The Tower of London: Nearly a Thousand Years on the Thames

The Tower of London sits on the north bank of the Thames, beside Tower Bridge, and it has been part of the city's story since the 1070s. William the Conqueror began the White Tower, the huge stone keep at the centre of the complex, to hold his new capital. What grew around it over the following centuries is not one building but a fortress within a fortress: two rings of walls, towers, a moat, and a small town of buildings inside.

It has been a royal palace, an armoury, a mint, a menagerie, a records office and, most famously, a prison. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Britain.

What to See

• The Crown Jewels: the working regalia of the British monarchy, including the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's Sceptre. Moving walkways carry visitors past the cases, which keeps the queue going even when it is busy.
• The White Tower: the original Norman keep, now holding the Royal Armouries collection, including armour made for Henry VIII.
• Traitors' Gate: the river entrance through which prisoners were brought in by boat.
• Tower Green: where a small number of high-status prisoners were executed in private, among them Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
• The ravens: kept at the Tower by tradition, with a legend that the kingdom falls if they leave. They have their own keeper, the Ravenmaster.
• The Yeoman Warders: the Beefeaters, who live inside the walls and run the free guided tours.

Take the Yeoman Warder Tour

The single best thing you can do here is join a Yeoman Warder tour. They run regularly through the day, are included in your ticket, last about an hour, and are told with a great deal of dark humour. If you do only one guided thing in London, make it this.

Tickets and Timing

• Book online in advance. Tickets are cheaper than at the gate and the queue is shorter.
• Arrive at opening and go straight to the Crown Jewels, before the day's crowds and coach groups build up.
• Allow three hours at least, and half a day if you want the armouries and the wall walk as well.
• Weekdays outside school holidays are noticeably quieter.

The Ceremony of the Keys

The locking up of the Tower has taken place every night for centuries. Tickets are free but limited and must be booked well ahead, often months. If your dates are flexible and you plan early, it is a remarkable thing to see.

Getting There

Tower Hill is the nearest Underground station, a few minutes' walk away on the Circle and District lines. Tower Gateway on the DLR and London Bridge station are both close, and river boats stop at Tower Pier. Tower Bridge is right beside it, so the two are naturally visited together.

Nearby

Cross Tower Bridge for the views, or walk west along the river towards Borough Market and the Shard. St Katharine Docks, just east, is a quiet marina with places to eat away from the crowds.

FAQ

How long do you need at the Tower of London?

Three hours covers the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and a Yeoman Warder tour. Half a day is better if you want to see the armouries and walk the walls.

Are the Crown Jewels included in the ticket?

Yes. Entry to the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warder tours are both included in standard admission.

Is the Tower of London the same as Tower Bridge?

No. They are two separate landmarks next to each other. The Tower is the medieval fortress; Tower Bridge is the Victorian bascule bridge over the river.