In a nutshell
- The Tower of London is one of the best places to visit in London – packed with crown jewels, royal armor, old prison cells, and fascinating legends.
- We explored the Tower ourselves and share our favorite moments, insider impressions and useful tips with you.
- With our advice, you’ll be well prepared to find your way around, skip unnecessary extras and make the most of your visit.
- Short on time? We recommend the standard ticket for the Tower of London.
What is the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is a top attraction and truly a must-see on any weekend in London.
Built in the 11th century right on the River Thames, it has been a fortress, royal residence and prison over the course of history. Today, the Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be explored almost entirely as a museum.
No kings live here anymore, but the Yeoman Warders (better known as the Beefeaters) still do — together with their families. We’ll tell you more about them shortly.
Tower of London Tickets & Prices
Let’s start with where to get your Tower of London tickets and whether extras like the audio guide are worth it.
Where is the best place to buy your Tower of London tickets?
It’s best to buy your Tower of London tickets online in advance. You can book through the official website or via Tiqets.
The price is the same for both providers (£36). All tickets are timed and include access to all public areas of the Tower.
Book Tower of London tickets in the official store
Book Tower of London tickets with Tiqets
There is also a ticket office on site, but lines can be very long, especially from March to October.
What Tower of London tickets are available and how much do they cost?
Below you’ll find all standard ticket options for the Tower of London:
Tower of London tickets in the official store
| Ticket option | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Tower of London standard ticket | £36 | book your ticket |
| Tower of London + Boat Ride | £55/£60 | book your ticket |
Children under 5 can enter the Tower for free, but a free ticket must still be booked in the official shop.
Tower of London tickets at Tiqets
| Ticket option | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Tower of London standard ticket | £36 | book your ticket |
| Combi ticket (Tower of London + Changing of the Guards + Boat Ride) | £69 | book your ticket |
Are there Tower of London tickets without a line?
No. There are no “skip the line” tickets that let you bypass the regular entrance line at the Tower.
Can you spontaneously enter the Tower of London?
Yes, you can visit spontaneously, but you should expect long waits.
You’ll likely line up at the ticket office and then again for your timed entry slot (e.g. 10:00–10:30 am).
So we really recommend booking online. You can even book last-minute, like the evening before.
Tower of London audio guides
You can rent an audio guide at the entrance for £5. It includes themed tours and interactive maps in multiple languages.
Is it worth it? We don’t think so. £5 is quite a lot, especially since there’s plenty of information around the site, free Beefeater tours, and of course everyone can look things up on their phone.
Tours of Tower of London
Free guided tours are included with your ticket. They’re led by the Beefeaters and start roughly every 30 minutes near the main entrance — just join when one begins.
Tours last around 45 minutes and are in English.
Highly recommended! The Beefeaters are full of knowledge and add plenty of humor.
Tower of London combination tickets
There are several combo tickets that include the Tower of London and other attractions.
These are especially useful for first-time visitors who want a guided overview of London or plan to see multiple main sights in one day.
Just make sure to compare prices and what’s included. Some bundles don’t offer much value.
We recommend this one: Guided Tour: Tower of London, Westminster or Changing of the Guard + Thames Boat Ride
Is the Tower of London included in the London Pass?
Yes, the Tower of London is part of the London Pass. The pass covers a huge number of attractions and is a great option if you want to see a lot of London sights.
Read more here:
Our Ticket Recommendation: Standard Ticket
Strictly speaking, there’s really just one main ticket for the Tower of London: the standard ticket. And that’s exactly the one we recommend.
It’s the simplest, most affordable and most popular option — and it’s also the one we chose for our visit.
The Standard Ticket includes:
- Entry to the Tower of London
- Access to the Crown Jewels
- Participation in a free Beefeater tour
- Access to historic towers, exhibitions and courtyards
The price for the standard ticket is:
- Adults (18 years): approx. £36
- Teenagers (16-17 years): approx. £18
- Children (5-15 years): approx. £17.50
- Children under 5: free of charge
- Family and group tickets are also available
You can buy the standard ticket here:
- Online via the official store
- Online via Tiqets
- On site at the main ticket office
When booking, you select a fixed entry slot. Once inside, you can explore at your own pace.
What can you see at the Tower of London?
You may already recognize the striking fortress with its four corner towers — that’s the White Tower, the heart of the entire complex. But the Tower of London has a lot more to offer! There are around 20 buildings plus plenty of highlights across the grounds.
Tower of London Crown Jewels
The Crown Jewels are without question the showstopper of the Tower. In the Jewel House, you’ll see dazzling crowns, sceptres and royal regalia, some of which are still used for state ceremonies.
The oldest pieces date back to the 17th century and are encrusted with countless diamonds, rubies and other precious stones.
Note: The line here gets very long. On busy days, expect to wait at least 30 minutes.
Ravens at the Tower of London
Legend has it that the kingdom will fall if the ravens ever leave the Tower. So at least six ravens have lived here since the 17th century — cared for by the official “Ravenmaster.”
The birds each have names and personalities, and they’re impressively large. They live in spacious aviaries by the White Tower but are allowed to roam outside during the day.
Just a heads up: a sign warns that the ravens may peck if you get too close. Best to admire them from a safe distance!
White Tower & Armory
The White Tower is the oldest and most iconic building in the complex.
Inside, you’ll find the “Line of Kings,” a historic armor exhibition with shining suits of armor and royal weapons — including pieces belonging to Henry VIII.
But even without the exhibits, the building itself is fascinating: thick walls, tiny windows and steep stairways create a true medieval atmosphere.
Good to know: The White Tower has over 200 steps in total. It’s not accessible and the narrow spiral stairs can definitely make you feel dizzy — fair warning!
Prison & Execution
For centuries, the Tower of London served as a feared prison and execution site for nobles, traitors and even queens.
Names like Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes are closely tied to some of the darkest moments in English history.
You can explore cells, torture devices and memorial plaques throughout the grounds. Highlights include the Bloody Tower (a fitting name), Wakefield Tower and Tower Green.
Tower Green & Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula
Tower Green is a large grassy square inside the Tower walls. This is where private executions once took place, hidden from public view.
Today, a memorial made of stone, iron and glass stands here to honor the victims. The glass cushion on top represents the execution block where the condemned once knelt.
Right beside it is the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, the final resting place of Anne Boleyn and others. Anne, Henry VIII’s second wife, was executed on his orders.
Tower Guardians: The Beefeaters
The Yeoman Warders, better known as Beefeaters, have served as royal guards and protectors of the Crown Jewels since the 15th century. You can recognize them by their deep blue or red uniforms and traditional hats.
Today, they no longer stand guard but lead tours and share stories as true cultural ambassadors.
Fun fact: you can take photos with them. They walk around the grounds and are usually happy to pose.
Animals in the Tower of London
From 1200 until around 1830, the Tower was home to a royal menagerie with exotic animals including lions, elephants and even a polar bear gifted by Norway.
Today, you’ll find only statues and small exhibitions telling that story (thankfully).
Poppies at the Tower of London
The Tower doesn’t just tell medieval tales – it also remembers more recent history.
To honor those who fell in the First and Second World Wars, red ceramic poppies appear in different areas of the Tower.
This art installation is called “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red” and is on display until November 2025.
Tower of London Cafés, Restaurants & Shops
With so much to see at the Tower of London, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of spots to rest, refuel and browse souvenirs.
You’ll find several cafés and restaurants across the grounds, offering everything from quick sandwiches to classic cream tea.
And the souvenir shops stock pretty much everything you could imagine (and plenty you wouldn’t) – from kids’ knight helmets to books, pins, Christmas ornaments and even plastic crown jewels.
How to Get to the Tower of London
The Tower of London sits right on the River Thames in the eastern part of central London.
The address is: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Nearby, you’ll also find Tower Bridge, St. Katharine Docks and the South Bank.
Getting there by subway
The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill. It’s served by:
- Circle Line
- District Line
From there, it’s only a 3 minute walk to the entrance.
Getting there by bus
These bus routes stop close to the Tower of London:
- Lines 15, 42, 78, 100 and RV1
The stops are around Tower Hill and Tower Bridge. For example, we once took the bus all the way from Stockwell.
Getting here by boat
Tower Pier sits right in front of the Tower of London. Thames Clippers and Uber Boat services stop there.
Our tip: If you have time, walk over to Traitor’s Gate on the Thames. It’s just a three minute stroll west from Tower Pier. This was the riverside entrance where prisoners like Anne Boleyn, Thomas More and Guy Fawkes were brought in by boat.
Here you can find the best boat tours in London
Parking at the Tower of London
There is no parking directly at the Tower. But you can park here:
- Tower Hill Coach and Car Park (2 minutes’ walk)
- Minories Car Park (10 minutes’ walk)
Both parking options are paid. Expect to pay around 5 pounds per hour. We recommend using public transport instead.
Our Tips for Visiting the Tower of London
To help your visit to the Tower of London run smoothly, here’s the key info on opening times, entry checks and more:
Tower of London opening hours
Opening times depend on the season.
- March to October: 9:00–17:30 (Sunday & Monday from 10:00)
- November to February: 9:00–16:30 (Sunday & Monday from 10:00)
Last entry is 90 minutes before closing, and the final guided tour of the Tower of London starts 2 hours before closing. The Tower only closes for Christmas (December 24–26).
Best time to visit the Tower of London
The quietest time is right after opening, ideally on a weekday. It gets much busier in the afternoon and on weekends — especially at the Crown Jewels.
We visited on a Saturday during peak season, and it was very full.
Waiting times at the Tower of London
The longest line is usually for the Crown Jewels — expect 30 to 60 minutes. We also waited about 15 minutes for the Bloody Tower.
Otherwise, waits are typically 5 to 10 minutes. Entry with the standard ticket took less than 10 minutes.
Security at the Tower of London
There’s a metal detector at the entrance, and large bags are checked occasionally. We walked straight through.
You are NOT allowed to bring:
- Large suitcases & trolleys
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Drones & professional camera gear
- Food & drinks outside your bag indoors
You CAN bring:
- Small bags & backpacks
- Strollers (we recommend a travel buggy for London)
- Food & drinks (not inside the buildings)
- Cameras & phones for personal use (not at the Crown Jewels)
Is the Tower of London accessible?
Partially. The historic site has lots of stairs, cobblestones and narrow walkways.
There are some accessible paths and lifts, but not many. Unfortunately, the White Tower is not accessible.
How much time should you plan for the Tower of London?
Plan on at least 2.5 to 3 hours to see the highlights at a relaxed pace.
If you want to join a Beefeater tour, explore the exhibitions and enjoy a café break, allow around 4 hours.
Our tip: If you’re short on time, plan ahead and decide which areas matter most to you. That’s what we did — we focused on Anne Boleyn, Execution & Prisons, the Ravens and the White Tower.
Is photography allowed in the Tower of London?
Yes, but with limits. Photos are strictly banned at the Crown Jewels, and flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Everywhere else is fine.
Are there toilets in the Tower of London?
Yes. You’ll find them at the main entrance, at the café in the New Armouries and near Wakefield Tower. All are free.
Visiting the Tower of London: Our Review
We visited the Tower of London ourselves — here’s how it went:
We booked our Tower tickets via Tiqets a few weeks beforehand — for 11am.
We took the bus to Tower Hill, stopped at The Monument first (one of our London insider tips) and joined the line at 10:45am.
Entry was super quick — not even a 10 minute wait. And surprisingly, the Tower was packed inside later, so we must have hit a good slot between the morning waves.
Inside the grounds, we were a bit overwhelmed at first. We didn’t expect it to be this big and hadn’t really mapped out a plan. (Our prep was… not ideal, so yours can now be top-notch, haha.)
We skipped the £5 audio guide and wandered around to get a feel for things.
Honestly, we kept going against the flow and tried to find quieter corners — picking our route spontaneously.
Because it was a Saturday in peak season, this only worked to a point. We decided not to line up for the Crown Jewels — the wait was about an hour.
At one point we asked ChatGPT what we should prioritise based on what we’d seen and what we were interested in — and that helped guide us.
Our favourite spots were the White Tower with its armour collection, Tower Green and its memorial, the ravens and the views over the Thames and Tower Bridge.
A slight letdown was the torture chamber and prisons. With such a dark history, we expected more depth.
We lined up almost 15 minutes for the “torture chamber,” which turned out to be a single replica rack. Pretty underwhelming.
The chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula was also closed for restoration — reopening in September 2025.
Our conclusion: Is the Tower of London worth it?
Yes — absolutely! Whether it’s your first time in London or your fifth. We only made it here on our sixth trip.
If you enjoyed Edinburgh Castle or Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, you’ll love the Tower.
The ticket price is high, but the site is massive and full of history. You can easily spend 4 hours here (we stayed just under 2), and maintaining a place like this isn’t cheap.
So the ticket price is fair for what you get.
Kids will enjoy it too, and there are little puzzles here and there to keep them engaged.
So yes — definitely add the Tower of London to your London must-do list.
And what after the Tower visit?
Afterwards, we were starving and headed to the St Katharine Docks Café (here on Google Maps) at St Katharine Docks. It’s less than 10 minutes away.
You can also combine the Tower with these sights:
- Tower Bridge
- The Monument & Pudding Lane
- Traitor’s Gate
- London Wall
- St Dunstan in the East Church Garden
- The Shard
Read also:
Hotels at the Tower of London
Want to stay right by the Tower of London? Then take a look at these 3 hotel tips for London:
DoubleTree at the Tower of London: Modern city hotel with a stylish rooftop bar and fantastic views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Apex City Of London Hotel: Chic boutique hotel in a quiet spot near the Tower. Central location without the crowds.
Novotel London Tower Bridge: Family friendly hotel with modern rooms. Great transport connections and just steps from the Tower.
You can find more hotels in London here:
FAQ About the Tower of London
How old is the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is over 950 years old.
How tall is the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is an entire fortress complex with various buildings. The famous White Tower is about 30 meters tall.
Who was murdered in the Tower of London?
In the Tower of London, more than 400 people were murdered — including several famous figures. For example:
- Anne Boleyn († 1536): The second wife of King Henry VIII.
- Katherine Howard († 1542): The fifth wife of King Henry VIII.
- Lady Jane Grey († 1554): The “Nine-Days Queen”
- Thomas More († 1535): Famous statesman
What happened to the princes in the Tower of London?
The so-called “Princes in the Tower” were Edward V and his younger brother Richard, two children of King Edward IV.
After their father’s death, they were taken to the Tower of London in 1483 — officially to prepare for Edward’s coronation. However, the coronation never took place.
The boys disappeared without a trace and their uncle Richard had himself crowned instead.
It is widely believed that they were murdered on Richard’s orders. And a well-known legend claims that the boys were walled up inside one of the towers.
When did the last execution take place in the Tower of London?
The last execution at the Tower of London took place on 3 May 1941. The German spy Josef Jakob was executed by guillotine during the Second World War.
Are there still any people living in the Tower of London?
Yes, people do still live in the Tower. However, they are not regular residents, but rather the Tower guards, the Beefeaters, along with their families.
The History of the Tower of London
If walls could talk, the Tower of London would have more stories than most history books combined. What happened here over the centuries is truly remarkable.
It all started in 1066, when William the Conqueror arrived, saw, and decided to build a fortress to cement his power. Not just any fortress, but the mighty White Tower — still standing tall today.
Over time, the complex expanded with solid walls, imposing towers and everything a medieval power centre needed. Almost like a medieval Fort Knox.
In the late Middle Ages, the Tower became a storage site for weapons and gunpowder. During Tudor times, it turned into the stage for royal intrigue and dramatic fates.
Here, Anne Boleyn — the second wife of Henry VIII — lost her life under the executioner’s axe on her husband’s orders. And here Guy Fawkes, the man behind the Gunpowder Plot, was questioned and tortured. In total, the Tower witnessed over 400 executions.
Even in the Stuart era, the Tower was at the heart of political turmoil. King Charles I was detained here, and in 1671 the daring Colonel Blood attempted to steal the crown jewels. The theft failed, but the story remains legendary.
Today, the turmoil, whispers, plots and tragedy are long gone. The Tower has become a museum and historic monument that brings the past to life for anyone curious enough to explore its walls.
So much for: “If walls could talk.”