1 million in today’s money).

He also spent a further £18,000 to create a set of banqueting plates and a golden altar, as well as a baptism font.

There are actually two baptism fonts held at the Tower of London today.

The first is the original commissioned by King Charles II but the second dates from the reign of Queen Victoria.

King Charles II is particularly notable for his string of mistresses and illegitimate children, many of whom he officially acknowledged and had baptised in the royal font.

Queen Victoria, a staunchly conservative woman, refused to have any of her children baptized in the same font as Charles II’s ‘bastards’ so she insisted that a new one, known as the Lily Font, be created just for her family!

Historically, the Jewels were kept behind bars and visitors were able to put their hands through the railings and touch the Jewels! Today, of course, such easy access to the Jewels is strictly prohibited.

Visitors to the Tower wishing to see the Crown Jewels will find them in the Jewel House currently in use, dating from 1994.

Visitors enter through vault doors containing electronic beams and steel shutters. The vault doors are said to be able to withstand a nuclear bomb blast!

All the jewels on display are resting on French velvet, and are kept behind 2in (51mm) thick shatter-proof glass and filtered air circulates in the cases that hold the Jewels.

Note that Scotland has their own Crown Jewels, kept at Edinburgh Castle , known as the Honours of Scotland. The collection includes a crown (made for King James V), a sceptre and a sword of state. The Honours were sealed away somewhere inside the castle after the union of Scotland and England and, eventually, their whereabouts were forgotten. They were uncovered in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott.

At one time, there were state Jewels of Ireland but these were stolen in 1907 and never recovered.

The following list highlights the most famous pieces of royal regalia, explaining what they are and how they are used.

St Edward’s Crown  

Dating from 1661, and considered the principal piece of the Regalia, this is the crown that is worn at the moment the monarch is crowned in Westminster Abbey.

The crown is named after Edward the Confessor and its’ last usage was at the coronation of our current King Charles III in May 2023.

This is the crown used as a symbol by the King and is the one depicted in coats of arms, badges, money, and other insignias (including the side of our famous red telephone boxes!) throughout the entire Commonwealth.

Weighing nearly 5 lbs, Queen Victoria chose not to be crowned with St. Edward’s because of the weight!

The Imperial State Crown  

This is easily the most famous piece of the Crown Jewels.

The Imperial State Crown dates from 1937 and is still used today – this being the crown that the Sovereign wears each year at the State Opening of Parliament.

The Crown consists of a purple velvet cap with an ermine border and holds 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

The Crown famously is also home to Cullinan II (a cut of the largest diamond ever found at 3,106 carats and cut into 9 different pieces!), St. Edward’s Sapphire (thought to date from 1042), and the Black Prince’s Ruby (thought to date from the 14 th  century and weighing in at 170 carats).

The Crown of Queen Elizabeth , the Queen Mother

Made for Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King George VI in 1937 (our current King’s grandparents), the Crown of Queen Elizabeth was the first crown for a British consort made out of platinum. 

The arches on this crown are detachable so that it may be worn as a circlet instead (as she wore it during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II).

It is set with 2,800 diamonds and holds the most famous diamond in the Royal Regalia: the Koh-i-Noor .

Previously the largest known diamond, originating in India and coming in at 793 carats uncut, visitors come from around the world simply to see this stunning diamond.

The Crown of Queen Mary

Originally created for Mary of Teck, wife of King George V, in 1911, the Crown of Queen Mary was designed to hold the previously mentioned Koh-i-Noor. Today, however, it contains Cullinan III, IV and V, in addition to 2,200 other diamonds. It has been used throughout the decades by various members of the royal family as a circlet.

It has been on display at the Tower of London since the death of Queen Mary in 1953. In 2023, the crown was partially altered and used for the coronation of Queen Camilla.

Sovereign’s Orb  

The Sovereign Orb weighs 42 ounces, is surrounded by pearls and gemstones, and was made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1660. 

Symbolically, the Orb represents the Monarch’s role as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

The orb is placed in the Monarch’s right hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury during the coronation.

At the end of the ceremony, it is carried in the left hand, and in the right, the Sceptre [below] is held.

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross  

Also known as St. Edward’s Sceptre or the Royal Sceptre, this piece holds The Star of Africa, or Cullinan I, a second cut of the same diamond found in the Imperial State Crown that was set into place in 1910.

Cullinan I, gifted to Kind Edward VII by the Transvaal Government, is still the largest colourless cut diamond in the entire world, weighing in at 530 carats.

This gem can be removed from the sceptre and worn as a broach.

Click here for the  official Crown Jewels website . 

WHERE ARE THE CROWN JEWELS KEPT?

Guarded by Yeomen Warders , the jewels are kept in The Jewel House at the Tower of London, where this precious collection has been held since the 14 th century.  

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the Crown Jewels from anywhere in London.

The Tower of London is from the Tower Hill Underground Station, but it's also within walking distance from the Monument, London Bridge, and a few other stations.

The Tower of London is located adjacent to the Tower Bridge .

If you are considering purchasing a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, keep in mind that all the major companies have stops at the Tower of London , and some offer cheaper combo tickets.  

Read our post comparing London bus companies .

How to Find Them

The Crown Jewels are found at the Jewel House near the center of His Majesty's Fortress, The Tower of London landmark.

The building containing this attraction is located right next to the St. Peter Ad Vincula Royal Chapel and the Fusilier Museum.

Use the map below to orient yourself and find your way to this famous site.

You also might be interested in:

• Our calendar of free guided tours .
• Our tip for visiting the Tower of London for free .
• The Ceremony of the Keys

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Visitor information

Welcome to tower bridge.

Everything you need to know to plan a safe and enjoyable visit to Tower Bridge.

Opening Hours

Tower Bridge is open 09:30 - 18:00 Last entry is 17:00

On the second Saturday every month, between 9:30 and 11:30, entry to Tower Bridge is reserved for Relaxed Opening attendees.

Getting here

The Tower Bridge Ticket Office and entrance is located in the west side of the North Tower.

Tower Bridge can be accessed by several modes of transport. For help planning your day out read our dedicated journey planning page. 

Guarantee your entry to Tower Bridge by booking your tickets online.

Book tickets

1. Your visit begins by climbing the  North Tower . 2. Then head along  East Walkway and West Walkway , crossing the iconic Glass Floors. 3. Descend down the  South Tower to road level. 4. Then follow the Blue line commemorating the workers of Tower Bridge. 5. Finally, enter the Victorian Engine Rooms and complete your visit in our gift shop.

What's inside the attraction

Tips for your visit

✔ All visitors must queue on arrival.  ✔ Queues are outside the Bridge, so check the weather! ✔ Wear comfortable shoes for walking up the Tower (lifts will be available for those who require them). ✔ Please note we operate a 100% searching policy meaning all bags are subject to search on arrival. We allow shoulder bags and backpacks with maximum dimensions 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Suitcases, wheeled bags and oversize items will not be allowed in the Bridge.

Accessibility

Tower Bridge is fully accessible.

There is lift access to all levels in the Towers and Engine Rooms.

Accessible toilets are also available once inside.

Access for all

Need more information?

Make your trip to Tower Bridge fun and stress-free with our helpful tips and answers to your frequently asked questions.

Find out how to get in touch with us about specific enquiries. 

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What's Inside

Sunday 26 may.

Sunday 26 May is Ride London. Please check your travel before visiting us. We aim to operate business as usual, but we ask for your understanding during this event.