Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Tower of London should take top spot on your capital wishlist. After all, nearly three million visitors check out the royal fortress each year. Its chequered past has seen the complex of Medieval buildings, towers and walls act as a royal palace, armoury, treasury and prison over the years. But these days, your visit promises a little more sparkle, with the Crown Jewels on display.
From William the Conqueror to the Tudors, the Tower of London has stood at the heart of royal and political power for nearly 1,000 years on the banks of London’s River Thames. Take a guided tour to hear the famous Beefeaters – guardians of the Tower – share stories about queens who lost their heads here, like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey.
Your ticket to the Tower of London includes free rein to explore the castle battlements, towers and chapel, plus keep an eye out for the ravens of the Tower in the grounds. They’ve become minor celebrities with the superstition that if they ever leave, the Kingdom will fall. No visit is complete without checking out the famous Koh‑i‑Noor diamond among the 23,000 dazzling gems on show.
Things to know before you visit the Tower of London
Wheelchair access is limited due to cobbles, uneven surfaces and difficult stairs, including spiral staircases
Accessible toilets, baby changing facilities and a Changing Places toilet are all available onsite
Pushchairs aren’t allowed inside the White Tower, please leave them in the buggy parks
Photography is welcomed everywhere except the Jewel House and the Chapel of Saint John
There are plenty of cafes, and kiosks to fuel your visit
Trained assistance dogs and medical alert dogs are welcome inside the Tower
Please wear comfortable footwear as there are cobbled and uneven surfaces
Suitcases and large bags aren’t allowed in the Tower and there’s no left luggage facility
Tower of London opening hours:
March to October: Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am – 5.30pm, Monday and Sunday 10.00am – 5.30pm with last admission at 4.30pm
November to February: Tuesday to Saturday 9.00am - 4.30pm, Monday and Sunday 10.00am – 4.30pm with last admission at 3.30pm
The Tower is closed on: 24th, 25th and 26th December and 1st January
How to get to the Tower of London:
By tube: The Tower is located within easy walking distance of several London Underground and national train stations including:
Five minutes from Tower Hill Underground station – served by the District and Circle lines and step free access to street level
10 to 15 minutes from Monument, Bank, Aldgate, Aldgate East London Underground stations
10 to 15 minutes from London Bridge and Fenchurch Street stations
20 minutes from Liverpool Street station
25 minutes from London Charing Cross station
By river boat: Tower Pier is served by river boats travelling from various piers including Westminster and the London Eye and is located next to the Tower entrance
By bus: The following routes stop nearby the Tower of London: 15, 42, 78, 100, 343 and RV1. Plus, many major sightseeing bus tours in London pass by the Tower of London.
By car: There’s no on-site parking, but the closest car parks are:
Tower Hill Coach and Car Park (two-minute walk) – 50 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DT
Minories car park (10-minute walk) – 1 Shorter Street, London, E1 8LP
