London Tickets

Discover the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London | A royal experience

4.4(46.2K Ratings)

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Discover the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London | A royal experience






From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Nancy Nielsen
US

Nancy

United States
Jul 2025
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A Royal Day to Remember! Our visit to London wouldn’t have been complete without experiencing the majesty of both the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, and each lived up to its iconic status in the most unforgettable way. The Tower of London tour was an absolute highlight—steeped in history, drama, and intrigue. From the moment we stepped inside the ancient fortress, we were transported back in time. The Beefeater guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also engaging and witty, bringing centuries of royal history and tales of imprisonment, betrayal, and triumph to life. Seeing the Crown Jewels in person was awe-inspiring—photos don’t do them justice. Walking the old stone walls and standing on the very ground where history unfolded gave us chills. After that, we made our way to Buckingham Palace, and the contrast between the two royal landmarks was a beautiful complement. Where the Tower is historic and rugged, Buckingham Palace is elegant and majestic. Touring the State Rooms, we were struck by their opulence and artistry—everything from the chandeliers to the furniture to the artwork was breathtaking. It was like walking through a living museum of British royal heritage. The Changing of the Guard ceremony added that extra dose of pomp and pageantry, and it truly felt like being part of a centuries-old tradition. Whether you're a history lover or just looking to be inspired by beauty and legacy, these tours are an absolute must. We walked away with a deeper appreciation for the British monarchy and an unforgettable sense of connection to the past. Highly recommend making both a priority when visiting London—together, they offer the perfect blend of grit, grandeur, and glory!
Elena Claudia Rossit
IT

Elena

Italy
Jun 2025
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+2 more

The most beautiful place in London! A perfect blend of history and modernity 😍 Past, present, and future come together in one unforgettable experience. Our visit lasted about 5 hours — there’s so much to see and explore! We had lunch at the self-service bar inside the Tower. Prices were quite high but it was comfortable.
SYLVIE NOEL
FR

Sylvie

France
Jun 2025
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+1 more

We really enjoyed visiting these 2 monuments, the Tower for the building and everything it contains, and the bridge for its glass floor in particular! Like everything else we visited, the only language was English 😏
Sheila Jane Billenstein
US

Sheila

United States
Mar 2025
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Our tour was awesome. Our tour guide was so wonderful extremely knowledgeable and super friendly. It was a great experience
Kathleen Kulesa
US

Kathleen

United States
Mar 2025
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We did the early access( 8:30 am on 3/1) to the Crown Jewels with a Beefeater. We enjoyed hearing about the history of the area /the reason for the ravens/ exploring the different areas ,and it was nice skipping the lines, too! I would highly recommend this tour / tour company!
Gervasio Parente
DE

Gervasio

Germany
Jul 2025
That's what we needed: I think that paying the single ticket isn't sometime worthy for some attraction but the London ticket prices was fair enough.
Abdulaziz Albassam
SA

Abdulaziz

Saudi Arabia
Apr 2025
The pass allowed for spontaneous planning and enabled easy access to multiple locations through one ticket. I loved the variety of options and how clear the instructions were.
Robert Eng
US

Robert

United States
Sep 2024
We chose 3 because we only had 1 day. It was great because it did not require reservations for Westminster Abbey which was sold out for the day.

Top things to do in London

The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London offer a dazzling glimpse into British royal history. Featuring crowns, swords, and scepters still used in royal ceremonies today. It’s like walking into a real-life treasure chest! Visit and get up close to the history and splendor behind Britain’s royal traditions.

Where are they located?

The British Crown Jewels are located in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, next to the St. Peter Ad Vincula Royal Chapel and the Fusilier Museum. You can see them under armed guard as part of your visit to the Tower.

How to access the Crown Jewels?

Access to the Crown Jewels is included with all ​Tower of London tickets.

Why visit the Jewel House

  • Centuries of history: The collection’s most ancient surviving artefact is the Coronation Spoon, used for anointing since the 12th century.
  • Culturally significant: Many of the items are still used in royal ceremonies—linking past and present monarchies. 
  • Over 140 royal regalia: There are over 140 items in the collection, including crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, maces, altar and banqueting plates, objects dating from medieval to modern times. 
  • 23,000+ gemstones: The collection includes pieces set with 23,578 gemstones, including Cullinan I and II, Koh-i-Noor, Black Prince's Ruby, Stuart Sapphire, and St Edward's Sapphire​​. 
  • They're basically priceless: Experts estimate the collection's minimum value at around $4 billion, though cultural significance makes them effectively priceless!
  • One of London’s top draws: The Jewel House exhibits attract around 2.5 million visitors each year. 
  • Home to the Crown Jewels since 1661: Following the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1661, the newly-made coronation regalia for Charles II has been on public view in the Tower’s Jewel House.

Things to know before booking Crown Jewels tickets

  • Access to the Crown Jewels is included in all Tower of London tickets. You do not need to buy separate tickets to see them.
  • It is advised to book your tickets at least a month in advance to view the Crown Jewels on your preferred dates, especially during the peak season.
  • The Jewel House, which houses the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, has level access. There is a moving walkway alongside the Crown Jewels display. At the end of the moving walkway, there is a platform lift that provides access to a raised platform for extended viewing. However, this lift is not suitable for mobility scooters.
  • As a working collection, some jewels, such as the Imperial State Crown or the Sovereign's Sceptre, may be temporarily removed from display when they are required for royal ceremonies like coronations or the State Opening of Parliament. Also, individual pieces might be taken off display for essential conservation work or cleaning.

Highlights of the Crown Jewels

Tower of London Crown Jewels

St Edward's Crown (1661)

This solid-gold coronation crown was made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II to replace the medieval crown (said to have belonged to King Edward the Confessor) that had been melted down. It weighs 2.23 kg and is adorned with 444 semi-precious stones. It is used only for the actual crowning moment (then replaced by a lighter state crown) and was last used for crowning Charles III in 2023.

Tower of London Crown Jewels

The Imperial State Crown (1937)

Created for King George VI's coronation in 1937, this is the crown that the monarch wears on State occasions like the annual Opening of Parliament. It was made to replace the crown made for Queen Victoria in 1838 and is set with over 3,000 stones, including the Black Prince's Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Cullinan II diamond.

Tower of London Crown Jewels

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross

During the coronation the monarch is presented with the Orb and the Sceptre with Cross, which represent their powers and responsibilities. While it dates back to 1661, the sceptre was modified in 1910 for George V with the addition of the Cullinan I diamond. It's the largest colourless cut diamond in the world, at 530.2 carats.

Tower of London Crown Jewels

The Sovereign’s Orb

The Orb is also presented to the monarch at the coronation and symbolizes Christian dominion. This solid gold globe was also made in 1661 and is topped with a cross. It's set with over 650 diamonds and four large pearls once owned by Elizabeth I.

Tower of London Crown Jewels

Queen Mary’s Crown (1911)

Queen Mary’s Crown is a consort crown within the Crown Jewels. Made for the coronation of Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, this Art Deco-inspired crown features eight half-arches instead of the typical four or two. The silver-gilt frame is set with approximately 2,200 diamonds, including Cullinan III, Cullinan IV, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, though all were later removed.

The Coronation Spoon

The Coronation Spoon

The Coronation Spoon is the oldest artifact in the collection, dating back to the 12th century. It is used to anoint the new monarch with holy oil during the coronation ceremony, cementing the spiritual legitimacy of their rule. Unlike much of the royal regalia that was destroyed by Parliament, the Coronation Spoon survived because it was privately held.

Sovereign's Ring (1831)

Sovereign's Ring (1831)

The Sovereign's Ring was specifically crafted for the coronation of King William IV in 1831. It features a prominent octagonal sapphire as its centerpiece and the Cross of Saint George in rubies, and 14 surrounding diamonds. During coronations, the Archbishop places it on the fourth finger of the sovereign's right hand during the investiture.

History of the Crown Jewels

The British Crown Jewels are a collection steeped in over a millennium of history. For centuries, these symbols of monarchy were primarily seen during grand coronations and significant state ceremonies.

The Tower itself has played a crucial role in safeguarding these treasures. Following the English Civil War, when the original regalia was largely melted down and sold, the newly fashioned Crown Jewels, including St Edward's Crown (commissioned for Charles II's coronation in 1661) and the Sovereign's Orb, were placed within the Tower's walls for safekeeping. This was proved necessary, as demonstrated by the theft attempt by Colonel Thomas Blood in 1671 who nearly succeeded in stealing the jewels.

Over the centuries, the jewels were moved to various strongholds within the Tower. It wasn't until the 1990s that the Jewel House, as seen today, was opened to the public. Now, visitors can see the ancient 12th-century Coronation Spoon, the Cullinan diamonds incorporated into various pieces, and Queen Mary's Crown (used by Queen Camilla during her coronation).

Attempted theft of the Crown Jewels

In May 1671, Colonel Thomas Blood disguised himself as a clergyman and, with accomplices, attempted to steal the jewels displayed then in the Martin Tower. They overpowered the 77-year-old Keeper of the Jewels, Talbot Edwards. However, their plan was foiled when Edwards' son unexpectedly returned, and guards swiftly apprehended Blood and his remaining accomplices. King Charles II himself interrogated Blood and, surprisingly, pardoned him.

The Koh-i-Noor

The Koh-i-Noor, meaning "Mountain of Light" in Persian, is one of the world's most controversial diamonds. Believed to have originated in the Kollur Mine in India, it passed through the hands of various rulers and dynasties including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal emperors, reportedly adorning Shah Jahan's Peacock Throne. In 1739, the Persian ruler Nadir Shah invaded Delhi and acquired the diamond, giving it its current name.

Following Nadir Shah's assassination, the Koh-i-Noor changed hands among Afghan rulers before reaching Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. After the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849, the East India Company annexed Punjab, and the Koh-i-Noor was ceded to Queen Victoria. Since then, it has been part of the British Crown Jewels, set in the crowns of various queens. Ownership of the Koh-i-Noor remains a subject of historical and diplomatic dispute, with India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan all having laid claim to the diamond.

Know before you go

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  • Summer: 9am to 5:30pm
  • Winter: 
    Tuesday to Saturday: 9am to 4:30pm
    Sunday & Monday: 10am to 4:30pm
  • Early access: 8:15am onwards
  • Best time to visit: Between 9am and 10am. However, it is best to secure early-access tickets for the best experience.
  • Duration: Spend at least 30-45 mins in the Jewel House. You can expect at least 15 mins of wait time.

Address: Tower of, Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom | ​Find on Maps

  • By tube: Circle and District Lines
    Nearest station: Tower Hill Station (5-min walk away)
  • By bus: Bus lines 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1
    Nearest stop: Tower of London
  • By car: A3211 route 
    Nearest parking: Tower Hill Coach & Car Park (2-min walk away)
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  • Wheelchair accessible: The Jewel House, which houses the Crown Jewels, has level access. There is a moving walkway (‘travelator’) alongside the Crown Jewels. 
  • Lift: There is a platform lift at the end of the moving walkway in the Crown Jewels exhibition, which allows you to access the raised platform to spend more time viewing the Crown Jewels. It is not suitable for mobility scooters. 
  • Lighting and sounds: The Jewel House has low level lighting and sound effects.
  • Braille displays: There are Braille displays in the Jewel House.
  • Tactile objects: There are tactile raised 2D images of the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House.
  • Tours: For visually impaired and blind visitors, join a 'vocal eyes trained' warden on a descriptive tour of the Jewel House.
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  • Crown Jewels Shop: After the Crown Jewels exhibition, visit this shop near the exit of the Crown Jewels exhibition for a wide range of souvenirs and gifts inspired by the Crown Jewels.
  • Jewel House Shop: Visit this shop located up the stairs opposite the exit of the Crown Jewels exhibition to see a range of jewellery, china and gifts inspired by the Crown Jewels.
  • You can also shop from these stores online.

Visitor tips

  • Head to the Jewel House first: Be among the first in line and walk directly to the Jewel House upon entry around 9am and avoid large crowds. Later in the day, the wait can exceed an hour—even with timed tickets.
  • Visit during just before closing time: If you can't arrive early, try visiting an hour before the Tower closes. The last hour sees a sharp drop in visitors, especially outside peak season. Just be sure you’re inside the Tower gates by last entry—they don’t let in latecomers.
  • Don’t miss the hidden conveyor: There’s a moving walkway in front of the display to keep visitors flowing but don’t miss the parallel walkway behind it. You can walk back around and rejoin the non-moving area at the rear for a much longer, stationary view of the jewels.
  • Look for the highlights: Don’t miss the Cullinan I diamond, the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross. You can spot a tiny replica of the original rough stone next to it. Other highlights are the Black Prince’s Ruby (actually a spinel) in the Imperial State Crown and the 800-year-old Coronation Spoon.
  • Book early-access tour: VIP early-access tours (before public opening) let you view the collection nearly alone.
  • Talk to a Warder: Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters) stationed inside the Jewel House are highly knowledgeable and can answer specific questions. You can ask which crowns have been altered recently or which items were replicated for the coronation of King Charles III! They may also point out tiny alterations (like the removal of the Koh-i-Noor from Queen Mary's Crown for Charles's coronation).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Crown Jewels

How many items are there in the Crown Jewels collection?

The collection consists of approximately 140 items, each with its own unique history and significance.

How old are the Crown Jewels on display?

Yes, the Crown Jewels are permanently displayed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London for visitors to admire.

Why is the photography of the Crown Jewels restricted?

Photography of the Crown Jewels is not permitted due to religious and security reasons.

Are there any restrictions on touching the Crown Jewels?

Yes, visitors are not permitted to touch the Crown Jewels for preservation reasons.

Are there any famous gemstones included in the Crown Jewels?

Yes, the collection includes famous gemstones such as the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan diamonds.

Are the Crown Jewels always on permanent display?

Yes, the Crown Jewels are permanently displayed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London for visitors to admire. However, since they are a working collection, some jewels like the State Imperial Crown or the Sovereign’s Sceptre may temporarily not be on display for coronations or other important royal events.

How often are the Crown Jewels used in ceremonies?

The Crown Jewels are typically used during significant state occasions, such as coronations and the State Opening of Parliament.

What happens to the Crown Jewels after a coronation?

After a coronation ceremony, the Crown Jewels are returned to the secure vaults at the Tower of London until needed for the next occasion.

How are the Crown Jewels authenticated and verified?

The authenticity of the Crown Jewels is verified through meticulous documentation, historical records, and expert appraisal.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.