Plan Your Visit to Tower of London | Hours, Location, Tips & More

Getting to the Tower of London

Best for: Saving time
Travel time: 5 mins (from Trafalgar Square)
Closest station: Tower Hill
Timings: Trains run every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes at night.

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.

Best for: Visitors arriving from outside of London
Travel time: 1 hr 15 mins
Closest stop: Tower Gateway DLR station
Timings: Trains run from early morning to late night, 7 days a week.

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.

Best for: Budget travel
Travel time: 30 mins (from Trafalgar Square)
Closest stop: Tower Hill
Timings: Buses run every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes at night.

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.

Best for: Sightseeing
Travel time: 25 mins (from Westminster Pier)
Closest stop: Tower Pier
Timings: Riverboats run every 30-60 minutes during the day.

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

Best for: Convenience
Travel time: 30 minutes (from King's Cross)
Distance: 3.7 miles

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

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.

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Borrow wheelchairs: The tower offers a wheelchair on loan.
Step-free access: The tower's southwest corner allows for step-free access. 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.
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.
Carer tickets: Disabled guests can bring an accompanying carer with them, free of cost.
Guide dogs: Trained assistance dogs are allowed inside the site.

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 own headphones but avoid Bluetooth headphones as they’re not compatible.
The audio guides 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).

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Prohibited items: Explosives, fireworks, weapons, knives, tripods, and pepper spray.
Storage: The Tower has no cloakroom, so luggage is generally not allowed inside. Check other luggage storage options or leave your large luggage at your accommodation.
Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas but not in the Jewel House , at the Martin Tower, and Chapel of St. John for religious and security reasons. Tripods and selfie sticks may need prior approval.
Do not touch artifacts: Please be mindful of the historical significance of the Tower and avoid touching or damaging any artifacts or structures.
Food: Outside food and drinks are restricted inside the building.
Ravens: Do not feed or interact with the ravens. They are protected and part of the Tower's history.

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.
Ravens Shop: Open from 10am to 4:30pm. It is near the exit of the Crown Jewels exhibition.
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.

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.

Tower Bridge (0.3 km): Tower Bridge is known for its distinctive twin towers and its unique bascule design, where the central section of the bridge can be raised to allow tall ships to pass through.
Thames River Cruises: Thames River cruises offer a unique perspective of London, allowing you to see iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament from a different angle.
Jack The Ripper Museum (1 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.
The View from The Shard (1.2 km): The Shard is a towering, glass-clad skyscraper, known for its distinctive pyramid-like shape. It's the tallest building in the UK, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Budget hotels: Wombat's City Hostel London (from £36 | 600 m), Monopoly Accommodations (from £46 | 980 m), Travelodge London Central Tower Bridge (from £50 | 350 m)
Mid-range hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton London - Tower of London (from £103 | 340 m), Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge (from £106 | 510 m), The Tower Hotel (from £109 | 200 m)
Luxury hotels: Andaz London Liverpool Street, by Hyatt (from £195 | 1.1 km), Shangri-La The Shard (from £632 | 860 m), Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge (from £688 | 260 m)

Visitor tips

Beefeater tours: The Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, are the ceremonial guards of the Tower of London. They have been giving tours of the Tower for over 700 years. Beefeater tours are free and start every 30 minutes from the White Tower. The tours last about an hour and are a great way to learn about the Tower's history and secrets.
What to see first: The Crown Jewels are one of the most popular attractions at the Tower of London. To avoid the crowds, head to the Jewel House first thing in the morning. The Jewel House is located in the Waterloo Barracks and is open from 10am to 5pm. Next stop, the White Tower! The White Tower is the oldest building in the Tower of London and is home to the Royal Armouries. It is less crowded than the Jewel House, so you can take your time and explore the exhibits. The White Tower is open from 10am to 5pm, but the last admission is at 4:30pm.
Visit Bloody Tower in the off-season: The Bloody Tower is one of the most popular attractions at the Tower of London, but it can be very crowded, especially during peak season. To avoid the crowds, visit the Bloody Tower during the off-season (November to February). The Bloody Tower is open from 10am to 5pm, but the last admission is at 4:30pm.
Special events: The Tower of London hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as the Ceremony of the Keys and the Tower of London Gun Salutes. Visiting the Tower during a special event is a great way to experience the Tower in a unique way. To find out more about upcoming special events, visit the Tower of London website.
Take a boat tour to the Tower: Arriving at the Tower of London by boat is a unique and scenic way to start your visit. There are a number of different boat tours available, including Thames River Cruises and City Cruises. The boat tours depart from various locations in London, and the journey to the Tower of London takes about 30 minutes.
Stroll around: The Tower of London has a long and winding outer perimeter wall. Walking the wall is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy stunning views of the Tower and the surrounding area. The wall is open from 10am to 5pm, but the last admission is at 4:30pm.
Walk to Tower Bridge: The Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in London. It is located just a short walk from the Tower of London. Taking a walk along the Tower Bridge is a great way to enjoy stunning views of the Tower and the River Thames.
Footwear: Your footwear is extremely important when visiting the Tower of London. It has many uneven surfaces, like cobbles and worn steps. Wear the right footwear for a pleasant experience.

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.