Tower of London Guide & Reviews (2026)
Visiting the Tower of London is an absolute must for history lovers travelling to the capital. This 1000-year-old fortress has served as royal palace, prison and home to the Crown Jewels. Understanding the Tower of London ticket prices, knowing where to find convenient London parking, and discovering the best nearby spots will help you plan a completely stress-free day out.
Tower of London at a Glance
Essential Visit Information
Time Needed
3 - 4 Hours
Completed
1078
Best For
History & Crown Jewels
Tower of London Address & Location
Getting here
Address & Navigation
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, a short walk from Tower Bridge. For sat nav, use EC3N 4AB.
Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Venue enquiries: +44 20 3166 6000
A Brief History of the Tower
From Norman fortress to royal treasure house
Norman Origins
Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror as the White Tower to assert Norman power over London.
Palace and Prison
Expanded into a concentric castle and used as a royal residence, mint and notorious prison for over 800 years.
Crown Jewels Home
Since the 17th century it has safeguarded the Crown Jewels, seen by millions each year.
Is the Tower of London Expensive?
Trav's Wallet Score
TRAV’S WALLET SCORE:
(Note: For the 'How Expensive' rating, the lower the number, the cheaper it is!)
Squawk! It is one of the pricier London attractions but the Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warder stories make it unforgettable. You can admire the exterior and ravens from Tower Hill for free.
Pricing & Entry Tickets
Standard admission rates
Typical Admission Rates
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on the door. Advance online booking is strongly recommended especially during school holidays and peak summer months.
*We don't get any commission if you click this button.
Discounts and Offers
Ways to save on your visit
HRP Membership
Historic Royal Palaces members enjoy free entry to the Tower and the other palaces all year round.
London Pass
The London Pass includes entry and often saves money if you are visiting several paid attractions.
Concessions & £1 Tickets
Seniors, students and those on certain benefits can access reduced or £1 tickets with proof.
Who Should Visit?
Is it right for your itinerary?
WHO WILL LOVE IT
WHO MIGHT HATE IT
Visiting With Kids
Is the fortress family-friendly?
Raven Spotting
Turn the visit into a raven hunt. The birds are huge and very characterful up close.
Yeoman Warder Tours
The Beefeaters tell stories with brilliant humour that even young children love.
Interactive Areas
The White Tower and battlements have plenty of space for little legs to explore safely.
What to See Inside
Highlights of the fortress
Crown Jewels
The dazzling collection of crowns and regalia is breathtaking. The first glimpse under the lights never fails to impress.
White Tower
The oldest part of the fortress with its massive Norman walls and displays of armour and weapons.
The Ravens
Meet the famous guardians of the Tower. Their stare-downs and cheeky personalities are unforgettable.
Peak Crowd Heatmap
When to expect the biggest queues
🟢 Early Mornings
Peaceful Start. Arriving at opening lets you see the Crown Jewels with shorter queues.
🔴 Midday Rush
High Energy. Between 11:00 and 14:00 the site gets very busy, especially at weekends.
🟡 Late Afternoons
A Gentle Buzz. Crowds ease after 15:00, perfect for a relaxed wander before closing.
Trav’s Insider Hack: Arrive Early
“Squawk! Get there for opening and head straight to the Crown Jewels. The queues are shortest then and you will have the battlements almost to yourself for those perfect Tower Bridge photos.”
How Close Is It? (Distance Matrix)
Walking times from major landmarks
🌉 Tower Bridge
🚶 5 mins
(Cross the bridge for iconic photos)
🏛️ St Paul's Cathedral
🚶 25 mins
(Or quick tube ride)
🎡 London Eye
🚶 40 mins
(Or Thames Clipper boat from Tower Pier)
Best Areas to Stay Near the Tower of London
Top neighbourhoods for venue access
Tower Hill / City of London
Extremely convenient. Step out of your hotel and you are at the gates in minutes.
South Bank
Stunning river views and easy Thames Clipper access straight to Tower Pier.
Shoreditch / Liverpool Street
Vibrant area with great bars and restaurants, only a short tube ride away.
London Parking Information
Where to leave your car
Nearest Car Parks (Postcodes)
The Tower itself has no public parking and the area is in the Congestion Charge Zone. Nearby options:
Blue Badge parking available nearby. Check the Congestion Charge and ULEZ rules before driving in.
Other Attractions Near Tower of London
Explore more sights in London
Traveller Reviews
What did you think of the Tower?
No reviews yet. Be the first to leave one!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers for your visit
