Tower of London: Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress
Your Complete Guide to the Tower of London
Welcome to your insider’s guide to the Tower of London! We’re here to help you cut through the confusion and see the best of one of England’s most infamous landmarks. From the dazzling Crown Jewels to tales of royal scandal and rebellion, this is everything you need to experience 1,000 years of history like a true London insider.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on how to visit the Tower of London.
Planning Your Visit to the Tower of London
Check out the articles below for in-depth information on the Tower of London that’ll help you plan the perfect trip.
How to Visit the Tower of London
Whether you’re looking to go guided or tackle the planning yourself, this article has everything you need to know.
Best Tours of the Tower of London
Find the tour that’s tailor-made for you—whether it’s a Beefeater meet-and-greet, a private experience, or a combo adventure with Westminster Abbey.
Top Things to See at the Tower of London
From the Crown Jewels to the infamous Bloody Tower, these are the spots you can’t miss at the Tower of London.
Best Restaurants Near the Tower of London
Our guides have hand-picked the best nearby restaurants to keep you fueled and ready for your royal adventure.
Where to Stay Near the Tower of London
Discover our favorite hotels that put you on the doorstep of London’s biggest attractions.
Top Tower of London Tours
Why settle for a surface-level visit when you can dive deep into 1,000 years of history? With a guide, you’ll hear the juiciest tales of treachery, the details of royal intrigue, and the stories of the infamous prisoners who once called this fortress home. Whether you want early entry to explore before the crowds, a meet-and-greet with a Beefeater, or a combo tour that includes Westminster Abbey, there’s a perfect way to see this must-visit landmark.
👉 Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Best Tower of London Tours to Take and Why.
The Tower of London Tickets & Hours (2025/2026)
- Mar 1 – Oct 31: Tue–Sat 9 AM to 5:30 PM | Mon & Sun 10 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry 4 PM)
- Nov 1 – Feb 28: Tue–Sat 9 AM to 4:30 PM | Mon & Sun 10 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry 3 PM)
- Prices: Adults £35.80; Youth (5–15) £17.90; Child (5–15) £15.50; Under-5s free.
👉 For the most up-to-date hours and prices, head to the Tower of London official website.
Tower of London Attractions You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Don’t leave without seeing these highlights!
1. The White Tower
This is the OG Tower, built to intimidate and impress. It’s where kings ruled, armies were commanded, and enemies were kept in check.
2. The Crown Jewels
These aren’t just shiny objects—they’re symbols of power, history, and a little bit of drama (thanks, Oliver Cromwell). The Koh-i-Nûr diamond alone is worth the visit, but the entire collection will leave you in awe.
3. The Ravens
These royal guardians are said to protect the Tower and the kingdom itself. Chat with the Ravenmaster to hear their fascinating stories, and don’t forget to snap a selfie with these feathered VIPs.
👉 Discover more in our guide: Top Things to See at the Tower of London.
Planning Your Trip to the Tower of London: Logistics & Recommendations
Is the Tower of London Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt, the Tower of London is a must-see for anyone who wants to truly understand London’s history. This iconic fortress has stood for over 1,000 years, serving as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo. It’s packed with fascinating stories, from the mystery of the Princes in the Tower to the dazzling Crown Jewels.
Even kids will be captivated by the legendary ravens and the chance to see real-life treasures up close. That said, if history or the royal family isn’t your thing, you might find a food tour or sightseeing bike adventure more your speed.
Where is the Tower of London?
You’ll find the Tower of London right in the heart of the city, sitting proudly along the River Thames next to the iconic Tower Bridge. Hop off at Tower Hill Station, and while you’re in the area, consider exploring Tower Bridge or taking a river cruise for a full day of sightseeing.
👉 For a full breakdown, read our guide: How to Visit the Tower of London.
How Much Time Do You Need at the Tower of London?
Our guided tours typically last between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. However, we always recommend planning for some extra time to explore on your own. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Minimum Time (Fast-Paced): 2 hours
This covers the highlights, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and a quick look at Tower Green and the ravens. - Ideal Time (Leisurely): 3 to 3.5 hours
Three hours allows for a guided tour plus time to revisit your favorite spots, explore the Bloody Tower, and take in the exhibits at your own pace. You’ll also have time to chat with a Beefeater and snap photos of Tower Bridge. - Half-Day Visit: 4 to 5 hours
If you’re making a day of it, you can pair your Tower visit with nearby landmarks like Tower Bridge or even a Thames river cruise. This also gives you time to enjoy the gift shop and grab a bite at one of the nearby restaurants.
YouTube & Podcast Resources
You can also find all our YouTube videos here and our Podcast Episodes here.
Latest Tower of London Articles
The Ultimate Tower of London Video Guide – 8 min
The Tower of London gets over 3 million visitors each year and is one of the top things to see in London. In this video, we give you the formula on how to maximize your time in the Tower of London. There are so many great stories to hear and even the Crown Jewels are located there. If you want to learn about the legends and true history of England , you don’t want to miss this The Ultimate Tower of London Video Guide. Host: Angel Castellanos, Travel Journalist https://youtu.be/2-LDmIMSBL4?si=wUGQwjLKj9Q_bQVS
Continue Reading The Ultimate Tower of London Video Guide – 8 min
Is Visiting the TOWER OF LONDON Worth it?
Choosing what to see in London can be a tough call. But let’s be real—The Tower of London is a must. It’s one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, and for good reason. We’re talking about one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world, plus it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Millions of people flock to it every year, and for good reason. So, if you’re on the fence about whether it’s worth your time, stick around—we’ll set you straight. Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip…
Is a Tour of Tower of London Worth It?
Is the Tower of London worth your time? Hell yes. Who doesn’t love a bit of dark history—torture, intrigue, and royal drama? If you’re heading to London, you’re probably wondering: Should I explore it on my own or bite the bullet and book a tour? With millions flocking here every year, this place is a no-brainer. In this article, I’ll explain why a guided tour is the way to go. Trust me, it’s totally worth it. Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post…
How to Visit the Tower of London: Tickets, Tours & Tips
You could wander in blind and hope the Crown Jewels queue isn’t an hour long—or you could read this How to Visit the Tower of London guide. We’ll show you how to dodge the crowds, decode the bloody lore, and emerge three hours later feeling like you’ve conquered Britain’s most storied stronghold.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-LDmIMSBL4&list=PLRjnHWzQqNlNq3-f92Lk4p-z0luTqajVP&index=2 Visiting the Tower of London The Tower of London has worn many hats: royal palace, prison, armory, treasury, and even a zoo. Built by William the Conqueror in 1078, it quickly became a symbol of power…Continue Reading How to Visit the Tower of London: Tickets, Tours & Tips
