Tower of London

Tower of London

London

United Kingdom

GBP

Which ticket to choose

A standard admission ticket is the most practical choice for almost every visitor. It provides full access to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the iconic Yeoman Warder tours.

Paying a premium for "Early Access" or "Opening Ceremony" tours is a genuine investment if you want to see the Crown Jewels without standing in a 60-minute queue, as these tours enter the gates before the general public.

• Standard Entry: The best value; covers all buildings and the Beefeater tours.
• Historic Royal Palaces Membership: Ideal if you also plan to visit Hampton Court or Kensington Palace.
• Early Access Tours: Recommended for those who want to avoid the heaviest crowds at the Jewel House.

The most common mistake is buying tickets at the entrance. Not only are gate prices higher, but you also risk waiting in a long queue just to reach the ticket window, only to find the next available entry slot is hours away.

When is the best time to go

The first entry slot of the day is the best time to visit. If you arrive 15 minutes before opening, you can walk directly to the Crown Jewels and see them without the pressure of a moving walkway crowd. Midweek visits are significantly calmer than weekends, which draw heavy local and school group traffic.

For a quieter experience, arrive around 2:30 PM. While you will have less time overall, the morning crowds usually begin to thin out, making the White Tower and the battlements much easier to navigate. Avoid visiting during UK school holidays if you prefer a peaceful atmosphere.

Combos and discounts

The Tower is included in the London Pass and the Go City London Explorer Pass, which are the most effective ways to save if you are visiting other nearby sites like Tower Bridge or St. Paul's Cathedral.

If you are traveling by train, the National Rail 2-for-1 deal offers significant savings, provided you book your voucher in advance and present a valid paper train ticket.

Children under five enter for free, and there are dedicated rates for students and seniors. Residents of the Tower Hamlets borough can also access the site for a fee of 1 GBP with proof of address and a Discovery Card.

When it makes sense to take a tour

There is rarely a need to pay for an external guide because the Yeoman Warder tours are included in your standard ticket. These tours depart every 30 minutes from the main entrance and are led by the Beefeaters themselves, who provide authentic historical narratives and live on the grounds.

A private tour only adds value if you are looking for an early-morning "Opening Ceremony" experience or a specialized architectural deep-dive. For the vast majority of visitors, the Beefeater tour combined with the official audio guide is the most comprehensive way to see the fortress.

Upon arriving at the pedestrian concourse, head to the West Gate, which serves as the primary entry point for all visitors. If you already possess a digital or printed ticket, proceed directly to the security lines. If you need to purchase or collect physical tickets, you must visit the ticket office located on the plaza before joining the entrance queue.

Time is most often lost at the mandatory bag security check, which can take 15 to 20 minutes during peak morning hours. Once inside the walls, the most significant bottleneck is the queue for the Crown Jewels at the Waterloo Block. To minimize waiting, prioritize this exhibit immediately after passing through the main gate.

• The historic grounds feature uneven cobblestones throughout, which can make walking slower than expected.
• The queue for the Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours forms near the entrance; these tours start every 30 minutes.
• Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside and there are no luggage storage facilities on-site.

What to consider before your visit

The Tower of London is a sprawling fortress where the primary challenge is the terrain. The grounds are covered in original, uneven cobblestones that are difficult to navigate in heels or thin-soled shoes; sturdy footwear is essential.

Plan for at least three hours to see the main sites, and be prepared for significant standing time in the Jewel House queue, which is the most crowded part of the experience.

Security screening is mandatory for all visitors at the entrance. While the site is family-friendly, the narrow stone staircases in the White Tower and other fortifications are not accessible for strollers or those with significant mobility issues.

Most of the experience involves walking between buildings, so bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket as there is limited cover between the towers.

Permitted and prohibited items

• No large luggage, suitcases, or oversized backpacks.
• No tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks.
• No professional filming equipment or drones.
• No photography or video recording inside the Jewel House or the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.
• No food or drink is permitted inside any of the historic towers or museum rooms.
• Small daypacks and handbags are allowed and will be searched.
• Bottled water is permitted throughout the outdoor areas.

Storage and belongings

There are no lockers or cloakroom facilities available at the Tower of London. All belongings must be carried with you, so avoid bringing anything heavier than a small backpack. For large bags, use the third-party luggage storage services located at nearby transport hubs like Tower Hill or Fenchurch Street station.

Strollers are permitted on the grounds but are highly impractical on the cobblestones. You must leave strollers in the designated buggy park outside the White Tower before entering, as they are not permitted inside the historic buildings due to narrow passages and safety constraints. These parking areas are typically outdoors and uncovered.

The Neighborhood

• This area blends medieval fortifications with the glass skyscrapers of the City financial district.
• The atmosphere is high-energy, bustling with office workers on weekdays and international tourists daily.
• It is a prime spot for Thames waterfront walks and iconic architectural photography.
• The district serves as a gateway between the historic East End and the modern South Bank.

Nearby on Foot (up to 15 minutes)

• Tower Bridge — walk across the world's most famous bascule bridge for river views · 5 mins
• St Katharine Docks — a quiet marina with yachts and a relaxed maritime feel · 8 mins
• Sky Garden — a public garden atop a skyscraper offering panoramic city views · 10 mins
• Leadenhall Market — a Victorian covered market used as a Harry Potter filming site · 12 mins
• All Hallows by the Tower — the oldest church in the City with a Roman crypt · 2 mins
• HMS Belfast — a historic Royal Navy cruiser permanently moored on the Thames · 12 mins

15–30 Minutes by Transport

• Borough Market — London's premier food market filled with artisanal produce and snacks · 15 mins by bus
• St Paul's Cathedral — the iconic domed masterpiece of Sir Christopher Wren · 15 mins by Tube
• Tate Modern — a world-leading contemporary art gallery in a former power station · 20 mins by bus
• Greenwich — a maritime village home to the Cutty Sark and Observatory · 25 mins by River Bus

Where to Eat Nearby

• Le Pont de la Tour — French fine dining with views of Tower Bridge · expensive · booking essential · 10 mins walk
• The Ivy Tower Bridge — modern British brasserie with a large riverside terrace · mid-range · booking recommended · 8 mins walk
• White Mulberries — specialty coffee and pastries in a quiet marina setting · budget · no booking required · 8 mins walk
• Coppa Club — European dining famous for its glass riverside igloos · mid-range · booking essential · 5 mins walk

Ready-made Day Itinerary

Begin your morning exploring the Tower of London before the largest crowds arrive, then walk over to St Katharine Docks for a relaxed brunch at White Mulberries. Spend the afternoon crossing Tower Bridge to see HMS Belfast, and finish the day with sunset drinks at Coppa Club or a pre-booked visit to the Sky Garden.

This route pairs the city's oldest stones with its most modern skyline views in a single walking loop.