- Included in the standard ticket? No. Operates independently as an early-access ticket option.
- Why pay extra? Grants early entry to watch the official opening gate ritual and skip the main public queues to be first inside the Jewel House.
How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless
We curate the best ways to experience
We research and organise all unique experiences - from tickets to tours to special combos - so you get all the choices without the clutter.
We partner with the best
Every supplier is vetted for quality, reliability, and value so you only get top rated experiences. No surprises, no disappointments.
All the best options, in one place
Each experience is thoughtfully organised to give you maximum availability, great value and an easy way to choose.
Book with complete peace of mind
Free cancellations, Flexible payments, and 24/7 support - thoughtfully designed for flexibility, assurance, and total peace of mind.
Slide 1 of 41/4
Slide 1 of 4
Explore the historic Fortress, Royal Palace, and former prison on the River Thames, home to the world-famous Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warders.
Book a standard timed-entry ticket, join a Yeoman Warder-guided tour, or pair your visit with nearby landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Is the Tower of London worth visiting?
A visit to the Tower of London is a significant investment compared to London’s free public museums.
- Who will love it: History enthusiasts, first-time London visitors, and families with kids who want to see British history, medieval armour, and the real Crown Jewels.
- Who might skip it: Budget travellers focused strictly on free sights, or visitors with limited mobility who may find the uneven cobblestones and steep historic stairs difficult to navigate.
- How it compares to other paid landmarks:
- vs. Westminster Abbey: Choose the Abbey for royal coronation history and grand Gothic architecture; choose the Tower for an expansive 12-acre medieval castle experience with interactive story tours. Westminster Abbey tickets
- vs. Hampton Court Palace: Choose Hampton Court for Tudor palace gardens and sprawling halls; choose the Tower for a central London location and central crown history. Hampton Court Palace tickets
- vs. Westminster Abbey: Choose the Abbey for royal coronation history and grand Gothic architecture; choose the Tower for an expansive 12-acre medieval castle experience with interactive story tours. Westminster Abbey tickets
Compare your ticket options
| Experience | Tower entry | Crown Jewels | Yeoman Warder tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard timed entry | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Book entry ticket |
| Beefeater tours | ✅ | ✅ (Priority access) | ✅ | Book Beefeater meet & greets |
| Opening Ceremony tours | ✅ | ✅ (Priority access) | ✅ | Book early access |
| Ceremony of the Keys tour | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | View Ceremony ticket options |
Important: Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours are included free with standard entry, but run on a first-come, first-served basis starting near the main entrance, weather permitting.
What requires an extra ticket?
Should you explore alone or hire a live guide?
A standard entry ticket allows you to explore the 12-acre fortress complex independently at your own pace, using map signage or an audio guide to navigate highlights.
Joining an included Yeoman Warder tour or booking a dedicated history guide brings the fortress's 1,000-year royal, military, and prison history to life through dramatic storytelling and humour.
Verdict: Self-guided visits let you prioritise shorter lines at the Crown Jewels; guided tours provide entertainment, historical narrative, and Q&A opportunities.
How to time your visit
Visiting times heavily impact queue lengths at the Jewel House and security lines at the West Gate:
Is a skip-the-line ticket for me?
- What it skips: Pre-booked online tickets skip the main on-site ticket office queue at the West Gate.
- What it DOES NOT skip: Mandatory security bag checks at the entrance, as well as the separate inner queue inside the Jewel House.
- Is it worth paying extra? Yes, because pre-booked online tickets save up to £3 per ticket compared to gate prices and guarantee your timed entry slot.
Visitors often pair the Tower of London with…
Crucial rules & mistakes that could cost you
- Strict arrival window: Arrive within the 30-minute entry window stated on your ticket voucher.
- Visiting the Crown Jewels last: The line for the Jewel House gets progressively longer throughout the day. Heading there immediately upon gate opening saves up to an hour of waiting.
Frequently asked questions about Tower of London tickets
Most Tower of London tickets include entry to the fortress, the Crown Jewels, White Tower, the Medieval Palace, the Bloody Tower, the battlements, and all public exhibitions. Guided tours and special experiences require separate ticket options.
Standard tickets let you explore independently, while guided tours include expert commentary, historical context, and a structured route through the fortress. Some also include early entry or exclusive experiences.
Access to the Crown Jewels is included with standard Tower of London admission tickets. However, visitors must queue separately at the Jewel House inside the complex.
Yes. Yeoman Warder tours are included free with standard entry. Tours depart roughly every 30 minutes from near the main entrance (weather permitting).
Most pre-booked tickets let you skip the ticket purchase queue, but everyone must still pass through mandatory security screening before entering the Tower.
No ticket allows you to skip the inner Jewel House security queue. To avoid long waits, book the first entry time slot of the morning (9am) and head straight to the Crown Jewels as soon as the gates open.
Book at least one to two weeks ahead during spring and summer. Early-entry experiences and Ceremony of the Keys tickets often sell out several weeks in advance.
Same-day tickets may be sold at the West Gate ticket office, subject to daily capacity limits. Booking online in advance guarantees your preferred entry time slot.
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring the fortress towers, Crown Jewels, battlements, and exhibitions.
The site is a historic fortress with uneven cobblestones and steep staircases. However, step-free routes, ramps, and lift access exist for key areas, including the Crown Jewels. Wheelchair users and companions are eligible for accessible arrangements.
No. Most Tower of London tickets are valid for a single entry only. Once you leave the fortress, re-entry isn't permitted unless specifically stated on your ticket.
