What are the Tower of London opening times?

The Tower of London hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM and Sunday-Monday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Last entry is at 3:00 PM. The Tower is closed on December 24-26 and January 1.

How much are Tower of London tickets?

Tower of London tickets cost £33.60 for adults (18-64), £16.80 for children (5-17), and £26.90 for seniors/students. Children under 5 enter free. Tickets include access to the Crown Jewels and all areas.

What is the Tower of London nearest tube station?

The Tower of London nearest tube station is Tower Hill on the District and Circle lines, just a 5-minute walk away. London Bridge Station is 10 minutes away on the Northern and Jubilee lines.

Can you see the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London?

Yes, the Tower of London Crown Jewels are on display and included with admission. The collection features the Imperial State Crown with over 3,000 gems, St Edward's Crown, and the Sovereign's Sceptre with the 530-carat Cullinan I diamond.

How long does a Tower of London visit take?

Allow at least 2-3 hours for your Tower of London visit to see the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and take a free Yeoman Warder tour. Visiting during off-peak hours (before 11 AM or after 3 PM) helps avoid crowds.

Tower of London historic fortress on the River Thames

Tower of London Visit Guide: Tickets, Hours & Crown Jewels

Plan your Tower of London visit with opening times, ticket booking, nearest tube directions, and real-time crowd intelligence

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Current Expected Crowd Level

ModerateSteady crowds expected

Best time to visit:

Before 10am for shortest waits

Average Queue Times

Crown Jewels

25–35 min

Main Entrance

15–20 min

Based on real Tripadvisor visitor experiences (2025). Exact conditions may vary.

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Today's Insider Tip

Free Yeoman Tour

Don't miss the free Yeoman Warder tours that depart every 45 minutes. They're included in your ticket and offer fascinating stories you won't find in guidebooks.

Hidden Gems & Insider Tips

Discover secrets most tourists miss

Meet the Tower Ravens (Without the Crowds)

Visit the Raven Enclosure near the Wakefield Tower early morning (9:00-10:00 AM) when the ravens are most active and crowds are thin. Watch Ravenmaster Chris Skaife feed them—it's magical for kids and photographers alike!

Families, photographers, early birds

Secret Panoramic Photo Spot

Head to the East Wall Walk for breathtaking, unobstructed views of Tower Bridge, the Thames, and the City skyline. Visit at golden hour (sunset) for Instagram-worthy shots that most tourists miss.

Couples, photographers, solo travelers

Crown Jewels: Beat the Queue

The Crown Jewels are quietest right at opening (9:00 AM) or after 4:00 PM. Midweek visits (Tues-Thurs) see 40% fewer visitors than weekends. You'll get unrushed views of the Imperial State Crown!

Everyone avoiding crowds

Local Pubs Tourists Never Find

Skip the Tower café and walk 3 minutes to The Liberty Bounds (a historic Wetherspoons in a former prison) or The Hung Drawn & Quartered for proper British pub fare and local atmosphere. Both have riverside views!

Locals, foodies, couples

Ceremony of the Keys (Free Secret Experience)

Witness the 700-year-old nightly locking ceremony at 9:53 PM—completely free but requires advance booking (up to 90 days ahead). It's one of London's most unique traditions and perfect for history buffs!

History lovers, unique experiences

White Tower's Hidden Medieval Graffiti

On the 2nd floor of the White Tower, look for prisoner carvings on the walls—names, dates, and messages from Tudor inmates. Most visitors rush past, but these are haunting pieces of living history.

History enthusiasts, solo explorers

Kids Can Be 'Knighted' at the Royal Armouries

The Royal Armouries in the White Tower runs interactive demonstrations where kids can try on armor, handle replica swords, and receive a certificate of bravery. Check daily schedule boards for times!

Families with children aged 5-12

Yeoman Warder Secret Stories

The free guided tours (every 30 mins) share tales not on audio guides—like the ghost of Anne Boleyn, WWII bomb damage, and where Henry VIII kept his exotic animals. Ask your Warder about their favorite ghost story!

All visitors, especially first-timers

Visitor Tips & Discoveries

Queue Avoidance

My friend & I visited the Tower of London this January, for us it was definitely the right time to go as we didn’t have to queue for the entrance nor the Crown Jewels unlike in the summer months they could last for miles,kind of impacting the experience, also meaning we could roam around much more freely and take our time taking it all in without being rushed or pushed along. As for the talking tours it is nice to have smaller groups instead of large crowding and more distraction. I recommend :)

Shared by Shannon from London

Visited: January 2026

Practical Tips Sourced From Real Visitors (Tripadvisor, 2025)

Arrive early (before 10am) or late afternoon to avoid long queues for the Crown Jewels.

Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours are free, extremely informative, and loved by visitors—join as soon as possible for the best experience.

Crown Jewels queue midday can be 30 minutes or longer; wait times often drop below 10 minutes in late afternoons.

Wear comfortable shoes—there's lots of walking, steps, and uneven surfaces throughout the Tower.

Water refill stations are available on-site—bring a refillable bottle.

Audio guides provide more history and stories than signs and are worth considering.

Kids love the ravens, Yeoman stories, and tales about famous prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.

No photos allowed inside the Jewel House, but you can take pictures elsewhere on the grounds.

Best panoramic photos of the Tower and Tower Bridge are from the ramparts and the outdoor seating at New Armouries Café.

For breaks during your visit, use benches and shaded spots near the White Tower—especially useful for families.

Visitor Route Planner & Accessibility Guide

Plan your route through the Tower with our detailed maps and accessibility information

2.5-3 hours

Family Route

Perfect for families with children and strollers

Main entrance → Welcome Centre
New Armouries Café (rest, water refill, baby changing)
Kids' Armoury in Action exhibit
Crown Jewels (level access)
Bench rest stops throughout
Optional: Wharf for views

2-2.5 hours

Step-Free Route

Fully accessible route for wheelchair users and limited mobility

Main entrance (level)
Crown Jewels (lift available)
White Tower basement (lift access)
Accessible toilets at multiple points
New Armouries Café (ramp access)
Mint exhibit (level)

3-4 hours

History Lover's Tour

Deep dive into 1000 years of history

Main entrance → Yeoman Warder tour (book ahead)
White Tower (Norman keep, Royal Armouries)
Medieval Palace & Bloody Tower
Beauchamp Tower (prisoner graffiti)
Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula
Crown Jewels
Tower Green execution site

2-3 hours

Photographer's Route

Best spots for iconic Tower photos

Wharf (Tower Bridge + HMS Belfast views)
East Wall Walk (Thames panorama)
Ravens near Wakefield Tower
White Tower exterior (from grass lawns)
Crown Jewels entrance facade
Outer walls at golden hour

Interactive Map & Quick Directions

Click any button to get instant directions to Tower of London

Essential Travel Tips

Off-Peak Travel

Best times: before 9 AM or after 7 PM weekdays. Weekends generally quieter.

Accessibility

Tower Hill has step-free access. London Bridge has lifts but can be crowded.

Travel Cards

Oyster card or contactless payment recommended for best fares.

Luggage Storage

Left luggage available at major stations. Not available at the Tower.

Station	Walk Time	Step-Free Access	Notes
Tower Hill	5 min	✓	Closest, fully accessible
Aldgate	8 min	✓	Alternative if Tower Hill busy
London Bridge	10 min	✓*	Lifts available, can be crowded
Fenchurch Street	5 min	✓	Mainline rail station

Tower of London Essential Information

Tower of London Opening Times

View current hours and plan your visit

Tower of London Tickets

Book tickets and guided tours online

Crowd Intelligence

Real-time crowd data to beat the queues

Visit Tips

Expert advice for the best Tower of London visit

Tower of London Crown Jewels & Attractions

Tower of London Crown Jewels

See the spectacular Crown Jewels collection including coronation regalia and royal diamonds

The White Tower

Visit the historic White Tower, built in 1078 and home to the Royal Armouries

Plan Your Perfect Tower of London Visit

Get Tower of London opening times, book tickets, and use our crowd intelligence to see the Crown Jewels without the wait