Contents

All You Need to Know About the Tower of London

Discover centuries of history at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From royal palace to prison, this iconic fortress holds the crown jewels and has witnessed pivotal events in British h...

Quick Information

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The Tower of London has served as a royal menagerie, housing exotic animals like lions, elephants, and polar bears.

The crown jewels held at the Tower of London are so valuable that they cannot be insured, making them truly priceless.

The White Tower, the central building of the Tower of London, has walls that are up to 15 feet thick and were built using over 70,000 tons of limestone.

More insights



Tower of London Tickets and Tours

Tower of London Tickets with Access to the Crown Jewels
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Guided tour
More details
from
£34.80
Combo (Save 10%): Tower of London with Crown Jewels + London Eye Tickets
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
More details
from
£64.32
Combo (Save 10%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
Audio guide
Guided tour
More details
from
£76.47
Combo (Save 5%): St. Paul's Cathedral + Tower of London Tickets
Instant confirmation
Guided tour
More details
from
£56.81

What is the Tower of London?

Get ready for a trip back in time at the Tower of London! This historic fortress, founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, has seen it all—from being a royal palace to a prison. Wander through the majestic grounds, appreciate the beauty of the Crown Jewels, and hear tales of famous inmates like Anne Boleyn. With the Beefeaters guiding your way, you're in for a thrilling day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site right by the River Thames!

Quick facts about Tower of London

  • Official name: His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London
  • Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
  • Date of opening: 1097
  • Timings: 9am - 5:30pm (On some Sundays and Mondays it opens at 10am)
  • Architectural guidance by: Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, Richard I and Edward I
  • Architectural style: Mix of Norman, Gothic and Medieval
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1988
  • Number of visitors per year: Around 2 million
  • Function: Castle

Plan your visit to Tower of London

Opening hours
Getting there
  • Tower of London

Timings: 9am - 5:30pm (On some Sundays and Mondays it opens at 10am)

Last admission: 3:30pm

  • The Wharf

Timings: 7am - 7pm, everyday

Note: The Wharf closes on days when there are gun salutes.

  • Gun Salutes

Gun salutes take place at 1:00 PM, with the Wharf closing at least an hour prior. Upcoming gun salute dates include:

His Majesty The King's Birthday: 14 November 2024

  • Closed on: 24th to 26th December and 1st January
  • Best time to visit: For an enjoyable experience, consider visiting early in the morning, especially between June and September, when the weather is at its finest and crowds are lighter.

Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

The Tower of London is located on the northern bank of the River Thames, near the eastern edge of the City of London.

Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (0.3 km)

Things to do at Tower of London

Each section of the Tower of London offers unique insights into the history and culture of England.

About Tower of London

Check out the Royal Mint exhibition

Curious about coins? The Royal Mint Exhibition takes you through 500 years of minting history! With interactive displays and rare artifacts from the Royal Mint Museum, you'll also learn about the lives of mint workers, including Sir Isaac Newton's legendary fight against counterfeiters.

About Tower of London

Walk around the Tower Green

Take a stroll around Tower Green, where history gets intense! This quiet grassy spot at the Tower of London was once the stage for famous executions, including Anne Boleyn's. You'll even spot the scaffold site where all the drama went down!

About Tower of London

Admire the Medieval Palace

Ready for a royal time travel? The Medieval Palace takes you through the 13th and 14th centuries, featuring must-sees like the King's Bedchamber, Wakefield Tower, and the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist.

About Tower of London

Learn the history of the Bloody Tower

The Bloody Tower has quite a dark history! It's tucked on the south side of the Inner Ward, and it's where the infamous Princes in the Tower were imprisoned—and maybe even murdered. Creepy, right?

About Tower of London

Stop by the Beauchamp Tower

The Beauchamp Tower, built between 1275 and 1281, housed important prisoners like Lady Jane Grey. Their legacy? Graffiti! The walls are filled with messages, symbols, and carvings made by those who endured captivity, making it a unique historical snapshot.

History of the Tower of London

The Tower of London has quite the story! It started as a wooden fort around 1066, courtesy of William the Conqueror, and later became the iconic stone fortress we know today with the White Tower, completed by 1100. Over the centuries, it played multiple roles: a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Anne Boleyn was famously imprisoned here, and Lady Jane Grey met her tragic fate within its walls. The Tower even housed the Royal Mint until the late 1700s! Fast forward to the 19th century, and it transformed into a tourist hotspot, with the Crown Jewels and fascinating historical exhibits drawing visitors from around the globe!

Who built the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is like a 900-year-old time capsule of history and architecture. 

  • It all started with William the Conqueror, who built the iconic White Tower in 1078, a perfect example of Norman military architecture. 
  • Then came Richard the Lionheart, who added the inner ward with its rounded Gothic windows and arches. 
  • Henry III gave it a royal upgrade, adding the outer ward and setting up shop for the Crown Jewels. 
  • Finally, Edward I threw in some infamous additions like the Bloody Tower and Tower Green. 

Each monarch left their mark, creating the Tower's unique blend of styles—it's practically a medieval architectural scrapbook!

Architecture & Design of the Tower of London

The Tower of London is an architectural wonder that blends Gothic and Anglo-Norman styles, showcasing its fascinating evolution from a military fortress to a royal residence. Established by William the Conqueror around 1066, the impressive White Tower, completed by 1100, boasts thick walls, rounded arches, and a square layout—classic Norman design elements. The complex is divided into three wards, with the innermost featuring the White Tower, while Richard I and Edward I expanded the inner and outer wards, respectively. Its formidable defenses include concentric walls and a moat. Crafted from materials like Kentish ragstone, Caen stone, and later Portland stone, the Tower's architecture powerfully symbolizes royal dominance, proudly overlooking the River Thames.

More about Tower of London

About Tower of London

Tower of London—UNESCO World Heritage Site

Did you know the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site? It earned this prestigious designation in 1988, shining a spotlight on its incredible value to humanity. This recognition highlights the Tower's rich history as a symbol of royal power and its stunning Norman military architecture, which has stood the test of time.

But it's not just about looks! The Tower is a significant cultural landmark, witnessing major events in English history, like the imprisonment and execution of iconic figures such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More. Thanks to its World Heritage status, the Tower of London will be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy, ensuring its legacy continues to inspire awe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tower of London

How much time should you set aside for your visit to the Tower?

Most visitors find that 3 to 4 hours is ideal for thoroughly exploring all the fascinating attractions and soaking in the site's rich history.

What's the story behind the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels have been part of the Tower since 1303. They showcase a stunning collection of crowns, scepters, and other royal regalia that symbolize the monarchy's power and heritage.

Is it safe to visit the Tower of London?

Yes, it is safe to visit the Tower of London. The attraction has implemented several safety measures to ensure the well-being of its visitors and staff. These measures include timed entry, capacity limits, social distancing protocols, and enhanced cleaning procedures.

What's the best outfit for your visit?

Opt for comfortable footwear, as you'll navigate uneven surfaces and cover some ground while exploring the site.

Can I bring my bag or backpack inside?

Large bags aren't allowed inside, so be sure to use the designated storage areas outside for your belongings.

What was Isaac Newton's role at the Tower?

In the late 17th century, Isaac Newton held the positions of Warden and later Master of the Royal Mint, which was located within the Tower. His work there was pivotal in reforming the currency and combating counterfeiting.

How can I get to the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is located in central London and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the tube, bus, train or riverboat. It is recommended to use public transportation or walk as parking in the area is limited.