LONDON · UNITED KINGDOM
Tower of London
Stop 03 of 18 on Travelhour's London walking day
About Tower of London
The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, which is separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded toward the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest. The White Tower, which gives the castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was initially a resented symbol of oppression. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. The Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Plan your visit
Tower of London — tickets, hours & how to get there
Tickets & prices
Adult tickets from £34.80, child £17.40. Book online at hrp.org.uk to save around £5 per adult; free with the London Pass.
Opening hours
Tuesday–Saturday 09:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30); Sunday–Monday 10:00–17:30 Winter hours (Nov–Feb) close 30 minutes earlier. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January.
How to get there
Tower Hill station (District & Circle lines) is a 5-minute walk. Riverboats stop at Tower Pier.
Best time to visit
Weekday opening or after 15:00 to skip peak coach-tour crowds. Yeoman Warder tours run every 30 minutes. Allow 2.5–3 hours (allow 4 to see the Crown Jewels without queueing).
Insider tips
- The Crown Jewels queue is shortest right at opening — head there first.
- A free Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour is included with entry and starts near the main gate.
- Combine with Tower Bridge in the same afternoon — they are 3 minutes apart on foot.
Frequently asked
Tower of London — questions travellers ask
- How much are Tower of London tickets?
- Tower of London tickets: adult from £34.80, child £17.40. Book online at hrp.org.uk to save around £5 per adult; free with the London Pass.
- What are Tower of London opening hours?
- Tower of London is open Tuesday–Saturday 09:00–17:30 (last entry 16:30); Sunday–Monday 10:00–17:30. Winter hours (Nov–Feb) close 30 minutes earlier. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January.
- How do you get to Tower of London?
- Tower Hill station (District & Circle lines) is a 5-minute walk. Riverboats stop at Tower Pier.
- Is Tower of London worth visiting?
- Yes — The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. The Crown Jewels queue is shortest right at opening — head there first.
- How long do you need at Tower of London?
- Allow 2.5–3 hours (allow 4 to see the Crown Jewels without queueing) to enjoy Tower of London at a comfortable pace.
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LONDON
Tower of London