The Tower of London: London EC3N

Where is it? Click here for map and directions

Is it any wonder that The Tower of London is the nation's leading historic visitor attraction? Standing guard over the River Thames, its 20 mighty towers and giant stone walls project an image of power that once chilled the hardest of hearts.

Only by going inside can you experience nearly a thousand years of history and hear the myths and legends that make it 'a day out to die for'. Entry includes:

• Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tours
• The Crown Jewels
• The White Tower
• The Medieval Palace

For details, see the Tower of London Website

• Opening Hours
• How To Get There
• Restaurants & Shops
• Special Events
• Tickets
• Enquiries

Restaurants & Shops
A wide range of souvenirs is available from shops both inside and outside The Tower.

On-site kiosks provide light snacks and drinks and a new restaurant inside The Tower serves a variety of hot and cold food and drinks.


Special Events

Throughout the year there is a fabulous programme of special events, with costumed guides bringing to life the intriguing, daring and sometimes gruesome tales associated with The Tower.

Meet the traitor Essex, the last man beheaded here, chase Colonel Blood, the man who attempted to steal the Crown Jewels, or unveil the Gunpowder Plot that ended with the death of Guy Fawkes.

See www.hrp.org.uk for further details.


Tickets

Tickets may be purchased at The Tower or in advance at any London Underground station.

Admission prices

Adults £11.30
Students and senior citizens £8.50
Children under 15 £7.50
Children under 5 Free
Family Ticket £34.00 (up to 2 adults and 3 children)

Joint ticket with Hampton Court Palace

A joint ticket to both the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace can also be purchased at the Ticket Office.

Adults £19.00
Child £12.50
Students and senior citizens £14.50
Family Ticket £55.50 (up to 2 adults and 3 children)

Groups

Groups (15 or more paying visitors arriving together) can benefit from the group rate. Please use the entrance situated on the Wharf via the Middle Drawbridge. Queues can be avoided if you collect your tickets at the Group Ticket Office.

Adults £10.20
Child £6.70
Students and senior citizens £7.70

Underground
District and Circle lines to Tower Hill station, or Jubilee and Northern lines to London Bridge station.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
Tower Gateway station

British Rail
Fenchurch Street station or London Bridge station.

Bus
15, 25, 42, 78, 100, D1

Riverboat
From Charing Cross, Westminster or Greenwich to Tower Pier

Sightseeing Buses
The Tower of London is included on all major tours.



Enquiries

For details of admission charges, group rates, facilities for disabled visitors and further information, call
020 7709 0765 or visit www.hrp.org.uk

Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tours

Nobody knows more about the history of The Tower than the Yeoman Warders (popularly known as 'Beefeaters') who have guarded this royal palace for centuries. They'll not only captivate you with amazing stories, passed on from generation to generation, but take you to stand on the site where famous prisoners, including two of Henry VIII's wives, were beheaded. Free tours are held throughout the day.


The Crown Jewels

Introductory films offer a fascinating insight into royal pageantry and the Crown Jewels, with special colour footage of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.

Once inside the Treasury, marvel at the Imperial State Crown, worn by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Be dazzled by the largest, top quality, cut diamond in the world, Cullinan I, set in the Sovereign's Sceptre. The Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to answer any questions about this priceless collection.


The White Tower

The first stones of this imposing structure, designed to dominate and protect the capital, were laid around 1080 by order of William the Conqueror. Its mighty walls are now home to displays from the Royal Armouries collection, telling the story of the building, as well as of arms and armour at The Tower.

Inside the galleries you can see original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I, plus a reconstructed display of the massive collection of arms once housed in the Grand Storehouse. You can also visit the 'Spanish Armoury' which features The Tower's historic instruments of torture, including the infamous block and axe.

The Medieval Palace
Inside the Medieval Palace, step back into the 13th century, as costumed guides re-create scenes of courtly life. Once outside, you can stroll along the Wall Walk with its fine views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames.