london tower tour

5 Best Tower of London Tours 2024 (ranked!)

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Ready to book the best Tower of London tours?

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

How do I know?

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

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

Want me to cut to the chase?

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

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

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

Click here to check prices and availability.

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

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

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

Easy Guide: Best Tower of London Tours

1. best private tour of the tower of london.

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

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Blue Badge Guide 
• Minimal wait times 
• Private tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Want more London tours? Check these out!

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

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

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!

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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 2024: Everything You Need to Know!

Last updated: January 1, 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?

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

• Adult – £33.60
• Child (age 5-15) – £16.80
• Concession (age 65+, 16-17, full time student, disabled visitors) – £26.80
• 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
• On the Tiqets website here (includes our exclusive discount)
• 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.

Usually, our link to the Tiqets website will get you the best prices on adult admission, but offers and availability do vary so do shop around and compare!

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.

Normally, using our Tiqets link will save you a little on full admission price for an adult.

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 and o n the Tiqets website here .

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

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

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

Can you skip the lines at the Tower of London?

There are two main lines at the Tower of London.

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

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

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

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

What to see and do at the Tower of London

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

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

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

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

The Tower’s Mint

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

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

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

The Battlements

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

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

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

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

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

The Medieval Palace

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

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

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

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

The Crown Jewels in the Waterloo Barracks

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

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

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

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

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

The White Tower

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

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

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

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

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

The Bloody Tower

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

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

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

Lower Wakefield Tower

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

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

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

The Fusilier Museum

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

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

Tower Green & Scaffold Site

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

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

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

Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

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

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

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

Beauchamp Tower

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Yeoman Warders & Guided Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Long to Visit the Tower of London For?

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

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

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

Is the Tower of London Worth It?

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

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

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

Practicalities for Visiting the Tower of London

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

Facilities at the Tower of London

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

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

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

Security at the Tower of London

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

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

Accessibility at the Tower of London

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

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

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

Luggage storage Near the Tower of London

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

Photography at the Tower of London

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

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

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

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

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

Food and Drink at the Tower of London

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

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

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

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

Internet Access at the Tower of London

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

Tours of the Tower of London

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

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

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

Here are some options to consider.

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

Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

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

Consider a Guided Tour or Audio guide

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

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

Chat with the Yeoman Warders

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

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

What to Bring

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

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

Plan your day in advance

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

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

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

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

Attractions Near the Tower of London

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

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

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

Where to Stay Near the Tower of London

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

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

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

Further Reading for Visiting London

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

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

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

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There are 6 comments on this post

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Anne Clough says

8th July 2023 at 3:29 pm

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

Laurence Norah says

8th July 2023 at 3:51 pm

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

Have a great time in London!

Nichelle says

6th January 2023 at 6:48 pm

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

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

14th January 2023 at 10:22 am

Hi Nichelle,

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

29th December 2021 at 11:18 pm

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

30th December 2021 at 10:12 am

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

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

127 reviews

Why take this tour?

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

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

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Meeting Point

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

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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