Tower of London tickets: Crown Jewels and a first-visit plan

From Norman fortress to royal landmark

William the Conqueror began the great stone tower in the 1070s to establish royal power over London. Later monarchs enlarged the defences and added palace accommodation, creating the complex of walls and towers visitors explore today.

The Tower has been a royal residence, prison, armoury and home to the Royal Mint. Its history reaches beyond the famous executions: look for the spaces where people lived, worked and protected the monarch’s possessions.

Why visit the Tower of London?

Choose the Tower for a mix of architecture, royal objects and storytelling in one substantial visit. The Crown Jewels are the main draw for many visitors, but the White Tower and the grounds give the day its sense of place.

Our suggestion is to treat this as your main morning or afternoon activity. A rushed stop leaves little room for an exhibition queue or a talk that catches your interest. If your group prefers a short indoor attraction, the walking and outdoor sections are worth factoring into your plans.

Tickets and entry options

Standard admission suits visitors who want to explore independently. The early-access option adds the Opening Ceremony, a short introduction and an audio guide app. Both include the Tower visit; neither is a private guided tour throughout the site.

General admission includes the scheduled Yeoman Warder tours. Check the day’s tour information when you arrive. Online booking does not remove security checks or queues inside the fortress.

Ticket prices and choosing an option

Select your date and visitor category on the ticket page for the current price. Compare the total for your whole group, especially if you are deciding whether the Opening Ceremony and audio guide are worth the extra cost.

Concession and child tickets have eligibility requirements. Bring any required proof, and read the cancellation conditions for the option you choose. The London catalogue contains other attractions and packages; use the direct links above for these two Tower experiences.

Opening hours and last entry

Opening times vary by date. The official calendar for 3 October 2026 shows 09:00–17:30, with last entry at 16:30; Sunday 4 October opens at 10:00. Use the date selector for your visit rather than assuming the same hours apply every day.

An early-access booking has its own meeting time before normal admission. Leave enough time for the whole visit before closing; last admission is too late for a leisurely look around.

Address and how to get there

The address is Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, on the north bank of the Thames. Tower Hill station, served by the District and Circle lines, is about five minutes away on foot. Tower Pier is beside the entrance for arrivals by riverboat.

For early access, the listed meeting point is the Official Ticket Office, Tower of London, 2 Tower Hill. Follow your final confirmation for the precise time and instructions. Leave a comfortable margin for the walk from the station.

What to see inside

Start with the Crown Jewels if they are your main priority, then make room for the White Tower. The displays, historic rooms and imposing stonework offer very different experiences, so alternate close-looking with time outside.

Add the Medieval Palace, battlements and ravens as your time and energy allow. A Yeoman Warder tour can help connect the buildings with the people who lived and were imprisoned here. Our suggested route is a starting point; use the day’s visitor map for open areas and tour locations.

Entry rules and practical tips

Bags are checked at entry. Large bags, suitcases and rolling luggage are not allowed, and there is no luggage storage. Admission permits one entry, so finish your visit before heading out for a meal.

Photography is not permitted in the Jewel House. Elsewhere, follow the signs; tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited. Historic stairs and uneven surfaces can make some routes difficult, so consult the access information if anyone in your group needs step-free options.

• Wear shoes with a good grip.
• Save your ticket before leaving your accommodation.
• Bring headphones if you choose the audio-guide option.
• Choose a few priority stops with children, then keep the rest flexible.

How long should you allow?

Our suggestion is three to four hours for a first visit, including time for the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and a tour or extra exhibition. Allow longer if your group likes to read displays in detail.

Keep the next reservation well after your planned finish. A relaxed lunch and a riverside walk are easier to adjust than another tightly timed attraction.

Winter tips

Plan the Tower during the earlier part of your day and check the calendar for your exact date. A short winter afternoon is easier to enjoy when you have already seen your main indoor priorities.

Bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket: moving between buildings means spending time outside. Take care on wet stone, and keep the walk by the Thames afterwards optional if the weather turns. With children, a shorter route and a warm break can work better than trying to cover every tower.

Tower of London ticket questions