Tower of London
Greater London, England
Photo: [Duncan] from Nottingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Panoramic_view_from_Tower_of_London.jpg: MatthiasKabel derivative work: Nev1 (ta, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Rachelle Haun, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Royal Palaces
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- London Fenchurch Street, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Crown Jewels; Yeoman Warder tours
Pinpoint
London EC3N 4AB
Telephone 0333 320 6000
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
Founded by William the Conqueror after 1066, the Tower has served as royal palace, prison, treasury and execution site across nearly a thousand years - and it's the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders' guided tours that reviewers consistently rate as the highlights of an enormous site. This is one of the most visited paid attractions in Britain, so it draws serious crowds.
At a glance
Who to know
William the Conqueror · founded the Tower after 1066
Worth the trip
The Crown Jewels - reviewers across the board call seeing them in person genuinely spectacular, moving walkway and all.
Before you go
Book tickets online in advance; reviewers say the queues without pre-booked tickets can be long, and it's easy to lose half a day here, so arrive early if you want to see everything without rushing.
What visitors say
Tower of London reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 120,472 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently rate the Crown Jewels and the Beefeater tours as the unmissable highlights, with several specifically recommending booking tickets in advance and allowing at least 2.5-3 hours to see everything properly.
Multiple reviewers note the tickets are expensive but feel it's worth the cost, and one flags that the site isn't very pram-friendly and the White Tower involves a lot of steps.
“Awesome experience. Love the virtual tour. Amazing architecture. The Crown jewels are truly something to behold, just mind blowing. Also loved touring the armory. "Can you build something that will last 1000 years".”- Jason Reeson, visitor review
Within reach of London (2 miles), Southend-on-Sea (34 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
William the Conqueror · 1066 (founded); White Tower 1078
Founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest, the Tower of London served as royal palace, treasury, and prison across nearly 1,000 years. William the Conqueror built the White Tower in 1078, and successive monarchs expanded its defences and facilities to control the country's power base.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- How long to allow
- “I would say you would need three hours or more if you want to see everything properly and have a small rest.” - Prashant Shukla
- Terrain & accessibility
- “White tower is an experience but it consists of 100s of steps which is challenging for disabled or family with children.” - Prashant Shukla
- Facilities
- “Food trucks are also located right outside with a few picnic benches to grab a quick bite afterwards.” - Nicole Brickus
For your visit
As an Amazon Associate we keep the site funded from qualifying purchases. More on how this works →
gear
HappyPicnic Wicker Picnic Basket (Willow Storage Hamper Service Gift Set)
A willow hamper with a full fitted service set inside - the kind of basket that makes the picnic itself part of the day out, not just lunch. A good fit for a full day exploring Tower of London.
Find it on Amazon
gear
wearPro Polarised Pilot/Aviator Sunglasses, Ultralight
A classic aviator shape in an ultralight metal frame - an easy everyday pair that also happens to be polarised for a bright day on the battlements. Good cover during a walk round the grounds on a bright day.
Find it on Amazon
gear
SMALLRIG Selfie Stick Tripod with Phone Clamp for Action Camera (5403)
A sturdier build from a proper camera-gear brand, aimed at action cameras with a phone clamp included - suits anyone filming while walking the grounds rather than just posing for one photo. Keeps things to hand during a day out in Greater London.
Find it on Amazon
gear
Columbia Women's Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boots
A cushioned, waterproof mid-rise boot with a strong track record for all-day comfort - suits a site with grass banks, uneven steps and no shortage of walking. Solid underfoot for a 4.7-star day out.
Find it on AmazonCommon questions about Tower of London
Where is Tower of London?
Tower of London is in Greater London, England, at London EC3N 4AB.
Do you need a ticket to visit Tower of London?
Yes - Tower of London is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Royal Palaces. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Tower of London?
The Crown Jewels - reviewers across the board call seeing them in person genuinely spectacular, moving walkway and all.
Is Tower of London a ruin or still intact?
Tower of London is largely intact - Crown Jewels; Yeoman Warder tours.
