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...

Also Known As

Tower of London

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 $48.92

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

Tower of London Tickets with Access to the Crown Jewels

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Combo: Tower of London + Tower Bridge Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Tower of London + London Eye Tickets

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Combo (Save 13%): London Eye + Thames River Cruise + Tower of London Tickets

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Plan your visit to Tower of London

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

Detailed timings

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 Tower

Things 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 Tower

Check 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.

Brief history of the Tower of London

The Tower of London's origins trace back to 1066, immediately following the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the White Tower in 1078 on a strategically vital location along the River Thames. This imposing stone ‘keep’ served as a defensive stronghold but also as a royal residence.
While initially a palace, the Tower's role diversified significantly. By the medieval period, its defenses and location made it a prime prison for individuals deemed threats to the Crown. High-status and politically sensitive prisoners, including Anne Boleyn and many others, were confined within its walls.
Beyond imprisonment, the Tower served crucial administrative functions. From the reign of Henry I in the early 12th century until 1810, it housed the Royal Mint, responsible for producing the nation's coinage.
Furthermore, it housed an armory and served as a barracks for the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), who have acted as its ceremonial guardians since the Tudor period (1485-1603).
Today, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions annually. A key highlight remains the Crown Jewels, a collection of coronation regalia of the British monarchy.

History of Tower of London

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.

Architecture of the Tower of London

The Tower of London is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, blending elements of Norman and Gothic styles. The White Tower, the original core of the complex, is a prime example of Norman architecture, with its imposing square shape, thick walls, and rounded arches.

As the Tower evolved, so did its architectural style. The addition of the inner and outer wards, with their Gothic features such as pointed arches and ribbed vaults, introduced a new level of sophistication and elegance. The Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, located within the White Tower, is a Norman building, while the chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, in the inner ward, showcases a blend of Norman and Gothic styles.

The Tower's fortifications, including its imposing walls, constructed from Kentish ragstone and Caen stone, its deep moat, and strategically placed towers, were designed to protect the royal occupants and the nation's treasures.

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.