Tower of London and the Crown Jewels

What it is and why it matters

The Tower of London is a castle beside the Thames that William the Conqueror began to build at the end of 1066, just after conquering England. It has been a fortress, a prison and even a menagerie, and since 1988 it has been a World Heritage Site. Today it holds the British Crown Jewels, which is what most people come to see. It is run by Historic Royal Palaces.

What you see

• The tour with a Yeoman Warder. The Yeoman Warders, the "beefeaters", are the Tower's uniformed guards. They act as guides and tell its history with humour. The usual thing is to start the visit with them and carry on afterwards on your own. Children are hooked.
• The Crown Jewels. They have been displayed in the Jewel House since 1967. Go first thing or at the end of the day, when there are fewer people.
• The White Tower. The central keep, believed to have been started in 1078 on William's orders.
• Traitors' Gate. The old river entrance, in St Thomas's Tower, from 1275–1279.
• The Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula and the place of executions. Anne Boleyn, executed in 1536, is buried here.
• The ravens. An old tradition says that if the Tower's six ravens leave, the Tower will fall and the monarchy with it. That is why there are always ravens.
• The menagerie. The Tower had royal animals from at least the 1330s; hence the name of the Lion Tower.

Allow at least half a day: three hours to see the main sights without rushing.

Tickets

• Adults: £38.
• Ages 5 to 15: £19, with an adult. Ages 16 and 17, £19.
• Concession: £29.50.
• Under 5s: free.

These are the prices public listings gave in mid-2026; the official Historic Royal Palaces website has the price for the day, which may change. Buy online in advance: at Easter, in July and August and in the October holidays, tickets sell out days ahead.

Opening hours

Open every day. According to the published hours, 9:00 to 17:30, with last entry at 16:30; some guides give shorter hours in winter. Check the hours for the day on the official website before you go.

Getting there

The address is Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB. The Tube station is Tower Hill. You can also arrive by Uber Boat, which stops at Tower pier. Pay with contactless or Oyster, as we explain in Oyster and contactless.

With children

From about 6 years old they enjoy it: uniformed guards, ravens, jewels and a story of prisoners. With a pushchair, bear in mind that a medieval castle has stairs; check the accessibility information from Historic Royal Palaces. Bring something warm: a good part of the visit is outdoors.

Combine it

Tower Bridge is next door. The Sky Garden is less than ten minutes' walk: book the ascent for after the Tower. Across the river, Borough Market for lunch.