an aerial view of the city of london
The Tower of London, a historic fortress with ancient walls and royal legends.
All attractions

Tower of London

London, England
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an aerial view of the city of london

Photo by zubair.works

Thick, ancient walls rise above the River Thames, housing secrets both legendary and dark. Echoes of centuries-old footsteps linger in the shaded courtyards, while flags ripple overhead, hinting at the Tower of London's royal and rebellious past. Here, ravens shuffle across stone battlements, and crown jewels gleam with a history as rich as London itself. Every visit promises a mix of awe, intrigue, and moments where the present blurs into centuries long gone.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
34.8 GBP
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Phone
Website

Planning Your Visit

Planning a trip to the Tower of London calls for some savvy preparation. This beloved landmark draws visitors year-round, so timing can make a big difference in comfort and crowd levels. Tickets sell out quickly, especially during holidays and summer, making advance booking smart. The Tower is centrally located and easy to reach via public transportation, but be ready for uneven stone paths and lots of walking. Despite its popularity, strategic planning can help even first-time visitors enjoy a surprisingly smooth experience.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings, especially in spring or autumn, when crowds are smaller and the weather is mild.
  • How to get there:
    • London Underground: Tower Hill station (District and Circle Lines) is a short walk away.
    • River bus: Arrive via Thames Clippers at Tower Pier for a scenic approach.
    • Bus: Several city buses stop nearby.
  • Accessibility: Most main areas are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but some medieval stairways and towers aren't. Family-friendly with interactive displays for kids.
  • Average visit duration: 2–3 hours for a basic visit, longer if you join a guided tour or enjoy all exhibitions.

Must See Stuff

The Tower of London offers layers of history, drama, and spectacle. Walk through iconic towers, admire priceless treasures, and join tales of intrigue with the Yeoman Warders. Those seeking more than just the highlights will find surprising corners and quiet moments amid the bustle.

  • Key sights:
    • The White Tower – original Norman fortress filled with arms and armor displays.
    • The Crown Jewels – legendary regalia sparkles behind thick glass, drawing awed crowds.
    • Medieval Palace rooms – step into re-created royal chambers and imagine daily life centuries ago.
  • Unique experiences:
    • Yeoman Warder tours – listen to stories of prisoners, executions, and Tower legends from the iconic "Beefeaters."
    • Twilight visits or special evening events – fewer crowds, magical lighting.
    • The Raven Enclosure – meet the famous Tower ravens and learn their superstitions.
  • Photo-worthy locations:
    • Waterloo Block with the Shard skyscraper rising in the background.
    • Traitor’s Gate along the Thames.
    • Under the archways of Byward Tower, especially near sunset.
  • Cultural facts:
    • The Tower once held Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and Elizabeth I as prisoners.
    • Legend claims the kingdom will fall if the Tower's ravens ever leave.

Tips for Your Visit

Even with well-marked paths and helpful staff, the Tower's popularity and medieval layout can make for a busy, sometimes bewildering day. A little know-how can help maximize the magic and minimize the hassle.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Arrive close to opening time or late afternoon; skip weekends or school holidays if possible.
  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces, refillable water bottle, lightweight rain jacket, and a camera with extra memory card.
  • Local etiquette or rules: Don’t touch glass displays, treat Yeoman Warders with respect, keep voices down in the Chapel Royal.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Watch your step on spiral staircases, use handrails where available, and prepare for variable British weather.