Welcome to the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a formidable fortress with a past more thrilling than any fiction. From its imposing walls to the dazzling Crown Jewels glittering within, this iconic landmark holds centuries of captivating stories waiting to be discovered.
So, join us as we break down all of what the Tower of London has to offer - From the immersive Tower of London tours to a step-by-step guide on how to get the Tower of London tickets.
Important information about the Tower Of London
Opening times: The opening hours differ slightly between weekdays and weekends:
Weekdays (Tuesday-Saturday): The attraction is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Weekends (Sunday & Monday): The attraction opens an hour later at 10:00 AM and closes at the same time at 4:30 PM.
Important to note: Regardless of the opening day, the last admission is at 3:00 PM for everyone. This means you have to enter the attraction at least by 3:00 PM, even if the closing time is later.
Tower of London Address: It is located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, in central London, England. It sits on the north bank of the River Thames, just east of the famous city of London and within easy walking distance of Tower Bridge. Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB.
Duration: You can book the Tower of London tickets online and move at your own pace. Or you can book a Tower of London tour like the Gunpowder Plot tour which can take about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Attractions near the Tower of London: Within walking distance of the Tower of London, you'll find iconic landmarks like the White Tower, Jewel House, and the Royal Armories. Immerse yourself in history with the Ceremony of the Keys, or witness breathtaking views from the Tower Bridge. For a modern twist, visit the nearby London Eye or SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Tower of London Tickets: Explained
A Tower of London Ticket will grant you access to: The Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Battlements, Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower, Torture at the Tower exhibition, Fusiliers Museum and Royal Mint exhibition.
The Tower of London, while receiving valuable support from donations, relies on ticket sales and other income to operate effectively. Here's how their pricing structure reflects this.
Tower of London Tickets | Cost with no-donation | Cost with donation |
Members (For £55 per year) | Free | Free |
Adult (Age 18-64) | £33.60 | £37.00 |
Child age 5-15 | £16.80 | £18.50 |
Child age 0-4 | Free | Free |
Senior | £26.80 | £29.50 |
Full-time student / 16-17 years (Students need to show a valid student identification card.) | £26.80 | £29.50 |
Disabled Concession | £26.80 | £29.50 |
Disabled Carer / Companion | Free | Free |
Groups (Groups of 15 or more) | £31.00 | NA |
£1 tickets (For those in receipt of Universal Credit and other named benefits) | £1 | £1 |
*Source: Historical Royal Palaces Website
How to reach the Tower Of London
By metro: The nearest stop is the Tower Hill Underground station which is only 5 minutes away. Monument, Bank, Aldgate, Aldgate East London, London Bridge, and Fenchurch Street stations are only 10-15 minutes away.
By bus: Buses 15, 42, 78, 100, 343, and RV1 bring you right to the Tower of London's doorstep. Plus, major sightseeing bus tours make a stop, so hop on board for a comfortable ride and stunning views.
By boat: Several routes converge at Tower Pier, including those from Westminster and the London Eye. The pier is conveniently located right beside the Tower entrance.
By coach: The Tower Hill Coach and Car Park offer a dedicated drop-off zone for coaches, that are free of charge for stays under 15 minutes.
By car: Tower Hill itself is vehicle-free, Here are some convenient parking options nearby:
Tower Hill Coach and Car Park: Just a 2-minute walk at 50 Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DT.
Minories Car Park: A 10-minute walk at 1 Shorter Street, E1 8LP.
How to book tickets for the Tower Of London Online
To buy a Tower of London ticket, all you need to do is:
Head to the official website: Visit the official website and click "Buy Tower Tickets."
Explore your options: Browse through the different ticket types and prices in detail. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Pick your date and time: Scroll down and select your preferred date for your visit. Next, choose a specific time slot to guarantee your entry.
Who's joining you?: Indicate the number of tickets you need for adults, seniors, and children.
Support the cause (optional): Consider making a small donation to help preserve this historic landmark.
Enhance your experience (optional): Choose to purchase an official guidebook for easy navigation.
Unlock every language (optional): Add an audio guide tour in your preferred language to delve deeper into its history.
Discover the Gunpowder Plot (optional): Learn about this historical event with a Tower of London tour. You'll be redirected to the official website for booking.
Review and confirm: Double-check your order for accuracy and click "Continue" to proceed.
Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a Tower of London ticket.
Tower of London Tours: Explained
Whether you're seeking a guided exploration, an interactive experience, or a family-friendly adventure, the Tower has the perfect tour or activity for you:
Tower Twilight Tours: Explore the Tower's history after dark for a unique perspective (separate ticket, ends March 31st, 2024).
Yeoman Warder Tours: Hear stories of the Tower from the iconic Beefeaters (included in admission).
Audio Guide Tour: Delve deeper into the Tower's history with narration (separate ticket).
British Sign Language Digital Visitor Guide: Self-guided tour for deaf or hard of hearing visitors (included in admission).
Descriptive Sessions: Guided tours for visually impaired visitors by trained wardens (free with palace ticket, booking required).
Community Access Scheme: Free exploration for local communities and adult learning groups (booking required).
British Sign Language Tours: Guided tours with a BSL interpreter (included in admission, booking advised).
The Crown Jewels: Explore the dazzling collection of royal regalia (included in admission).
The Gunpowder Plot: Immerse yourself in this interactive experience about the infamous plot (separate ticket).
Armoury in Action: Participate in hands-on activities with weapons (included in admission).
Battlements: Walk the historic defensive walls (included in admission).
Bloody Tower: Discover the stories of famous prisoners (included in admission).
Medieval Palace: Step back in time to luxurious royal lodgings (included in admission).
Royal Beasts: Learn about the exotic animals kept at the Tower (included in admission).
The Fusilier Museum: Explore the history of the British infantry regiment (included in admission).
Ceremony of the Keys: Witness the nightly locking ceremony (separate ticket).
Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula: Visit the parish church of the Tower (included in admission).
Guards at the Tower of London: See the guards protecting the Crown Jewels (included in admission).
Gun Salute: View special commemorative firings on select dates (free).
Fortress: Explore the Tower's early history as a formidable structure (included in admission).
Imprisonment at the Tower Exhibition: Learn about the reasons for imprisonment (included in admission).
St John's Chapel: Admire the architectural gem in the White Tower (included in admission).
Line of Kings: Marvel at the historic armour of English monarchs (included in admission).
The Ravens: Meet the famous Tower residents (included in admission).
The Tower Moat: Immerse yourself in natural beauty (closed until summer 2024).
The Tower's Mint: Discover the history of coin production (included in admission).
Torture at the Tower Exhibition: Learn about the dark side of the Tower's history (included in admission).
Tower Green & Scaffold Site: Walk where executions took place (included in admission).
White Tower: Explore the imposing central tower (included in admission).
The Constable's Dues: Witness this historic ceremony (date to be confirmed, included in admission).
What to do at the Tower Of London?
The Tower is home to many activities for both families and solo travellers:
Explore the Towers: Wander through the White Tower, Bloody Tower, and other historic towers, learning about their intriguing past.
Marvel at the Crown Jewels: Witness the dazzling collection of royal regalia, including the Imperial State Crown.
Witness the Ceremony of the Keys: Experience this centuries-old tradition where the Tower is "locked up" each night.
Uncover secret stories: Take a guided tour to discover hidden corners and lesser-known narratives of the Tower.
Enjoy a self-guided exploration: Use the free multimedia guide or pick up a paper guide to explore the Tower at your own pace.
Join a family-friendly tour: Choose a tour specifically designed to engage children with interactive activities and storytelling.
Experience the Gunpowder Plot: Immerse yourself in this Tower of London tour interactive virtual reality experience about the infamous plot.
Facts about the Tower Of London
Here are our top interesting facts about the Tower of London:
It was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror as a symbol of Norman power.
It served as a royal palace, fortress, and prison.
Famous prisoners include Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, and Sir Walter Raleigh, explorer and poet.
Home to the Crown Jewels, a priceless collection of royal regalia.
Houses diverse exhibitions and displays chronicling its rich history.
Hosts the Ceremony of the Keys, a centuries-old tradition of locking the Tower every night
The ravens living within the Tower grounds are considered guardians and a symbol of the monarchy. Legend has it that if the ravens leave, the Tower and the Kingdom will fall.
The moat surrounding the Tower was once home to exotic animals, including lions, elephants, and even a polar bear.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in the United Kingdom, receiving over 2 million visitors annually.
Best Time To Visit the Tower Of London
For a less crowded visit to the Tower of London, prioritise weekdays and aim for an early arrival around 10 AM. This will help you avoid peak waiting times and enjoy the historic site more comfortably.
Note, the tower of London can close during heavy rains, so make sure to check their website for the official information
FAQs l Tower of London
Q. What are the opening times for the Tower Of London?
Open hours vary slightly: Weekdays (Tuesday-Saturday) are 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, while weekends (Sunday & Monday) are 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Note that the last admission is 3:00 PM for all days.
Q. Where is the Tower of London located in London?
The Tower of London address is: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB
Q. Are Tower Of London tickets refundable?
No, Tower Of London tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. However, for a rescheduling fee, you can change your admission date or time at least 24 hours in advance, based on availability.
Q. Does the Tower Of London operate at night?
No. The official working hours of the Tower of London end at 4:30 PM.
Q. Can you use your London Pass at the Tower of London?
Yes, please ensure you have your London Pass ready for scanning once you arrive.
.png)