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Contents
About the Tower of London | A fortress, a palace, a prison
Get ready for a trip back in time at the Tower of London! This historic fortress, founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, has seen it all—from being a royal palace to a prison. Wander through the majestic grounds, appreciate the beauty of the Cr...
Founded On
1097
Founded By
William the Conqueror
Quick Information
ADDRESS
London EC3N 4AB, UK
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
09:00–17:30
VISITORS PER YEAR
2000000
TICKETS
From £ 35.80
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
1-2 hours (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
UNESCO YEAR
1988
Did you know?
The Tower of London has served as a royal menagerie, housing exotic animals like lions, elephants, and polar bears.
The crown jewels held at the Tower of London are so valuable that they cannot be insured, making them truly priceless.
The White Tower, the central building of the Tower of London, has walls that are up to 15 feet thick and were built using over 70,000 tons of limestone.
Tower of London tickets and tours
Plan your visit to Tower of London
Timings
Getting there
- Tower of London
- Timings: 9am - 5:30pm (On some Sundays and Mondays, it opens at 10am)
- Last admission: 3:30pm
- Closed on: Dec 24 to 26 and Jan 1
Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom | Find on Maps
The Tower of London is located on the northern bank of the River Thames, near the eastern edge of the city of London.
Closest landmark: Tower Bridge (0.3 km)
Directions to the TowerThings to do at the Tower of London
Get ready to step into centuries of jaw-dropping moments, from royal jewels to spine-chilling mysteries and history.
Explore the White Tower
The White Tower has been standing since 1078. Kings and queens once called it home, but it also held some famous prisoners, like Anne Boleyn. Today, it's where you can feast your eyes on suits of armor and the Crown Jewels!
About the White TowerCheck out the Royal Mint exhibition
The Royal Mint exhibition spills all the secrets about minting coins through its 500-year journey. Get hands-on with interactive displays and check out rare coins. Fun fact — even Sir Isaac Newton traded his telescope for the job of Master of the Mint!
Walk around the Tower Green
Once used as a burial ground, this peaceful spot was later used as the execution zone for some royal prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. You can even stand on the very spot where the scaffold stood.
Admire the Medieval Palace
The Medieval Palace gives you a sneak peek into the royal life of the 1200s and 1300s. Wander through the King's bedroom, the Wakefield Tower that doubled as a prison), and the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, where royal ceremonies were hosted.
Learn the history of the Bloody Tower
The Bloody Tower drips with one of history's biggest unsolved mysteries: the vanishing of the young Princes in the Tower, Edward V and his brother Richard. Rumour has it that their uncle, Richard III, might have had something to do with it.
Stop by the Beauchamp Tower
With time on their hands, prisoners at Beauchamp Tower started carving messages, symbols, and their names into the stone. One of the most famous "artists" was Lady Jane Grey, a teenage queen who was imprisoned here before her tragic execution.
Who built the Tower of London?
The Tower of London's construction spanned centuries, with key contributions from various monarchs shaping it:
- 1078: William the Conqueror initiates the White Tower. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, William I chose this site on the Thames to build a formidable stone keep. Overseen by Gundulf, Bishop of Rochester, its construction used Caen stone.
- 1190s: Richard I enhances the Inner Ward. During his reign, Richard the Lionheart focused on strengthening the Tower's defenses. He ordered the construction of the inner curtain wall, encircling the White Tower, and added key defensive towers like the Bell Tower, built with rounded Gothic arches and windows typical of the era.
- 1216-1272: Henry III transforms it into a Royal Palace and adds the Outer Ward. He undertook costly renovations, shifting the Tower's focus towards a palace. He constructed the outer curtain wall, a larger fortified enclosure. This expansion included the Royal Mint, the Armory, and other buildings. He also built the St. Thomas's Tower (later known as Traitors' Gate), a grand riverside entrance, and the Wakefield Tower for royal lodgings.
- 1272-1307: Edward I fortifies further, adding key defensive structures. A renowned military leader, he is credited with the construction of the infamous Bloody Tower, a significant defensive structure and prison. He also used the Tower Green as a private execution site for high-ranking prisoners. Edward I also completed the moat surrounding the Tower.
The Tower of London, therefore, wasn't built by a single person at one time but evolved over centuries through the strategic additions and modifications ordered by successive monarchs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tower of London
What is included in the Tower of London admission ticket?
Your ticket grants access to the Crown Jewels exhibition, the White Tower, the Medieval Palace, the Ravens, and the Royal Mint exhibition. Additional experiences, such as audio guides, may incur extra charges.
Can I leave and re-enter the Tower of London on the same day with my ticket?
Re-entry is generally not permitted. Once you exit, you will need a new ticket to re-enter.
Are there any age restrictions for visitors to the Tower of London?
There are no age restrictions; visitors of all ages are welcome. However, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How much time should you set aside for your visit to the Tower?
Most visitors find that 3 to 4 hours is ideal for thoroughly exploring all the fascinating attractions and soaking in the site's rich history.
What is the best time to visit the Tower of London to avoid crowds?
Visiting during weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon, can help you avoid peak crowds. Off-peak seasons, such as late autumn and winter (excluding holidays), also tend to be less crowded.
Is photography allowed inside the Tower of London?
Photography is permitted in most outdoor areas; however, it is prohibited inside certain exhibitions, such as the Crown Jewels, to protect the artifacts and enhance security.
Is the Tower of London accessible for visitors with disabilities?
The Tower offers various accessibility features, including step-free access routes and assistance for visitors with mobility challenges. However, due to the historic nature of the site, some areas may be less accessible.
How can I get to the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is located in central London and is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the tube, bus, train, or riverboat. It is recommended to use public transportation or walk as parking in the area is limited.
