Tower of London: Historic Fortress and Royal Palace
Explore the Tower of London, a historic fortress and royal palace guarding centuries of British history and the dazzling Crown Jewels.
The Tower of London, an iconic historic fortress and former royal palace, stands on the north bank of the River Thames in London. Famous for housing the Crown Jewels and its centuries-old role as a royal palace, prison, and military stronghold, it offers visitors a rich tapestry of British history, architecture, and legend. Explore its medieval walls, battlements, and exhibitions, including the Yeoman Warder tours and the famed ravens that guard the Tower.
A brief summary to Tower of London
- London, EC3N 4AB, GB
- +443333206000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early on weekdays or during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter visit.
- Join a Yeoman Warder guided tour for fascinating stories and historical insights included with your ticket.
- Allow at least three hours to explore the Crown Jewels, White Tower, battlements, and other key attractions.
- Check for any temporary closures or conservation work before your visit to plan your route accordingly.
- Consider purchasing an audio guide for a self-paced, detailed exploration available in multiple languages.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Tower Hill Station on the Circle or District lines, a 5-minute walk from the Tower. Trains run frequently from central London, with ticket prices starting around £2.50 using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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River Bus
Use the Thames Clipper river bus service to Tower Pier, located adjacent to the Tower of London. The journey from central London piers takes 15-25 minutes, with fares from £5.50. Services operate daily but check schedules for peak times.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Black cabs and ride-hailing apps provide direct access to the Tower. Travel times vary from 15 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares starting around £10-£20 from central London.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, a scenic 20-30 minute walk along the Thames Path from London Bridge or the City offers an accessible and pleasant route with flat terrain.
Tower of London location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Tower of London
Legacy of Royal Power and Defense
The Tower of London has served as a symbol of royal authority and military strength since its founding in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Originally built as a Norman fortress, its imposing White Tower remains the centerpiece, showcasing medieval architecture and royal armory. Over the centuries, it evolved into a royal palace, a treasury, and a notorious prison, witnessing pivotal moments in British history including imprisonments and executions of high-profile figures.The Crown Jewels and Ceremonial Traditions
The Tower is home to the dazzling Crown Jewels, a collection of royal regalia including crowns, sceptres, and the historic Coronation Spoon. Displayed in the Waterloo Barracks, these treasures symbolize the monarchy’s continuity and grandeur. Visitors can also experience the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly ritual securing the fortress, which has been performed for over 700 years, preserving centuries-old traditions.Architectural and Cultural Richness
Beyond the White Tower, the complex includes the Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower, and the battlements offering panoramic views of London. The Tower’s architecture reflects layers of history, from Norman stonework to Tudor additions. The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, serve as ceremonial guardians and storytellers, sharing captivating tales of intrigue, imprisonment, and royal drama. The resident ravens add to the Tower’s mystique, believed to protect the kingdom’s fate.Visitor Experience and Exhibitions
Visitors can explore numerous exhibitions such as the Fusilier Museum and the Royal Mint, alongside the Torture at the Tower display, revealing the fortress’s darker past. The Tower’s grounds include green spaces perfect for breaks, with cafés and gift shops enhancing the visit. Guided tours by Yeoman Warders run hourly, providing engaging narratives that bring the Tower’s history vividly to life.Conservation and Seasonal Access
The Tower undergoes ongoing conservation to preserve its historic fabric, with some areas occasionally closed for maintenance. Opening hours vary seasonally, generally from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM in summer and slightly shorter in winter. Visitors are advised to check for temporary closures and special events, including gun salutes and festive ceremonies, which add unique layers to the experience.Setting and Significance in Modern London
Situated on the Thames waterfront, the Tower offers iconic views of London’s skyline and Tower Bridge. It remains a vibrant cultural landmark, blending its medieval heritage with contemporary tourism. The Tower of London stands not only as a monument to British history but also as a living museum, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the stories that shaped a nation.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.0 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
Wakefield Tower
0.1 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.2 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
London Wall
0.2 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.2 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Custom House
0.5 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Lloyd's of London
0.7 km
A high-tech architectural masterpiece blending tradition and innovation in the heart of London’s financial district.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.7 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
0.8 km
Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
0.8 km
A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
London Bridge
0.8 km
Historic London Bridge, a vital Thames crossing blending centuries of engineering with modern urban life.
The Shard
0.8 km
Experience London’s tallest landmark with breathtaking 360-degree views, luxury dining, and iconic cityscapes from The Shard’s sky-high observation decks.
St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
0.8 km
Medieval dual-nave church with 800+ years of history, royal relics, and remarkable resilience.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
0.9 km
Affordable comfort in the heart of East London, steps from Liverpool Street station and vibrant city attractions.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.9 km
Discover London's haunting past at The London Bridge Experience, where history and thrills meet in an unforgettable adventure.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Crown Jewels
0.1 km
Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.
Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
0.1 km
Historic Tudor chapel within the Tower of London, resting place of executed royalty and a vibrant parish church for over 500 years.
Lanthorn Tower
0.1 km
Step into the Lanthorn Tower to explore the medieval royal lodgings and rich history of the Tower of London’s riverside palace.
Tower of London Ice Rink
0.1 km
Skate in the historic moat of London’s iconic Tower of London for a magical winter experience surrounded by medieval walls and festive cheer.
Tower Hill
0.2 km
Historic Tower Hill offers a captivating blend of medieval heritage, iconic landmarks, and vibrant riverside charm in the heart of London.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.2 km
A captivating bronze sundial near Tower Hill station, telling London’s 2,000-year history through intricate carvings and offering stunning views of the Tower of London.
Gunpowder Plot: The Immersive Experience
0.2 km
Immerse yourself in the thrilling 1605 Gunpowder Plot with live actors, authentic vaults, and cutting-edge VR at Tower Hill Vaults.
8-12 Tower Hill
0.2 km
Historic Tower Hill in London, where ancient walls meet iconic landmarks and vibrant riverside life unfolds.
Trinity Square Gardens
0.2 km
A quiet City garden on the site of Tower Hill’s scaffold, home to the Tower Hill Memorial and framed by historic architecture and views of the Tower of London.
Trinity Square
0.3 km
A dignified London square where imperial architecture, ancient walls, and solemn memorials meet beside the Tower of London.
Trinity House
0.3 km
Discover the rich maritime heritage at Trinity House, London's historic center for navigation and seamanship, featuring stunning architecture and captivating exhibits.
All Hallows by the Tower
0.3 km
Discover London's oldest church, a historic gem beside the Tower, where Roman, Saxon, and medieval layers tell tales of resilience and heritage.
Tower Bridge
0.3 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
St Katharine Docks Marina
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant St Katharine Docks Marina, a picturesque destination in London offering dining, shopping, and stunning riverside views.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
0.4 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill offering seasonal classics and craft ales in a setting steeped in London's dramatic past.
Essential places to dine
La Dame de Pic London
0.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
0.6 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Restaurant Story
0.6 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.8 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
George
1.1 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.1 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Madison
1.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Nomadic community
1.7 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lyle's
1.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.9 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
The Clove Club
2.1 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
2.1 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Sea Containers Restaurant
2.2 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
St. John
2.2 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.2 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.2 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Middlesex Textiles
0.9 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Petticoat Lane Market
0.9 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
The Royal Exchange
1.0 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Borough Yards
1.1 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Fashion St
1.2 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
1 Poultry
1.2 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Commercial St
1.2 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Bermondsey Antique Market
1.2 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Spitalfields Market
1.3 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
Sclater Street Market
1.4 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
DPUS Designer Outlet
1.4 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
1.4 km
Explore the UK’s largest underground vintage market, where fashion history meets East London creativity and every visit promises a unique find.
The Truman Brewery Markets
1.5 km
Historic brewery turned vibrant markets on Brick Lane, offering vintage treasures, global street food, and creative culture in East London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.7 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Bootlegger
0.7 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.7 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
0.8 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
The Bell
0.9 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.0 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.0 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.1 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.1 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
1.1 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.2 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
The Old School Yard
1.2 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Aviary
1.7 km
Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Old Street
1.7 km
A vibrant and stylish cocktail bar in London’s Old Street area, known for creative drinks and a lively urban atmosphere.
Flight Club Shoreditch
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant social darts scene with great food, cocktails, and fun at Flight Club Shoreditch in East London.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
E1
1.0 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
The Steel Yard
1.0 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
The Hoxton Pony
1.9 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Ministry of Sound
2.0 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
XOYO LONDON
2.0 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Trafik
2.1 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Corsica Studios
2.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.3 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
London Best Night Clubs
2.5 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Club 701
2.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.8 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.9 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
Proud Late
2.9 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
3.2 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Lively
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Skyline
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly