If London had a place where royal drama, dark history and iconic city views all came together, it would be the Tower of London. Sitting right on the River Thames, this nearly 1,000-year-old fortress has been a royal palace, prison, fortress, treasury and even a royal zoo. Today, it’s one of London’s must-see attractions and definitely more exciting than your average history museum. Think crowns, castles, ravens, secret stories and plenty of royal intrigue.
The official visitor guidance recommends allowing at least 2–3 hours, although history lovers could easily spend much longer here.
📍Getting There?
The Tower is wonderfully easy to reach and sits in Zone 1, making it an easy addition to a central London day.
– By Underground: Your best bet is Tower Hill Station, served by the Circle and District lines. From the station it’s only a short walk to the entrance.
– By train: Fenchurch Street is very close by, while London Bridge is another good option if you’re planning to explore the area around Borough Market and Tower Bridge afterwards.
– By DLR: Get off at Tower Gateway, which is right next to the Tower Hill area.
– By boat: For a much more London-style arrival, take a Thames river boat to Tower Pier. Arriving on the river with the Tower and Tower Bridge around you is a pretty spectacular way to start your visit.
Travel-blog tip: If you have the time, arrive by boat and then walk along the Thames towards London Bridge afterwards. It makes for a fantastic half-day adventure.
💶 Price:
Ticket prices vary depending on the date and ticket type, so it’s worth checking the official website before booking.
Because the Tower is one of London’s biggest attractions, booking ahead is a smart move, especially during weekends, school holidays and summer.
Good to know: the famous Ceremony of the Keys, the traditional evening locking-up ceremony of the Tower, requires a separate ticket.
🕘 Opening Hours:
The Tower has seasonal opening hours.
From 1 March until 31 October:
– Sunday–Monday: 10:00–17:30
– Tuesday–Saturday: 09:00–17:30
Last admission: 17:00
From 1 November until 28 February:
– Sunday–Monday: 10:00–16:30
– Tuesday–Saturday: 09:00–16:30
Last admission: 16:00
The Tower is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January. Opening hours can change, so always double-check before heading out.
🧐 Tips & Tricks:
– Go straight to the Crown Jewels: One of the most popular parts of the Tower is also one of the easiest places to encounter crowds. Visiting earlier in the day can make the experience more relaxed.Don’t skip the Beefeater tour: This is one of those attractions where the guide can completely change the experience. The stories make the stones and towers come alive, and add plenty of personality to the visit.
– Arrive early: Especially in summer and during school holidays, queues can form. Give yourself some breathing room rather than squeezing the Tower into a tight schedule.
– Wear comfy shoes: This is a medieval fortress, not a shopping mall. Expect cobblestones, stairs, narrow passages and uneven surfaces. Comfortable shoes are definitely your friend.
– Explore the riverside: Don’t spend your entire visit inside the walls. Walk around the riverside section for some great views of the Thames and Tower Bridge.
– Find the ravens: Keep an eye out for the Tower’s famous feathered residents. They’re one of those quirky details that make the Tower feel uniquely British.
– Want something extra special: Check out the Ceremony of the Keys. It’s a historic evening tradition and a very different experience from a normal daytime visit.
– Travel light: Security checks are part of the experience, so a small day bag will make getting through the entrance easier.
🎯 Don’t Miss Nearby:
The real beauty of visiting the Tower is that you’re already in one of the coolest areas of central London. Don’t just visit the Tower and head straight back to the Tube.
– Tower Bridge: The obvious and absolutely essential pairing. Walk across the iconic bridge, take your camera out and enjoy one of London’s most recognisable views.
If you have time, visit the inside of Tower Bridge too, including its elevated walkways and historic engine rooms.
– St Katharine Docks (About 5–10 minutes on foot): Just behind the Tower you’ll find this much calmer little corner of London. Historic warehouses, boats, cafés and restaurants make it a lovely place for a coffee or relaxed lunch.
– Borough Market (Around 20 minutes on foot): Cross Tower Bridge and continue towards London Bridge to reach one of London’s best-known food markets.
It’s the perfect place to turn your historical morning into a proper foodie afternoon.
– HMS Belfast (Around 15–20 minutes on foot): For more history, head along the Thames to HMS Belfast, the historic warship permanently moored on the river.
It’s a great choice if you’re into military history, ships or unusual London attractions.
– The Shard (Around 20–25 minutes on foot): Fancy swapping medieval London for skyline views? Head towards The Shard around London Bridge and finish the day with one of the city’s most impressive panoramas.
– St Dunstan in the East (A short walk away): One of London’s coolest hidden gems. The atmospheric ruins of a former church have been transformed into a little urban garden, with trees and greenery growing through the old stone walls.
Happy Roundtrip 