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Plan Your Visit to Tower of London | A Complete Guide

LondonTower of LondonPlan Your Visit

The Tower of London is a historic and fascinating castle in London, founded in the 11th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of London’s popular attractions. Before you visit the tower, make sure to read the complete guide that would help you plan your visit better!

Tower of London at a glance

Tower of London Plan Your Visit

What are the Tower of London's opening hours?

General timings: 9am to 5:30pm (On some Sundays and Mondays, the tower opens at 10am)

Closed on: 24-26 December and 1 January

Best time to visit the Tower of London

The Tower of London is a popular attraction in the English capital. It guarded royal possessions and families for centuries and emerged as a luxurious place with time. The Tower of London also served various functions, like a prison and a place for execution in the past, making it even more famous among tourists.

While you can visit the Tower of London throughout the year, September to October is a good time for visiting. The weather is mild and less taxing, and the rush is less. You can explore the Tower of London peacefully without affecting your health.

Coming to the best time to visit the Tower of London, try visiting early in the morning on weekdays. Fewer tourists are around in the morning, allowing you to enter the Tower quickly and explore its various sections. Weekends are not recommended because tourists arrive in London from nearby cities, making it crowded.

Where is the Tower of London Located?

Getting to the Tower of London

By public transportation

  • By tube: The Tower Hill Underground Station is closest and served by the District and Circle lines. Monument, Bank, Aldgate, and Aldgate East London Underground stations are nearby.
  • By train: The London Bridge or Fenchurch Street stations are closest. They're both within 10-15 minutes from the Tower of London. Alternatively, you can alight at Liverpool Street or London Charing Cross station.
  • By bus: Buses covering routes 15, 42, 78, 100, 343, and RV1 stop near the Tower of London. Sightseeing bus tours also pass by the attraction and are a popular option for exploring London.
  • By boat: River boats from Westminster, London Eye, and other piers reach the Tower of London. Tower Millenium Pier is the closest stop near the Tower of London.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit

By Car

You can drive to the Tower of London if you have time. Beginning from Kings Cross Station, take Pentonville Rd, A1 and Cannon St to Eastcheap in the City of London. Continue on Eastcheap to Byward St/A100 before turning left onto Byward St/A100. You can park at the Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, which is two minutes from the Tower of London.

Nearest parking spot: Tower Hill Car and Coach Park (0.1 km)

How To Skip the Line at the Tower of London?

Over three million visitors are attracted to the Tower of London. It is busy throughout the year, but you can skip the line tickets in several ways.

Tower of London Plan Your Visit

Arrive Early

The Tower of London is usually open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. You can visit early in the morning to avoid long queues. Fewer people visit the attraction in the morning, making it the best time to visit the Tower of London. You can quickly enter the attraction due to fewer queues and explore it at your convenience.

Tower of London Plan Your Visit

Book a Guided Tour

Guided tours are an excellent way to visit the Tower of London. Guided tours provide skip-the-line access to the Tower of London, meaning you can enter the attraction without standing in queues. Guided tours also provide insight into various facets of the Tower of London, including its history and importance to the United Kingdom.

Tower of London Plan Your Visit

Choose Weekdays

You can visit the Tower of London whenever you want to, but weekdays are better. Fewer locals and tourists visit the attraction on weekdays, making it the best time to visit the Tower of London during the week.




Book Tickets to Tower of London

Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels
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Combo (Save 10%): Tower of London with Crown Jewels + London Eye Tickets
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Combo (Save 5%): Tower of London with Access to Crown Jewels + Tower Bridge Tickets
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Combo (Save 10%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets with Access to Crown Jewels
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£63.27

Know before you go to the Tower of London

Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Audio Guide
Rules
Shop
Eat
Nearby
Stay
Tower of London Plan Your Visit

The Tower of London has two entrances:

  • West Gate Main Entrance: West Gate is the main entrance to the Tower of London. It is opposite the Tower Shop.
  • Middle Drawbridge: Middle Drawbridge is the second entrance to the Tower of London. It is opposite the River Thames and is mostly used for group entrances.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit
  • WiFi: Free WiFi access is available to visitors inside the Tower of London.
  • Restrooms: Multiple restrooms have been built at regular junctures at the Tower of London.
  • Baby Changing Rooms: Baby changing stations are available throughout the Tower of London, including the Brick Tower ladies' toilet.
  • Gift Shops: The Tower of London has five themed shops to buy souvenirs and gifts.
  • Audio Guide: Audio guides help you learn about the Tower of London. They can be booked in advance while booking your tickets.
  • The tower's southwest corner allows for step-free access, which is easy for wheelchair users.
  • The tower offers a wheelchair on loan.
  • A lift is available in the White Tower to take visitors to and from the basement. However, only one wheelchair user is allowed in the basement at a time.
  • Ramps are available at the New Armouries café and near the Raven shop.
  • Accessible washrooms for guests in wheelchairs are available.
  • Multimedia guides will help tourists with visual and hearing impairments.
  • The tower often holds autism-friendly events with reduced crowds and minimum noise.
  • There are staff members who will assist you around the tower if required.
  • Induction loops are available throughout the Tower of London in the ticket boxes and welcome center.
  • A British Sign Language digital visitor guide is available for guiding visitors with hearing issues on fascinating stories about the Tower of London. It is free of charge.
  • Visitors with hidden disabilities must collect a wristband from the ticket office or entrance. The staff can recognise the band and provide extra care and support.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit

Audio guides are available inside the Tower of London. They enhance your experience, describing stories and the history of the Tower of London. You’ll hear facts, hidden secrets, and where to eat and shop.

You can book audio guides while buying your tickets on the website, and collect them from the Beefeater Shop, located past the entrance when you arrive at the gates. You’re free to bring your headphones but avoid Bluetooth headphones as they’re not compatible.

The audio guides in the Tower of London are available in English, British Sign Language (BSL), Dutch (Nederlands), French (Français), German (Deutsch), Italian (Italiano), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Chinese Mandarin (中文), Portuguese (Português), Russian (Pусский), Spanish (Español) and Ukrainian (українська).

  • Large luggage is prohibited, including weapons, fireworks, smoke bombs, and pepper spray.
  • No on-site luggage storage is available. Check online luggage storage options or leave large luggage at your accommodation.
  • Photography is allowed in most areas but not in the Jewel House and Chapel of St. John for religious and security reasons. Tripods and gimbals may need prior approval.
  • Be respectful to staff, including Yeoman Warders and military personnel. Avoid distracting those in uniform as they are performing their duties.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit
  • Tower of London Shop: Open from 10am to 5:30pm. Buy souvenirs, jewellery, gifts, toys and books.
  • Beefeater Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm and located inside the Tower of London entrance.
  • White Tower Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm. Buy shields and swords.
  • Jewel House Shop: Open from 10am to 5:30pm. This shop for children offers gifts and dress-up outfits for kings and queens, knights and princesses.
  • Ravens Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm. It is near the exit of the Crown Jewels exhibition.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit
  • New Armouries Cafe: This restaurant is inside the Tower of London. You can enjoy fish and chips, sandwiches, soup, salads, baked cakes and pastries, and hot and cold drinks.
  • Ravens Cafe: Open from 11 AM to 4 PM. Ravens Cafe is an amazing spot for quick snacks and spectacular views of the Tower of London.
  • Jewel Kiosk: Open 10 AM to 3 PM. It is near the Jewel House and a good place to grab easy snacks.
  • Tower of London Cafe: Open daily (except Saturdays - 10:30 AM to 6 PM) from 10:30 AM to 5 PM. A good location to enjoy hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cocktails, etc.
Tower of London Plan Your Visit
  • Monument to the Great Fire of London (0.6 km): The Monument to the Great Fire of London, standing at 202 feet, is a stone column located in London.
  • The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience (0.8 km): This theater production combines several different elements like music, theater, and high-tech to amaze audiences.
  • Jack The Ripper Museum (0.9 km): Opened in 2015, the Jack the Ripper Museum in Cable Street, London is dedicated to the infamous serial killer of the late 1800s, Jack the Ripper.
  • Shakespeare's Globe (1.6 km): Shakespeare's Globe is a replica of the 16th-century Globe Theater in London, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed originally.

Visitor tips

  • Your footwear is extremely important when visiting the Tower of London. It has many uneven surfaces, like cobbles and worn steps. Wear the right footwear for a pleasant experience.
  • Avoid visiting when London experiences heavy rains. Some surfaces of the Tower of London might become too slippery, making it dangerous to walk.
  • The light intensity is low at certain places. Hence, ensure you’re careful, especially when using stairs.
  • Kids are welcome inside the Tower of London. However, they must be accompanied by adults. Some areas have steep slopes and drops from heights.
  • The Tower of London’s staff is available to make your experiences pleasant. Seek their advice if you need help with anything and follow their safety signs.
  • Ensure you book your Tower of London tickets online. You’ll get discounts and deals.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the Tower of London

What is the best time to visit the Tower of London?

Weekdays and early mornings are the best time to visit the Tower of London.

Can I enter Tower of London anytime during the operating hours?

Yes. You can enter anytime during the operating hours.

How much time does it take to visit the Tower of London?

You’ll need 2-3 hours to explore the Tower of London.

Can I enter the Tower of London once I exit?

Check with the staff to know if you can enter the Tower of London after exiting.

Who can enter the Tower of London for free?

No. You cannot enter the Tower of London for free.

Where is the Tower of London located in London?

The Tower of London is located at London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom..

What is the best way to get to the Tower of London?

The Tube is the best way to reach the Tower of London.

Is there a dress code to be followed at the Tower of London?

No. There is no dress code to follow at the Tower of London.

Will my luggage be allowed inside the Tower of London?

No. Luggage isn’t allowed inside the Tower of London.