Tower of London
Greater London, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- London Fenchurch Street, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
London EC3N 4AB
Telephone 0333 320 6000
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Founded by William the Conqueror after 1066, the Tower has served as royal palace, prison, treasury and execution site across nearly a thousand years - and it's the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders' guided tours that reviewers consistently rate as the highlights of an enormous site. This is one of the most visited paid attractions in Britain, so it draws serious crowds.
Who to know
William the Conqueror · founded the Tower after 1066
Worth the trip
The Crown Jewels - reviewers across the board call seeing them in person genuinely spectacular, moving walkway and all.
Before you go
Book tickets online in advance; reviewers say the queues without pre-booked tickets can be long, and it's easy to lose half a day here, so arrive early if you want to see everything without rushing.
Reviewers consistently rate the Crown Jewels and the Beefeater tours as the unmissable highlights, with several specifically recommending booking tickets in advance and allowing at least 2.5-3 hours to see everything properly. Multiple reviewers note the tickets are expensive but feel it's worth the cost, and one flags that the site isn't very pram-friendly and the White Tower involves a lot of steps.
Crown Jewels; Yeoman Warder tours
“Awesome experience. Love the virtual tour. Amazing architecture. The Crown jewels are truly something to behold, just mind blowing. Also loved touring the armory. "Can you build something that will last 1000 years".”- Jason Reeson, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- How long to allow
- “I would say you would need three hours or more if you want to see everything properly and have a small rest.” - Prashant Shukla
- Terrain & accessibility
- “White tower is an experience but it consists of 100s of steps which is challenging for disabled or family with children.” - Prashant Shukla
- Facilities
- “Food trucks are also located right outside with a few picnic benches to grab a quick bite afterwards.” - Nicole Brickus
For your visit
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Knights and Castles Sticker Book
44 pages of stickers themed around castles and knights, aimed at 5-8 year olds - keeps younger visitors going for the last stretch of a long day out. A sensible extra for a full day exploring Tower of London.
Find it on Amazon
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Karrimor Women's Bodmin Mid 5 Ladies Weathertite High Rise Hiking Boots
The women's counterpart to Karrimor's best-selling budget boot - high-rise ankle support and waterproofing without a premium price tag. Solid underfoot for a walk round the grounds.
Find it on Amazon
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SEASEVEN 1L Water Bottle with Straw & Time Markings
A straw cap for easy sipping while walking and time markings that nudge you to keep drinking across a full day on foot. Keeps you going during a day out in Greater London.
Find it on Amazon
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SMALLRIG Selfie Stick Tripod with Phone Clamp for Action Camera (5403)
A sturdier build from a proper camera-gear brand, aimed at action cameras with a phone clamp included - suits anyone filming while walking the grounds rather than just posing for one photo. Keeps things to hand during a 4.7-star day out.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Tower of London
Where is Tower of London?
Tower of London is in Greater London, England, at London EC3N 4AB.
Do you need a ticket to visit Tower of London?
Yes - Tower of London is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Royal Palaces. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Tower of London?
The Crown Jewels - reviewers across the board call seeing them in person genuinely spectacular, moving walkway and all.
Is Tower of London a ruin or still intact?
Tower of London is largely intact - Crown Jewels; Yeoman Warder tours.
