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Contents
Plan Your Visit to Tower of London | A Complete Guide
Tower of London at a glance
- What are the Tower of London's opening hours?
The Tower of London’s opening hours vary according to the month. It is generally open from 9am to 5:30pm daily. - Where is the Tower of London located?
The Tower of London is located at London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom. Get directions - How many entrances does the Tower of London have?
The Tower of London has two entrances: the West Gate Entrance and the Middle Drawbridge Entrance. - How many visitors does the Tower of London see per year?
The Tower of London attracts over two million visitors yearly.
Book tickets to the Tower of London
Best time to visit the Tower of London
While you can visit the Tower of London throughout the year, September to October is a good time for visiting. The weather is mild and less taxing, and the rush is less. You can explore the Tower of London peacefully without affecting your health.
Try visiting early in the morning on weekdays. Fewer tourists are around in the morning, allowing you to enter the Tower quickly and explore its various sections. Weekends are not recommended because tourists arrive in London from nearby cities, making it crowded.
Where is the Tower of London located?
By public transport
By tube
By train
By bus
By boat
The Tower Hill Underground Station is closest and served by the District and Circle lines. Monument, Bank, Aldgate, and Aldgate East London Underground stations are nearby.
The London Bridge or Fenchurch Street stations are closest. They're both within 10-15 minutes from the Tower of London. Alternatively, you can alight at Liverpool Street or London Charing Cross station.
Buses covering routes 15, 42, 78, 100, 343, and RV1 stop near the Tower of London. Sightseeing bus tours also pass by the attraction and are a popular option for exploring London.
River boats from Westminster, the London Eye, and other piers reach the Tower of London. Tower Millenium Pier is the closest stop near the Tower of London.
By car
You can drive to the Tower of London if you have time. Beginning from Kings Cross Station, take Pentonville Rd, A1 and Cannon St to Eastcheap in the City of London. Continue on Eastcheap to Byward St/A100 before turning left onto Byward St/A100. You can park at the Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, which is two minutes from the Tower of London.
Nearest parking spot: Tower Hill Car and Coach Park (0.1 km)
How to skip the line at the Tower of London
Over three million visitors are attracted to the Tower of London. It is busy throughout the year, but you can skip the line tickets in several ways.
Arrive early
The Tower of London is usually open from 10am to 5:30pm. You can visit early in the morning to avoid long queues. Fewer people visit the attraction in the morning, making it the best time to visit the Tower of London. You can quickly enter the attraction due to fewer queues and explore it at your convenience.
Book a guided tour
Guided tours are an excellent way to visit the Tower of London. Guided tours provide skip-the-line access to the Tower of London, meaning you can enter the attraction without standing in queues. Guided tours also provide insight into various facets of the Tower of London, including its history and importance to the United Kingdom.
Choose weekdays
You can visit the Tower of London whenever you want to, but weekdays are better. Fewer locals and tourists visit the attraction on weekdays, making it the best time to visit the Tower of London during the week.
Know before you go to the Tower of London
Entrances
Facilities
Accessibility
Audio guide
Rules
Shop
Eat
Nearby
Stay
The Tower of London has two entrances:
- West Gate Main Entrance: West Gate is the main entrance to the Tower of London. It is opposite the Tower Shop.
- Middle Drawbridge: Middle Drawbridge is the second entrance to the Tower of London. It is opposite the River Thames and is mostly used for group entrances.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi access is available to visitors inside the Tower of London.
- Restrooms: Multiple restrooms have been built at regular junctures at the Tower of London.
- Baby changing rooms: Baby changing stations are available throughout the Tower of London, including the Brick Tower ladies' toilet and the Brick Tower accessible toilets (unisex).
- Audio guide: Audio guides help you learn about the Tower of London. They can be booked in advance while booking your tickets.
- Toilets: Restrooms are situated at the Brick Tower, Salt Tower, and Cradle Tower, including male, female, and accessible toilets.
- Changing rooms: A Changing Places restroom is accessible on the ground floor lobby of the New Armouries building, adjacent to the café. Access to this facility requires a radar key, which can be obtained from the café staff and must be returned after use.
- Step-free access: The tower's southwest corner allows for step-free access, which is easy for wheelchair users. A lift is available in the White Tower to take visitors to and from the basement. However, only one wheelchair user is allowed in the basement at a time. Ramps are available at the New Armouries café and near the Raven shop.
- Borrow wheelchairs: The tower offers a wheelchair on loan.
- Toilets: Accessible washrooms for guests in wheelchairs are available.
- Accommodated guides: Multimedia guides will help tourists with visual and hearing impairments. A British Sign Language digital visitor guide is available for guiding visitors with hearing issues on fascinating stories about the Tower of London. It is free of charge. The tower often holds autism-friendly events with reduced crowds and minimum noise.
- Induction loops: Induction loops are available throughout the Tower of London in the ticket boxes and welcome center.
Audio guides are available inside the Tower of London. They enhance your experience, describing stories and the history of the Tower of London. You’ll hear facts, hidden secrets, and where to eat and shop.
You can book audio guides while buying your tickets on the website, and collect them from the Beefeater Shop, located past the entrance when you arrive at the gates. You’re free to bring your headphones but avoid Bluetooth headphones as they’re not compatible.
The audio guides in the Tower of London are available in English, British Sign Language (BSL), Dutch (Nederlands), French (Français), German (Deutsch), Italian (Italiano), Japanese (日本語), Korean (한국어), Chinese Mandarin (中文), Portuguese (Português), Russian (Pусский), Spanish (Español) and Ukrainian (українська).
- Restricted items: Weapons, fireworks, smoke bombs, and pepper spray are prohibited.
- Bag policy: No on-site luggage storage is available. Check online luggage storage options or leave large luggage at your accommodation.
- Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas but not in the Jewel House and Chapel of St. John for religious and security reasons. Tripods and selfie sticks may need prior approval.
- Tower of London Shop: Open from 10am to 5:30pm. Buy souvenirs, jewelry, gifts, toys, and books.
- Beefeater Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm and located inside the Tower of London entrance.
- White Tower Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm. Buy shields and swords.
- Crown Jewels Shop: Open from 10am to 5:30pm. Offering an array of souvenirs and gifts inspired by the Crown Jewels.
- Jewel House Shop: Open from 10am to 5:30pm. This shop for children offers gifts and dress-up outfits for kings and queens, knights and princesses.
- Ravens Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm. It is near the exit of the Crown Jewels exhibition.
- New Armouries Cafe: This restaurant is inside the Tower of London. You can enjoy fish and chips, sandwiches, soup, salads, baked cakes and pastries, and hot and cold drinks.
- Ravens Cafe: Open from 11am to 4pm. Ravens Cafe is an amazing spot for quick snacks and spectacular views of the Tower of London.
- Jewel Kiosk: Open 10am to 3pm. It is near the Jewel House and a good place to grab easy snacks.
- Tower of London Cafe: Open daily from 10:30am to 5pm (except Saturdays - 10:30am to 6pm). A good location to enjoy hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cocktails, etc.
- Monument to the Great Fire of London (0.6 km): The Monument to the Great Fire of London, standing at 202 feet, is a stone column located in London.
- The War of The Worlds: The Immersive Experience (0.8 km): This theater production combines several different elements like music, theater, and high-tech to amaze audiences.
- Jack The Ripper Museum (0.9 km): Opened in 2015, the Jack the Ripper Museum in Cable Street, London is dedicated to the infamous serial killer of the late 1800s, Jack the Ripper.
- Shakespeare's Globe (1.6 km): Shakespeare's Globe is a replica of the 16th-century Globe Theater in London, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were performed originally.
Budget: hub by Premier Inn London Tower Bridge hotel (0.4 km), Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge (0.6 km), Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill) hotel (0.8 km)
Mid-Range: Premier Inn London Bank (Tower) hotel (0.4 km), DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London (0.4 km), Lovet Homestay (0.6 km)
Luxury: Cheval Three Quays (430 ft), Bob W. Tower of London (0.3 km), Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square (0.3 km)
Frequently Asked Questions about visiting the Tower of London
Can I enter Tower of London anytime during the operating hours?
Yes. You can enter anytime during the operating hours. However, your tickets state your timed entry slot - try to arrive at the Tower of London before this.
How much time does it take to visit the Tower of London?
You’ll need 2-3 hours to explore the Tower of London.
Is there a dress code to be followed at the Tower of London?
No. There is no dress code to follow at the Tower of London.
Will my luggage be allowed inside the Tower of London?
No. Luggage isn’t allowed inside the Tower of London.
Can I bring my stroller or wheelchair into the Tower of London?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are welcome in the Tower of London, but there are some areas that may be difficult to access due to uneven ground or cobblestones. You can leave your stroller or wheelchair in one of the buggy parks located at the entrance to the White Tower and at Middle Drawbridge.
Are there any guided tours available at the Tower of London?
Yes, there are a variety of guided tours available at the Tower of London, including Yeoman Warder tours, family tours, and thematic tours. You can book a guided tour in advance online or at the Tower of London ticket office.
What should I wear when visiting the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is a large and historic site, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You may also want to bring a hat and sunscreen, especially if you are visiting during the summer months.
