The Tower of London is one of the places we would make time for on a first visit, especially if you enjoy history. It is a substantial site, so allow a few hours for the Crown Jewels, the historic buildings and a walk around the grounds rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.
Begun by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower has served as a royal palace, fortress, armoury, treasury and prison. Some prisoners were executed inside the walls on Tower Green, while many public executions took place nearby on Tower Hill.
What to see at the Tower of London
Allow at least three hours, particularly if you want to see the Crown Jewels, explore the historic buildings and join a Yeoman Warder tour. These entertaining tours are included with admission and currently begin every 45 minutes. The first tour is normally at 10 am Tuesday–Saturday and 10.45 am Sunday–Monday; the final tour is at 3.15 pm. Times can change, so check the official Yeoman Warder schedule for your date.
Here’s some of the things you can expect to see and do:
- White Tower: The White Tower is its oldest building. It was once a prison, an armoury and a royal residence. You’ll find impressive displays from the Royal Armouries here.
- Bloody Tower: This tower is closely associated with the disappearance of the two young Princes in the Tower. Their fate remains one of the Tower’s best-known unsolved stories.
- More Towers: Other towers include Wakefield, St. Thomas, Martin, Lanthorn and Beauchamp – to name a few.
- Crown Jewels: One of the biggest draws for people visiting The Tower of London is to feast their eyes on the incredible range of crown jewels. With a stunning mix of jewels, swords and sceptres- it’s brimming with history. Visit our article: Visiting the Crown Jewels in London.
- Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula: The chapel is the burial place of several well-known figures executed at the Tower, including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
- Medieval Palace: Ever wanted to know what it was like to be a King in Medieval times? Here you will find out.
- Wall Walk: Walk along sections of the battlements for views across the Tower complex, the River Thames and Tower Bridge.
Tower of London opening times and tickets
Last checked 29 September 2026. Until 30 September, standard admission without the optional donation costs £37 for adults aged 18–64, £18.50 for ages 5–17 and £29.50 for seniors aged 65+, full-time students and disabled visitors. From 1 October 2026, those prices rise to £38, £19 and £30.30 respectively. Children under 5 and an eligible carer or companion enter free.
Your ticket includes the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, battlements, Bloody Tower and other open public areas, plus the Yeoman Warder tour subject to availability. Hours and last admission vary by date, so use the official opening calendar and current ticket page. Booking ahead is sensible for busy weekends and school holidays.
Tower of London: Location
Tower Hill Underground station is about a five-minute walk away and is served by the District and Circle lines. Tower Gateway DLR, Fenchurch Street, London Bridge and Monument are also within walking distance.
Some Suggestions to visit the Tower of London
Where to eat near the Tower of London
Inside the Tower, the New Armouries Café serves hot meals, soup, sandwiches, salads, children’s options and drinks. Opening times follow the visitor day and can change, so check the official food and drink page. For more choice, walk to St Katharine Docks, where there are several waterside restaurants; the historic Dickens Inn remains one of our recommendations.
What to do after seeing the Tower of London
After visiting the Tower, you could cross Tower Bridge and continue along the south bank of the Thames. The walk passes More London and The Scoop, HMS Belfast and London Bridge, with Borough Market and The Shard close by. London’s City Hall moved away from this riverside building in 2022, so do not use the old City Hall label as a navigation point.
Check Tower of London tickets and tours
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.