Visiting the Tower of London: Tickets, history, and the Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic and visited attractions in the British capital. More than just a simple tower, it is a fortified complex that has served as a royal residence, prison, mint, arsenal, and even menagerie for nearly a thousand years. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses the famous Crown Jewels. In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit: tickets, hours, history, what to see, and practical tips.
Why visit the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is not just a monument. It is a journey through English history. Here, figures such as Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, were imprisoned and executed. Here, the most precious jewels of the kingdom are kept. The famous ravens still live here, whose presence is linked to an ancient legend. Visiting the Tower means experiencing a thousand years of intrigue, power, and blood.
A bit of history: from William the Conqueror's fortress to the Tudor prison
The Tower of London was founded byWilliam the Conquerorin 1066, shortly after the Norman conquest of England. The construction of the famousWhite Towerbegan in 1078 and was completed around 1100. The White Tower gives its name to the entire complex.
Over the centuries, the Tower was expanded with outer walls, towers, and a moat. It became the main residence of the monarchs until the 16th century, when the Palace of Whitehall became the preferred residence. The Tower, however, maintained its function as a state prison, arsenal, and treasury.
Among the most famous prisoners:
Anne Boleyn(1536): Second wife of Henry VIII, accused of treason and executed at the Green Tower.
Sir Thomas More(1535): Humanist and chancellor, executed for opposing the king.
Lady Jane Grey(1554): The "nine days queen," executed at the age of 16.
Sir Walter Raleigh(1603-1616): Explorer and poet, imprisoned for 13 years and wrote the "History of the World" here.
Today, the Tower is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
What to see at the Tower of London
1. The Crown Jewels
It is the main attraction of the Tower. The Crown Jewels are a collection of ceremonial objects and symbols of the British monarchy, including crowns, scepters, swords, and robes.
What not to miss:
The Crown of Saint Edward:The crown used for the coronation of British monarchs. It weighs about 2 kg and is made of solid gold.
The Imperial State Crown:Worn by the sovereign upon leaving Westminster Abbey after the coronation and at the opening of Parliament. It contains 2,868 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II.
The Sceptre with the Cross:It contains the Cullinan I, the largest cut diamond in the world (530 carats).
The Coronation Spoon:The oldest object in the collection (12th century), used to anoint the sovereign with holy oil.
Practical information:
The Jewels are located in theJewel House, a secure and climate-controlled facility.
The visit is on a continuous flow with a conveyor belt (like in an airport). You cannot stop as long as you want.
Photos areprohibitedinside the Jewel House.
2. The White Tower
The White Tower is the oldest core of the complex, built by William the Conqueror. Today it houses theLine of Kings, a collection of royal armors and weapons.
What to see:
Henry VIII's armor:One of the most imposing armors, made for the king in 1540 when he was already quite robust.
Charles I's armor:More elegant and refined.
Medieval weapons:Swords, crossbows, cannons.
3. The Beefeaters
The Beefeaters are the ceremonial guards of the Tower, in service since 1485. Today they are also tour guides. They wear the red and black uniform (the ceremonial one) or blue (the everyday one).
Free tour with a Beefeater:Every day, the Beefeaters conduct free tours of the Tower (in English). They are very entertaining and full of anecdotes. The duration is about 45-60 minutes. They depart approximately every 30 minutes.
4. The Ravens
According to legend, if the ravens were to leave the Tower, the Kingdom would fall. For this reason, at least six ravens are always kept on the premises. They have a "Ravenmaster" who takes care of them.
What to know:
The ravens are trained and do not fly away because their wings are partially clipped (one wing).
They have names and personalities. The most famous are Jubilee, Harris, and Poppy.
You can see them in the lawn near the White Tower.
5. The Walls and Towers
The defensive walls of the Tower are walkable and offer a spectacular view of the Thames and the city. Along the way, you will find exhibits on torture, prisons, and guards.
Towers not to miss:
Wakefield Tower:Houses an exhibit on the imprisonments of notable figures.
The Middle Tower:With the entrance portal on the Thames (Traitor's Gate), where prisoners were brought in by boat.
Beauchamp Tower:With graffiti carved by prisoners on the walls.
6. The Royal Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula
A small chapel inside the Tower, the burial place of many executed, includingAnne Boleyn, Catherine Howard(fifth wife of Henry VIII) andLady Jane Grey. Access is included in the ticket.
Tickets and Prices
Rates (2026)
Adults (18-64 years):£33.60 (online) / £37.00 (at the ticket office)
Children (5-17 years):£16.80 (online) / £18.50 (at the ticket office)
Children under 5 years:Free
Over 65 and students:£26.90 (online) / £29.60 (at the ticket office)
Family (2 adults + 3 children):£87.00
Tip:Buy online at least a week in advance. It costs less and you skip the line.
Opening hours
Summer (March - October):Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Sunday and Monday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
Winter (November - February):Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM). Sunday and Monday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Closed:December 24-26 and January 1.
How long does it take to visit the Tower of London?
Minimum2-3 hours. If you want to see everything at a leisurely pace, plan for at least3-4 hours. The line for the Crown Jewels can be long (30-60 minutes on weekends).
How to get to the Tower of London
Underground:Tower Hill Station (District and Circle Line). Exit and you are in front of the Tower.
Bus:Routes 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1.
Boat:Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stop Tower Pier.
On foot:It’s a 2-minute walk from Tower Bridge. It’s a 10-minute walk from London Bridge.
Tips for your visit
Book online:Save money and skip the line.
Arrive early:April at 9:00 AM (or 10:00 AM if it opens later). The line for the Crown Jewels is much shorter in the morning.
Take the tour with the Beefeater:It's free, fun, and informative. Departures every 30 minutes from the main entrance.
See the Crown Jewels first:As soon as you enter, head straight to the Jewel House. The line grows quickly.
Wear comfortable shoes:You will be walking on stone floors, narrow stairs, and cobblestones.
Check for closures:The Tower sometimes closes for royal events or private ceremonies.
Combine your visit with Tower Bridge:The two landmarks are very close together. You can visit them on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are the Crown Jewels real?
Yes, the Crown Jewels are authentic and are still used today in state ceremonies, such as the coronation (the last one in 2023 for King Charles III) and the State Opening of Parliament.
Can you take photos of the Crown Jewels?
No. Photography, filming, or using a mobile phone inside the Jewel House is prohibited. There are armed guards and cameras.
How much does a ticket to the Tower of London cost?
£33.60 for adults if purchased online, £16.80 for children (ages 5-17). Children under 5 are free. Prices at the ticket office are higher.
What is the best time to visit the Tower of London?
Early morning (as soon as it opens) or late afternoon (after 2:30 PM). Avoid weekends and holidays. Wednesday and Thursday are the least crowded days.
How long does it take to visit the Tower of London?
At least 2-3 hours. For a complete visit (Jewels, White Tower, walls, Beefeater tour), it takes 3-4 hours.
Is the Tower of London accessible to disabled visitors?
Partially. The main areas (Jewel House, White Tower ground floor) are accessible. Some towers and the walls have narrow stairs and are not accessible. The site offers free wheelchair rentals (reservation recommended).
Can you enter with a backpack?
Yes, but large backpacks must be left in the free luggage storage at the entrance. Small bags and backpacks are allowed.
Are Beefeaters real soldiers?
Beefeaters are former military personnel (with at least 22 years of service) who have received the honor of "Yeoman Warder." Today, they perform ceremonial duties and act as tour guides.
What does "Beefeater" mean?
The origin of the name is uncertain. It may derive from the French "buffetier" (server of the buffet), or from the fact that guards used to receive rations of meat (beef) as part of their salary.
Can I visit the Tower of London with the London Pass?
Yes, the London Pass includes entry to the Tower of London. It's a great way to save if you visit many paid attractions.
Symbol of a thousand years of English history
The Tower of London is much more than just a castle. It is a symbol of a thousand years of English history, a place where power, betrayal, and glory intertwine. From the Crown Jewels, which still shine with their own light today, to the walls where queens and courtiers were imprisoned, every corner tells a story. Plan your visit in advance, book your tickets online, arrive early, and let the Beefeaters guide you. You will leave the Tower with your eyes full of wonder and your mind full of unforgettable stories.
Discover every aspect of the journey in our complete guide:holidays in London.
Review date:March 2026