Tower of London
Who would not be fascinated by a close-up look at the crown of Queen Victoria or the armour of King Henry VIII
The buildings of the Tower span 900 years of history and the bastions and battlements house a series of interactive displays on the lives of British monarch.
Is it any wonder that the Tower Of London is the nation's leading historic visitor attraction? This ancient fortress was founded by William the Conqueror and almost 1,000 years of British history have been played out within its walls.
It was here that Anne Boleyn was excecuted. Guy Fawkes interrogated. Richard IIand Elizabeth I incarcerated and the "Princes in the Tower" disappeared without trace.
The Tower is an impressive London landmark.
Discover the secrets that lie within its walls, marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the site where three English queens were beheaded and explore the myths and legends that make a visit to The Tower a fantastic day out.
The Crown Jewels
Gain a fascinating insight into the role of the Crown Jewels in royal pageantry with introductory films which include rare colour footage of HM Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
Once inside the Treasury, marvel at the Imperial State Crown worn at the State Opening of Parliament and be dazzled by the world's largest, top-quality cut diamond, Cullinan I, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre.
The Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to answer any questions about this priceless collection. Learn more about the history of the Crown Jewels in the Crown and Diamonds exhibition in the Martin Tower.
Martin Tower
This tower used to be known as the jewel tower as the Crown Jewels were displayed here for 200 years.
Today, it houses the "Crowns and Diamonds" exhibition based on the making of the Crown Jewels.
Martin Tower was used as the Jewel Tower since 1669. The Keeper of the Regalia and his family lived in the upper storeys, and the Jewels were displayed on the ground floor.
Did you know that the first Keeper of the Regalia was Talbot Edwards who was unfortunate enough to have been struck on the head and bound by Colonel Blood in 1671 during a failed attempt to steal the Jewels?
The Crowns and Diamonds exhibition tells the story of the English royal crowns and some of their most famous stones.
The Jewel House Shop is on the ground floor.
Yeoman Warder 'Beefeater' Tours
Nobody knows more about the history of The Tower than the Yeoman Warders and no visit is complete without joining one of their tours.
Having guarded this royal palace and fortress for centuries they will captivate you with amazing stories, passed on from generation to generation, and guide you to the infamous Traitors' Gate and the execution site. They'll also give you the unique opportunity to visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, final resting place of those executed inside The Tower.
Tours are held throughout the day.
The White Tower
The first stones of this imposing structure were laid around 1078 by order of William the Conqueror. Its mighty walls are now home to displays from the Royal armouries including original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I plus a reconstructed display of the massive collection of weapons once housed in the Grand Storehouse.
Visit the 'Spanish Armoury' which contains The Tower's historic instruments of torture, including the infamous block and axe, and then pause for a more peaceful moment in the beautifully preserved 11th century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
Torture At The Tower
Visit the new exhibition in the Lower Wakefield Tower. See a range of replica torture instruments used in past centuries on unfortunate prisoners and learn more about the victims and torturers with interactive touch screens.
Ravens
The Ravens are one of The Tower's most famous sights.
These magnificent birds have lived within its walls for hundreds of years and legend has it - that, if they leave, the kingdom will fall.
Look out for these unique guardians around The Tower and make sure you visit their lodgings.
Some interesting facts about the Tower
The original name of the towers is "Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, The Tower of London".
The Tower was never supposed to be a prison. Originally the Tower was built as a Royal Palace and defensive fortress. But because discovered that the Tower was a good fortress to keep the people out they figured out that it also can be good for keeping the people in – so they used it as a Prison.
The Towers is officially still a royal residence of Her Majesty. That is why the queen still has a house onsite called The Queen’s/King’s House which she/he could still use if wished.
One of the most important place in the Tower is Jewel House where the Queen’s Guard looks after The Crown Jewels which value is estimated at £ 250 billion.
Every evening, at exactly 9:53pm a Ceremony of the keys takes place to look the Tower of London. An armed escort of the Queen’s Guards set off with the Chief Yeoman Warder to lock all the gates. At one point, one sentry at a post issues a challenge to the escort by saying, "HALT!, Who comes there?" to which the Chief Warder replies, "The Keys", the sentry then says "whose keys?" – the escort then responds "Queen Elizabeth’s Keys", the sentry then allows the escort to pass by saying "Pass Queen Elizabeth’s Keys, and all is well" – this has happened every day for hundreds of years without fail. It is the oldest military ceremony in the world!
Yeoman Warders at the Tower are selected for their meritorious service in the Armed Forces. To qualify they must have completed 22 years of service in the Forces.
The uniforms of the Warders is estimated to cost over £ 7.000 each. The price is so high because each uniform includes the gold thread.
Who would not be fascinated by a close-up look at the crown of Queen Victoria or the armour of King Henry VIII
The buildings of the Tower span 900 years of history and the bastions and battlements house a series of interactive displays on the lives of British monarch.
Is it any wonder that the Tower Of London is the nation's leading historic visitor attraction? This ancient fortress was founded by William the Conqueror and almost 1,000 years of British history have been played out within its walls.
It was here that Anne Boleyn was excecuted. Guy Fawkes interrogated. Richard IIand Elizabeth I incarcerated and the "Princes in the Tower" disappeared without trace.
The Tower is an impressive London landmark.
Discover the secrets that lie within its walls, marvel at the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the site where three English queens were beheaded and explore the myths and legends that make a visit to The Tower a fantastic day out.
The Crown Jewels
Gain a fascinating insight into the role of the Crown Jewels in royal pageantry with introductory films which include rare colour footage of HM Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
Once inside the Treasury, marvel at the Imperial State Crown worn at the State Opening of Parliament and be dazzled by the world's largest, top-quality cut diamond, Cullinan I, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre.
The Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to answer any questions about this priceless collection. Learn more about the history of the Crown Jewels in the Crown and Diamonds exhibition in the Martin Tower.
Martin Tower
This tower used to be known as the jewel tower as the Crown Jewels were displayed here for 200 years.
Today, it houses the "Crowns and Diamonds" exhibition based on the making of the Crown Jewels.
Martin Tower was used as the Jewel Tower since 1669. The Keeper of the Regalia and his family lived in the upper storeys, and the Jewels were displayed on the ground floor.
Did you know that the first Keeper of the Regalia was Talbot Edwards who was unfortunate enough to have been struck on the head and bound by Colonel Blood in 1671 during a failed attempt to steal the Jewels?
The Crowns and Diamonds exhibition tells the story of the English royal crowns and some of their most famous stones.
The Jewel House Shop is on the ground floor.
Yeoman Warder 'Beefeater' Tours
Nobody knows more about the history of The Tower than the Yeoman Warders and no visit is complete without joining one of their tours.
Having guarded this royal palace and fortress for centuries they will captivate you with amazing stories, passed on from generation to generation, and guide you to the infamous Traitors' Gate and the execution site. They'll also give you the unique opportunity to visit the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, final resting place of those executed inside The Tower.
Tours are held throughout the day.
The White Tower
The first stones of this imposing structure were laid around 1078 by order of William the Conqueror. Its mighty walls are now home to displays from the Royal armouries including original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I plus a reconstructed display of the massive collection of weapons once housed in the Grand Storehouse.
Visit the 'Spanish Armoury' which contains The Tower's historic instruments of torture, including the infamous block and axe, and then pause for a more peaceful moment in the beautifully preserved 11th century Chapel of St John the Evangelist.
Torture At The Tower
Visit the new exhibition in the Lower Wakefield Tower. See a range of replica torture instruments used in past centuries on unfortunate prisoners and learn more about the victims and torturers with interactive touch screens.
Ravens
The Ravens are one of The Tower's most famous sights.
These magnificent birds have lived within its walls for hundreds of years and legend has it - that, if they leave, the kingdom will fall.
Look out for these unique guardians around The Tower and make sure you visit their lodgings.
Some interesting facts about the Tower
The original name of the towers is "Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, The Tower of London".
The Tower was never supposed to be a prison. Originally the Tower was built as a Royal Palace and defensive fortress. But because discovered that the Tower was a good fortress to keep the people out they figured out that it also can be good for keeping the people in – so they used it as a Prison.
The Towers is officially still a royal residence of Her Majesty. That is why the queen still has a house onsite called The Queen’s/King’s House which she/he could still use if wished.
One of the most important place in the Tower is Jewel House where the Queen’s Guard looks after The Crown Jewels which value is estimated at £ 250 billion.
Every evening, at exactly 9:53pm a Ceremony of the keys takes place to look the Tower of London. An armed escort of the Queen’s Guards set off with the Chief Yeoman Warder to lock all the gates. At one point, one sentry at a post issues a challenge to the escort by saying, "HALT!, Who comes there?" to which the Chief Warder replies, "The Keys", the sentry then says "whose keys?" – the escort then responds "Queen Elizabeth’s Keys", the sentry then allows the escort to pass by saying "Pass Queen Elizabeth’s Keys, and all is well" – this has happened every day for hundreds of years without fail. It is the oldest military ceremony in the world!
Yeoman Warders at the Tower are selected for their meritorious service in the Armed Forces. To qualify they must have completed 22 years of service in the Forces.
The uniforms of the Warders is estimated to cost over £ 7.000 each. The price is so high because each uniform includes the gold thread.
1
Opening time
Summer opening times
01.03. – 31.10
Tuesday – Saturday | 09.00 – 17.30
Sunday – Monday | 10.00 – 17.30
Last admission | 17.00
Winter opening times
01.03. – 31.10
Tuesday – Saturday | 09.00 – 17.30
Sunday – Monday | 10.00 – 17.30
Last admission | 17.00
All internal buildings close 30 minutes after last admission
Tickets
Adults | £ 21,45
Children (under 16 yrs.) | £ 10,75
Students, disabled visitors and over 60 | £ 18,15
Family | £ 57,20
Access
By London Underground
Nearest station: Tower Hill underground station Directions: Use District or Circle lines to Tower Hill station. Follow directional signage to the Tower. The main entrance is a five minute walk from the station.
By train
Nearest stations: Fenchurch Street or London Bridge stations From Fenchurch Street: Exit on to Mark Lane. Turn left on to Byward Street, which will lead you to Tower Hill and the Tower of London. From London Bridge: Cross the bridge over the River Thames and turn right on to Lower Thames Street. After a 15-minute walk the Tower is located on your right.
By bicycle
Cycle Racks are located on the Wharf opposite the Perkin Reveller restaurant. There are usually three bicycle stands at the Tower which are located next to the main shop. Cycles can be hired for use across the Capital.
For safety: Ensure your bicycle is secured firmly to the stand and that you do not leave personal items unattended. Please do not attach bicycles to railings along the Wharf. Any left on the Wharf will be removed.
By bus
Bus routes: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1 The Tower is also served by all major sightseeing bus tours.
By riverboat
Nearest river access: Tower Pier Directions: Riverboats for Tower Pier depart from Charing Cross, Westminster and Greenwich. Thames Clippers' fleet of hi-speed catamarans operate daily with departures every 20 minutes from both London Bridge Pier and Tower Pier. A variety of tickets are available including Single Journey and River Roamer tickets.
By car
Parking near the Tower: There is no parking at the Tower of London. The nearest coach and car park is situated on Lower Thames Street and is a 2 minute walk to the main entrance. The car park has both lift and stairs. Pedestrian walkways are clearly marked and show the direction of exit to the Tower of London and pay machines.
Disabled provision: There are several clearly marked bays.
Car and Coach parking
The closest car and coach park is managed by Apcoa Parking UK Ltd.