The phrase “Send him to the tower” struck terror in England centuries ago.
With centuries of bizarre stories about execution and imprisonment, the Tower of London offers insights into London’s rich yet complex history.
The Tower, built as a Royal residence, has been a political prison, a royal mint, a royal menagerie, and most importantly, a place of execution.
Today, The Tower serves as home to the Crown Jewels of England.
With 3 million visitors annually, the Tower of London is the most visited paid attraction in England.
In this article, we share everything you need to know before buying Tower of London tickets.
Top Tickets
# Tower of London ticket
# Tower of London small group guided tour
# Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the GuardIt’s highly recommended to book your Tower of London tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.
What’s ahead
What to expect at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle with over 1,000 years of history.
It’s home to the Crown Jewels, legendary ravens and the iconic “Beefeater” Yeoman Warders.
The famous guardians of the Tower of London are not just uniformed figures but living historians who share captivating stories about the Tower’s history.
You can also learn about the Tower’s past as a prison and execution site.
To skip the long lines at the ticketing counter and have a comfortable tour of the Tower of London, you must buy the tickets in advance.
Buy This TicketJewel House, The Ravens at South Lawn, Medieval Palace, White Tower, etc are some of must-see attractions at Tower of London.
Where to book tickets
Tickets for the Tower of London are available online or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
The Tower of London is quite popular, so during peak days, the tickets may sell out.
Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointment.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Tower of London ticket booking page.
Select the preferred date, time slot, and number of tickets and buy the tickets immediately.
Once you purchase the tickets, they get delivered to your email address.
There is no need to get printouts of the ticket.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction.
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The Tower of London ticket price
Tower of London entry ticket costs £34 for visitors 18 years and above.
Children between five and 15 years get a 50% discount and pay only £17 for entry.
Students (with a valid ID), disabled visitors and senior citizens pay a reduced price of £27 for their tickets.
An adult must accompany kids under 16 years old.
The Tower of London tickets
This ticket gives you access to all the public areas of the tower, such as the Crown Jewels display, Line of Kings display, White Tower, Bloody Tower, battlements, etc.
With this ticket, you can also join the iconic Yeoman Warder guided tours.
Children’s activities and trails are also part of the ticket inclusions.
While booking this ticket, you must select a preferred time slot for your visit.
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket (18 to 64 years): £34
Senior ticket (65+ years): £27
Student ticket (16 to 17 years, with ID): £27
Child ticket (5 to 15 years): £17
Disabled visitors: £27
Guided tours of Tower of London
Guided tours of the Tower of London guarantee that while walking in the Fortress corridors, you also understand the Tower’s significance.
We highly recommend that you take a guided tour to absorb the detailed history and stories surrounding the Tower.
All the guided tour tickets are smartphone tickets, which means you don’t need to print them.
After purchase, the tickets get emailed to you and on the day of your visit, you can show the ticket on your mobile and join the group.
Tower of London Early Access Tour
This early morning tour starts at 8.30 am – much before the crowd comes in.
You skip the lines at the entrance of the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels without anybody rushing you.
One of the legendary Beefeater guardsmen will lead a small group of tourists around the castle.
After the 75-minute guided tour, you can explore the attraction for as long as you want.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (15+ years): £72
Child Ticket (4 to 14 years): £67
Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free Entry
If you are interested in early-access Tower of London tours, we recommend:
# Early Access Tower of London & Tower Bridge Tour
# Early-Access Tour with Crown Jewel & Opening Ceremony
London City Tour with VIP Access to Tower
During this four-hour tour, you see Changing of the Guard, Thames Cruise and enjoy a guided tour of the Tower of London.
You get a VIP Early Entrance to the Tower of London before the crowds come in. This ticket includes access to the Castle’s Opening Ceremony.
One of the Beefeaters gives you an English tour of the centuries-old castle.
Ticket Price
Adult Ticket (15+ years): £105
Child Ticket (5 to 14 years): £95
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free Entry
You should book Infant ticket even though the entry is for free.
Buy This TicketWant to make it a half-day activity? Check out the combo ticket, which includes visiting the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral & a Thames Cruise Tour.
How to reach Tower of London
The Tower of London is on the North bank of the River Thames, right next to Tower Bridge.
Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom. Get directions.
You can reach it by bus, by train or by car.
By Bus
Bus routes 15, 42, 78, and 100 can get you to the Tower of London.
This London attraction is always a stop on the route of major sightseeing buses.
Tube Station
Tower Hill is the closest tube station to the Tower of London.
The station is connected to the Tower with a concrete underpass.
Keep in mind that the station becomes extremely busy during rush hours.
By Train
You can reach the Tower of London by taking an Overground as well.
Take the train (C2C) to Fenchurch Street and walk the last five minutes.
You can also take the Overground to London Bridge station and enjoy a 15 minutes walk to the Tower of London.
Other transportation methods
Apart from the regular mode of transportation, visitors can also reach the Tower of London by boat or cycle.
The nearest riverboat access point to The Tower is the Tower Pier.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
The Tower of London has no parking spots because it is a car-free zone. However, you can park at Tower Hill Station.
Tower of London hours
All year, the Tower of London opens at 9 am from Tuesday to Saturday and at 10 am on Sunday and Monday.
During the peak season of March to October, it closes at 5.30 pm and during the lean season of November to February, it closes at 4.30 pm.
The last entry is always one hour before closure.
The last Yeoman Warder guided tour, which is included in your ticket, starts at 2.30 pm.
The London attraction remains closed from 24 to 26 December and on 1 January.
Best time to visit the Tower of London
The best time to visit The Tower of London is as soon as they open – 9 am from Tuesday to Saturday, and 10 am on Sundays and Mondays.
When you reach early, you can avoid the queues, have a relaxed tour of the Fortress, see the Crown Jewels before the room gets crowded, and witness the Opening Ceremony.
From 12 noon to 3 pm, the peak hours, long queues form outside the Jewel House.
When you visit early, you also see splendid views of the city the Tower of London offers.
If possible, opt for a weekday because weekends get really crowded.
After all, Tripadvisor rates the Tower of London as a top ten attraction.
The London Pass gets you inside 60 tourist attractions for free. Save time and money!
How long does Tower of London take
Most tourists need at least three hours to explore the Tower of London.
Visitors in a hurry are known to rush through the London attraction in 90 minutes.
Note: However long you plan on exploring, don’t miss out on the tour offered by the Yeoman Warders group. These free tours last 30 to 40 minutes and start every 30 minutes from the entrance of the Tower of London. The Yeoman’s tour is the only way you can get into the St. John’s Chapel in The Tower of London.
Tower of London audio guide
Uncover the Tower of London with the audio guide. Choose from the multiple tours present and enjoy the tour at your speed.
Track down the Tower’s origin, Medieval Palace, and true hair-raising stories of imprisonment and execution.
Meet the famous Yeoman Warders and listen to the mystery behind the Ravens of the Tower. Learn more about the Crown Jewels and have a look at the Line of the Kings.
Tower of London audio guide is available in English, Dutch, French. German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Once you have the Tower of London audio guide, you can choose from the tours present below –
Fortress tour
Discover the oldest history related to the Tower and learn about the priceless collection of treasures.
The tour includes the Tower’s beginnings and The Crown Jewels.
Palace Tour
Uncover the ancient royal rooms and learn about the daily life of today’s Tower residents. Also, witness the ancient ceremonies still performed today.
This tour includes the Medieval Palace and glimpses into Life at the Tower.
Prison Tour
Get a load of the true ghastly stories about some of the most famous prisoners and executions.
Learn how the Tower got its infamous image.
This audio tour includes stories about imprisonment and executions. You also learn about the Traitor’s Gate on this audio tour.
Family Tour
The family tour of the Tower familiarizes you with the story of Rocky the Raven and his friends.
You can also make use of a special feature, ‘Plan your day,’ to make the most out of your visit.
This section helps you find out the special activities and events on the day of your visit.
Tip: Since the Tower of London is close to London Bridge and Tower Bridge, tourists add one of them (sometimes both!) as the next item on their itinerary.
Tower of London map
The Tower of London, the fortress situated in the heart of London, has three ‘wards’ or enclosures.
Within every enclosure, there are many passages, and each one is important to learn the history of the place.
With the complex structure, the Tower has a long list of buildings and establishments to be seen.
It is easy to get lost or miss out on must-see attractions while exploring the Tower of London.
That’s why it is better to keep the Tower of London’s map handy, especially if you are visiting with kids or the elderly.
Being aware of the layout will also help you find guest services such as restrooms, cafes, restaurants, information kiosks easily.
Or better still, book a guided tour of the Tower of London.
Tower of London FAQs
Here are some questions often asked by tourists planning a visit to the Tower of London.
Are guided tours available at the Tower of London?
Yes, guided tours led by Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, are included in your admission ticket. These tours provide valuable insights into the history and legends of the Tower.
Can I purchase tickets for the Tower of London on the same day of my visit?
While same-day tickets may be available, we recommend booking tickets in advance to secure your preferred date and time slot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Is the Tower of London suitable for children?
Yes, the Tower of London is family-friendly, with numerous interactive displays and activities for children. However, some areas may have age restrictions due to their historical nature.
Are there food and dining options at the Tower of London?
Yes, there are on-site cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy meals, snacks, and refreshments during your visit. It’s advisable to make reservations for dining, especially during busy times.
Can I take photos and videos at the Tower of London?
Photography is generally allowed for personal, non-commercial use within most areas of the Tower. However, restrictions may apply in certain sections. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Is Tower of London included in the London Pass?
Yes, the Tower of London is included in the London pass. You can visit the Tower without any pre-booking. Show your pass at the entrance and enter.
Can I see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London?
Yes, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, and you can view these priceless treasures as part of your visit.
This was my second visit, so I took a casual walk along the walls and visited the Raven cages. Walking into the tower complex, you immediately feel the history that makes this place so special. While waiting for the chapel tour, there’s a great photo opportunity with Tower Bridge in the background. Besides the Crown Jewels, we went to the top of the tower for some excellent exhibits and fantastic views. I can’t imagine visiting London without stopping by this historic spot.