If you’re interested in visiting the Tower of London, this post covers information about how to get tickets and details about what to expect when you get there.
OVERVIEW
The Tower of London offers both peak and off-peak tickets, but peak prices aren't much higher.
There are a number of ways to save money on admission, and you can check our post covering Tower of London Deals for more information about these opportunities.
In addition to covering the price of tickets and how to get them, this post also provides details about how to get here, hours of operation, best times to visit, and exhibits you might want to see at this historic landmark.
We'll also include information to help you plan out your visit, including when to visit if you want to see the Ceremony of the Keys.
TICKETS
This section will give you an overview of ticket types and ticket prices.
TIP: To get a concession of up to 50% on your tickets, check out our post covering the 2-for-1 deal and other concessions on Tower of London admission.
General Admission
This ticket includes access to all public spaces in the Tower of London, Yeoman Warder tours, children’s activities, and the Crown Jewels.
Peak Prices
These prices are only active from Friday - Sunday during the months of July and August.
- Adult (18-64): £29.90
- Child (5-15): £14.90
- Senior (65+): £24.00
- Youth (16-17) and Students: £24.00
- Family Saver (1 adult + 3 children): £52.20
- Family Saver (2 adults + 3 children): £82.10
- Click here to purchase tickets.
Off-Peak Prices
Off-peak hours are active any time from September - June.
- Adult (18-64): £28.90
- Child (5-15): £14.40
- Senior (65+): £23.20
- Youth (16-17) and Students: £23.20
- Family Saver (1 adult + 3 children): £50.50
- Family Saver (2 adults + 3 children): £79.40
- Click here to purchase tickets.
Audio Guide
- £4
Are there last minute tickets for the Tower of London?
Technically there are not any last minute ticket options for this attraction, but since you can just walk up to Tower Hill and purchase admission, you don't really need to worry about tickets selling out.
That said, you might still want to consider getting your tickets beforehand or purchasing a London tourist pass, because this will allow you to skip the ticket line and get into the Tower of London without waiting.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
This section will help you plan your visit including hours of operation, when to go, and how long you should expect to stay.
We also have a post that details what you will see inside the Tower of London.
Hours of Operation
Summer Hours (June 1st - September 18th)
- Daily
- 9:00 – 17:30 (5:30 pm)
- Last Entry: 16:00 - 16:30 (4:00 pm - 4:30 pm)
Winter Hours (November 1st - February 28th)
- Tuesday - Saturday
- 9:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm)
- Sunday/Monday
- 10:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm) *last entry at 4 pm
NOTE: They are occasionally closed for events, so check the website before you arrive.
Best Times to Visit
The best time to visit is definitely during a weekday, but even then you should probably arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The largest crowds will generally start to thin out after 15:00 (3:00 pm) in the afternoon on weekdays.
Weekends, however, will be extremely busy at all hours, especially between May and September.
How long should you plan for a visit?
There are a lot of things to see and do here, and most visitors suggest giving yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore the area.
Considering that the crowds start to get really large at about 12:00 pm, an early morning trip really is your best option.
If you have to visit later, consider arriving at about 13:30 (1:30 pm) and staying until they close.
Prohibited Items
As with most historic landmarks, there are certain items that you will not be allowed to bring with you to the Tower of London.
All visitors will be required to undergo a bag check before entering this site.
In addition to things like weapons, the following items are also prohibited:
- Tripods
- Selfie Sticks
- Large bags
If you need somewhere to store your luggage or other items, we know where you can store your bags while you're at the Tower of London.
Is photography permitted?
Although you are allowed to bring cameras and take photographs, there are a few locations at the Tower of London where no photography of any kind is allowed:
- The Jewel House
- The Martin Tower
- The Chapel of St. John (in the White Tower)
- Inside the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula
You may also be prohibited from taking photographs of certain items.
If you aren’t sure whether or not pictures are allowed in a specific area, please ask a staff member for more information.
Accessibility
Although the Tower of London is accessible to most visitors, it is important to note that certain areas of this landmark are paved with cobblestone.
Due to the bumpy texture of this surface, it is not ideal for wheelchairs, prams, or buggy.
In particular, disabled visitors may have trouble seeing the Cradle Tower and the back of the Jewel House.
Buggy parks are provided next to the Salt Tower, the Middle Drawbridge, and the White Tower.
Baby changing areas can be found at the New Armouries Café, the brick toilets behind the Jewel House, and near the Salt Tower.
How to Get There
The Tower of London is located at St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, UK.
It is right on the Thames River by Tower Bridge. We suggest using this Google link to get directions from your location.
Underground Stations:
- Tower Hill
- Monument
- London Bridge
Nearest Railway:
- London Bridge Station
- DLR Tower Gateway Station
Bus Routes:
- There are multiple nearby bus stops for routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1.
Hop-On Hop-Off:
- Multiple hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus routes stop right at the Tower of London and the surrounding areas.
Walking Tours:
- We see the outside of the Tower of London on our Old City of London tour.
- Avoid the lines with an early access Crown Jewels ticket complete with Tower of London guided tour.
- Visit the Tower of London on a London in a Day tour.
Be sure to check out our posts on navigating the London Underground and choosing which tube pass to buy.
EXHIBITS AT THE TOWER OF LONDON
This section lists some of the exhibits, rooms, and points of interest within the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewels
Nestled onto crushed blue velvet and kept securely behind spotlessly clean glass, the Crown Jewels are proudly on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Once inside the Jewel House, guests will come face-to-face with some of the most famous gemstones in the world.
For more information, please read our blog post on visiting the Crown Jewels.
The White Tower
This is the oldest building in the Tower of London which holds a beautifully preserved 11th-century chapel.
The White Tower also displays the Line of Kings, an awe-inspiring exhibition of suits of armour and arms that have been on display for over 300 years.
If you’ve ever wondered what Henry VIII wore when he was jousting, you will get an up-close view here in the White Tower.
A Medieval Palace
Recreating amazing rooms such as the bed chamber of King Edward I, the Medieval Palace in the Tower shows visitors exactly how our historic Kings and Queens would have lived.
Mint Street
Commemorating the fact that the Royal Mint used to be based in the Tower of London (before being moved to Wales), the Mint Street exhibition highlights and details the history of the Royal Mint in the Tower.
The Coins and Kings experience gives visitors a hands-on experience, showcasing not just the history of Mint Street, but displaying many of the actual artifacts that have been produced here.
Tower Green
Arguably the most famous execution site in the world, Tower Green contains a beautiful memorial to all those who lost their lives within the walls of the Tower.
Two of Henry VIII’s wives, a 16-year-old ‘queen,’ and even Margaret Pole, the Countess of Salisbury who was an elderly woman at the time of her execution, are among the list of those commemorated.
The Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula
A Chapel Royal, in existence since the 12th century, St. Peter ad Vincula is the final resting place of those executed within the walls of the Tower.
It is the designated place of worship for all of those who work (and live!) inside the Tower.
With memorials and statues designated to famous faces of the church's history, buried inside are two of Henry VIIIs wives, as well as two saints: Sir Thomas Moore and Bishop John Fisher.
Ceremony of the Keys
After everyone leaves the Tower of London at night, the Chief Yeoman Warder will select a few ticket holders to come back in and see the Ceremony of the Keys.
This is the ceremony held for locking up the Tower of London, and it's an event that has taken place every night since the 14th century.
Tickets for this event will cost an additional £5, and they must be booked online ahead of time. Space is limited, so tickets sell out for months in advance, which means it'll be important to get them well ahead of time.
For more details, please read our full post covering the Ceremony of the Keys.
Related Posts:
