The Tower of London is a historic fortress on the Thames whose walls contain centuries of royal power, imprisonment and ceremony. Visitors can enter the White Tower, see the Crown Jewels, meet the resident ravens and hear stories associated with monarchs, prisoners and executions. Rather than a single building, it is a complex of towers, courtyards and defensive walls that rewards a focused visit. Its riverside setting also makes it easy to continue towards Tower Bridge and the City.
Tower Hill (Circle, District)
2–3 hours
Opening time on weekdays to beat queues at the Crown Jewels.
Why visit
Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours bring the dark stories to life.
Visitor information
- A full paid visit: Crown Jewels, White Tower, ramparts and Yeoman Warder tours included with entry.
- Realistically 2–3 hours; the Crown Jewels line is shortest right at opening.
- Tower Hill station is a 5-minute walk; parts of the site are cobbled and stepped.
- Opening times, last admission and prices are set by Historic Royal Palaces and change seasonally.
Official sources
Visit plan
At opening
Head straight to the Crown Jewels — the queue is shortest in the first 30 minutes.
+40 min
Join a free Yeoman Warder tour from the main entrance — the best storytelling on site.
+1 h 30
White Tower and the armoury, then the Bloody Tower and the ravens.
+2 h 15
Walk the ramparts for river views, then exit towards Tower Bridge.
When to go
Free vs paid
Free
- The outer moat walk, Tower Hill viewpoint and the Roman wall remains.
- Photos of the fortress from the riverside path towards Tower Bridge.
Paid
- Entry to the fortress: Crown Jewels, White Tower, ramparts and Yeoman Warder tours.
- Prices and last admission are set by Historic Royal Palaces — check before booking.
Access & families
- Cobbles, spiral stairs and steps in the historic towers; the White Tower upper floors are stairs only.
- Step-free routes exist across part of the site — the official accessibility page has the current map.
- Good for children from about 6: armour, ravens and the Warder stories hold attention.
- Pushchairs are hard work on cobbles; a carrier is easier for toddlers.
Practical tips
- 01Buy tickets online to skip queues. Prices change — check the official site.
- 02Free Yeoman Warder tours run regularly.
- 03Check the Ravens — legend says the kingdom falls if they leave.
Tickets & tours
Partner link. Prices and availability are shown by the provider.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Yeoman Warder tours an extra cost?
No. They are included with admission and run regularly through the day, weather permitting.
Can I photograph the Crown Jewels?
Photography is not permitted inside the Jewel House. Elsewhere in the fortress it generally is — follow the signage on site.
How much time do I really need?
About 90 minutes for the Crown Jewels and White Tower only, 2–3 hours for a full visit with a Warder tour and the ramparts.
What can I see without paying?
The exterior walls, the dry moat walk, Tower Hill gardens and the Roman wall remains are all free and give strong photos of the fortress.
Is it worth it with children?
Yes from around age 6. Keep it to the Jewels, the armoury and a Warder tour rather than the full circuit, and expect a lot of walking on cobbles.