Included with Tower of London tickets
Timings
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Step inside 1,000 years of royal history and imprisonment and marvel at the largest collection of Crown Jewels.
Inclusions
Entry to the Tower of London
Access to The Crown Jewels
Early access entry to the Tower of London (as per option selected)
Guided tour of the Tower (as per option selected)
English-speaking professional guide (as per option selected)
Thames River Cruise (as per option selected)
See both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge together—just a stone’s throw away!
Inclusions Tower of London
Entry to the Tower of London
Access to The Crown Jewels
Tower Bridge
Tower of London
The Crown Jewels are a working collection, and as a consequence, the display is subject to change without prior notice due to security reasons.
Luggage, large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment are not permitted on this experience.
Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted.
This experience is partially accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
For your convenience, your guide dogs are welcome to join you.
Tower Bridge
Unlock London’s royal history and skyline views in one value-packed combo ticket.
Inclusions Tower of London
Entry to the Tower of London
Access to the Crown Jewels
London Eye
Entry to the London Eye
30-min ride on the London Eye
Tower of London + London Eye
Tower of London
London Eye
See London—sky-high on the Eye and from the Thames, before learning its royal history.
Inclusions London Eye
Entry tickets to the London Eye
30-min ride on the London Eye
Thames River Cruise
40-min Thames River cruise
English-speaking guide
Boarding from the London Eye or Tower Piers
Multilingual audio guide in English, Arabic, German, French, Spanish, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Indonesian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese
Tower of London
Entry tickets to the Tower of London
Access to The Crown Jewels
London Eye and Thames River Cruise
Tower of London
Unlock London’s royal legends—visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London with one ticket.
Inclusions St. Paul's Cathedral
Entry to St. Paul's Cathedral
Multimedia guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean
Tower of London
Entry into the Tower of London
Access to The Crown Jewels
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is an active working cathedral; therefore, usual operating hours are subject to change. Check the latest schedule on the venue website before visiting.
On Sundays, the cathedral is closed for visits.
The Whispering Gallery and St Dunstan's Chapel are no photography areas.
This experience is accessible to wheelchair and pram/stroller users.
Your pets are not permitted on this experience.
Tower of London
The White Tower, a monumental piece of history and architectural marvel, stands majestically at the heart of historic London within the Tower of London complex. As the oldest part of the Tower of London, it was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century to signify Norman power. The White Tower has served as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Today, it houses an array of displays, including the Royal Armouries collections, offering a glimpse into England's turbulent past. The structure's striking Norman architecture and its long-standing significance in English history make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the royal heritage and architectural grandeur.
The White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower of London. It is located within the innermost ward of the fortress in the center of the complex.
The White Tower can be accessed through the Tower of London entrance and is included with all Tower of London tickets.
The White Tower stands as the original keep of the Tower of London, built by William the Conqueror in the early 1080s. This imposing structure served as the castle's strongest defense, providing lodgings for the king and his court, and housing a dedicated chapel. Construction was overseen by the skilled Bishop of Rochester, Gundulf.
Throughout the centuries, the White Tower witnessed significant transformations. Henry II and Henry III strengthened its defenses, while Henry III further embellished the chapel with stained glass, statues, and paintings, and ordered the entire structure to be whitewashed, giving it its name. Although briefly used as a royal residence, the chapel's gradual transition to store records in the 1320s signaled a decline in its role as a royal residence.
The Tower's history is intertwined with intriguing mysteries. The 1674 discovery of children's bones during the demolition of the forebuilding fueled speculation that they belonged to the ‘Princes in the Tower,’ Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury. During Elizabeth I's reign, the White Tower became a gunpowder store, while the castle itself began to attract visitors. Charles I's efforts to modernize the Tower's defenses ultimately proved futile as Parliamentarians seized control, marking the onset of the English Civil War of 1642.
The White Tower continued to serve as a gunpowder store until the Great Fire of London in 1666, after which a protective wall was erected. In the 19th century, significant alterations were made to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Today, the Tower of London, including the magnificent White Tower, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, managed by Historic Royal Palaces, and houses the renowned Royal Armouries collections.
The White Tower, a symbol of Norman power, stands as one of the largest keeps in Christendom. Its imposing presence, believed to be inspired by the 11th-century Château d'Ivry-la-Bataille, once housed the English monarch.
Architecturally, the Tower exhibits a blend of Norman and later additions. Corner towers, square at the west and round at the northeast, provide defensive strength. The southeast corner features a prominent semi-circular projection, accommodating the chapel's apse. Measuring 36 by 32 meters at its base and soaring 27 meters high, the original structure comprised three stories. The forebuilding added in the 12th century no longer survives.
Constructed primarily from Kentish rag-stone and local mudstone, the Tower's exterior once boasted Caen stone facing, largely replaced by Portland stone during 17th and 18th-century renovations by architect Inigo Jones. Inside, each floor was divided into three chambers: a grand hall in the west, a smaller room in the northeast, and St. John's Chapel towards the southeast.
The ground floor, originally an undercroft for storage, underwent significant alterations in the 18th century. The first floor housed the grand hall and a residential chamber, while the top floor, added in the 15th century, provided additional space and supported the current roof. 17th-century modifications included the installation of lead cisterns atop the structure.
The best time is typically right at opening or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, and weekdays are usually less busy than weekends.
It was named the White Tower due to the white limestone used in its construction, which gave it a distinctive appearance compared to the surrounding buildings.
The White Tower was initially built as a royal residence, hosting kings and their retinues. Later, it served as a prison for high-profile captives, including Guy Fawkes.
Yes, you can explore most areas of the White Tower, including its exhibits, the Chapel of St John, and the battlements, offering panoramic views of London.
The White Tower offers partial wheelchair accessibility, featuring step-free access at its southwest corner and accessibility to specific exhibits. However, navigating through some areas may pose challenges due to cobblestones and stairs.
The White Tower witnessed various events, such as royal ceremonies, military assemblies, and the confinement and execution of prisoners, shaping England's history.
The White Tower was a prison for high-status captives, including kings, queens, and political adversaries. Its secure walls and remote location made it ideal for confinement.
