Visiting the Tower of London: What every visitor should know

What’s inside the Tower of London?

The Tower of London is spread over 18 acres, with plenty to see and do across the castle complex. Occasionally, parts of the Tower are closed for conservation work, so always check the Historic Royal Palaces website for up-to-date information before you visit.

Here’s a sneak peek at the highlights.

The Crown Jewels

The Tower of London Crown Jewels have been kept under armed guard in the Tower since 1661. Today, visitors can marvel at this glittering collection of 23,578 gemstones, including the Imperial State Crown, in the Tower’s Jewel House.

The Beefeater Tours

The Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters, run engaging guided tours of the Tower of London every 45 minutes throughout the day. During a tour, you’ll be privy to insider stories and dark tales from the Tower’s past that aren’t found in any guidebooks. These tours are included in the price of admission and shouldn’t be missed.

The White Tower

The White Tower is the original Norman fortress at the heart of the complex. Today, this impressive building houses the Royal Armoury, a family-friendly exhibition showcasing the royal armour of Henry VIII, Charles I, James II, and more.

Medieval Palace

The splendour of the Medieval Palace is a welcome break from some of the Tower’s darker history. Here, you can step into the world of Medieval royalty, with richly decorated rooms, sumptuous fabrics, ornate wall hangings, and grand fireplaces.

The Ravens

According to legend, the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave it. To this day, six ravens are kept at the Tower, lovingly cared for by the Ravenmaster and admired by all who visit.

Tower Green and the Scaffold Site

Tower Green has a morbidly fascinating history as the Tower of London’s public execution site. Among those executed here were Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, two of Henry VIII’s wives.

What to expect when visiting the Tower of London and Crown Jewels

Knowing what to expect during your visit to the Tower of London can help you plan and prepare for a stress-free day.

Security checks: For visitor safety, security checks are carried out on arrival. This may involve a bag search and metal detectors.
Suitcases and large bags are not permitted: Large bags and backpacks are not allowed in the Tower, and there are no left luggage or locker facilities available, so it’s best to travel light.
Cobblestones and uneven ground: The Tower is a historic site with cobbled paths and steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended, and pushchair access is limited.
Timed entry: Your ticket will be for a specific time slot, and you can arrive at any time within your slot. This helps to manage visitor numbers and ensure the Tower never gets too crowded.
Queues: During busy periods, particularly the summer months, there may be queues for certain areas, particularly the Crown Jewels.

Top Attractions within walking distance of the Tower of London

The Tower of London sits in a scenic location on the bank of the River Thames, right next to Tower Bridge. There are plenty more tourist attractions to see just a short walk away, so why not make a full day of it?

Tower Bridge (2-minute walk)

Located right next to the Tower of London, you’ll find the city’s iconic Tower Bridge. You can walk across the bridge for free or pay to visit the exhibition inside and enjoy panoramic views of London from high up on the Bridge’s glass walkways.

HMS Belfast (10-minute walk)

The HMS Belfast is a decommissioned and restored WWII warship moored on the Thames. The warship has been transformed into an immersive museum, where you can step back in time and get a feel for life at sea during wartime.

Borough Market (20-minute walk)

Bustling Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets, serving up everything from international street food to fresh flaky pastries. It’s a must-see for foodies or anyone feeling a little peckish after a busy morning sightseeing.

The Shard (15-minute walk)

For picture-perfect 360-degree views across London, head up The Shard in a high-speed lift to the open-air Skydeck on Level 72, the highest viewpoint in the UK. Then, enjoy a drink while soaking up the skyline at one of the high-end restaurants or bars on Level 69.

St Katherine Docks (7-minute walk)

And when you’ve had enough of the crowds? Head over to the historic marina at St Katharine Docks to decompress with a coffee at a waterside café.

Getting to the Tower of London from Heathrow

Getting to the Tower of London from Heathrow is pretty straightforward and can be done in about 50 minutes. Your journey will take you into the heart of the city, so you can spot some of London’s most iconic landmarks along the way.

The fastest and most convenient way to get from Heathrow to Central London is to hop on the Heathrow Express. The train is direct, comfortable, and takes just 15 minutes. Kids aged 15 and under travel for free.

Once you reach Paddington, you have a couple of options:

Fastest route: Take the Circle or District line directly to Tower Hill station.
Scenic route: If you’re not in a rush, why not take a Thames River boat to the Tower? From Paddington, take the Circle or District line to Embankment. At Embankment Pier you can board a boat to Tower Millennium Pier, right next to the Tower of London.

Travelling by boat takes longer, but it’s a unique way to see more of the city. You’ll pass landmarks like the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge along the way.

Book your Heathrow Express tickets

Tips for getting the most out of your visit to the Tower of London

Visiting the Tower of London for the first time? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience.

Book tickets in advance: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly if you plan to visit during the summer months when tourist attractions in London are very busy.
Check for closures before visiting: If there’s a particular part of the Tower that you’re eager to see, always check online for closures before visiting. Occasionally, certain areas are temporarily unavailable because of conservation work.
Visit outside of peak times if possible: Weekday mornings are typically the quietest time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
Arrive early: Aim to arrive 15-20 minutes before your time slot to allow for queues and security checks.
Join a Beefeater tour: The Beefeater tours are included in the price of entry and help to bring the history of the Tower alive – if you’re visiting with older kids, the tour can help to keep the whole family engaged.
Allow enough time: Allow 3 to 4 hours to get around the whole grounds – there’s more to see than most people realise.
Wear comfortable shoes: In some areas, the floor is uneven, cobbled, and slippery when wet, so make sure you’re wearing flat, comfortable shoes.