Tower of London – Plan Your Visit

The Tower of London operates on a seasonal schedule. To ensure you have enough time to explore the various towers and exhibitions, it is recommended to allow at least three hours for your visit.

Summer Season (March – October)

During the summer months, the Tower is open daily to accommodate higher visitor numbers.

Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM

Sunday and Monday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM

Last Admission: 4:30 PM (Note: Some areas may begin closing earlier)

Last Yeoman Warder Tour: 3:30 PM

Winter Season (November – February)

The Tower operates slightly shorter hours during the winter season.

Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Sunday and Monday: 10 AM – 4:30 PM

Last Admission: 3:30 PM

Last Yeoman Warder Tour: 2:30 PM

Important Dates and Closures

The Tower of London is closed annually on 24, 25, and 26 December and 1 January.

Occasionally, certain towers or exhibitions may be closed for essential conservation work or private royal events.

It is advisable to arrive early, particularly during school holidays and weekends, to avoid the peak mid-day crowds at the Crown Jewels.

The Tower of London is situated on the north bank of the River Thames in the heart of the City of London. Its central location makes it highly accessible via London’s extensive public transport network.

Address:

Tower of London
London
EC3N 4AB

By Underground (Tube)

The London Underground is the most efficient way to reach the fortress.

Tower Hill Station: This is the closest station, located approximately a five-minute walk from the entrance. It is served by the District (green) and Circle (yellow) lines. The station features step-free access from the platform to the street.

Monument Station: A 10-to-15-minute walk away, served by the District and Circle lines.

London Bridge Station: A 15-minute walk across London Bridge, served by the Northern and Jubilee lines.

By Train (National Rail)

Mainline rail services provide easy access for those traveling from outside central London.

Fenchurch Street: Located a 5-minute walk from the Tower.

London Bridge: Located a 15-minute walk from the Tower.

Liverpool Street: Located a 20-minute walk from the Tower.

By Bus

Several London bus routes stop in the immediate vicinity of the Tower of London.

Routes 15, 42, 78, and 100 stop within a few minutes’ walk of the main entrance.

Most major “Hop-on Hop-off” sightseeing buses also have a designated stop at the Tower.

By River (River Bus)

For a scenic approach, you can arrive via the River Thames.

Tower Pier: Located directly outside the Tower entrance. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers operates frequent services from various piers, including Westminster, Embankment, and Greenwich.

By Car

Driving to the Tower of London is generally discouraged due to its location within the Congestion Charge zone and limited local parking.

Parking: The nearest secure car park is the Tower Hill Coach and Car Park (Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DT), located just a two-minute walk from the site.

The Tower of London provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable visit.

Public restrooms, including baby changing facilities and accessible toilets, are located at several points across the site, including near the Salt Tower, the Cradle Tower, and behind the Jewel House.

For those requiring storage, there are no luggage lockers available on-site due to security protocols; visitors are advised to use luggage storage services at nearby railway stations such as Fenchurch Street or London Bridge.

A dedicated Welcome Center is located outside the main entrance where visitors can collect pre-purchased tickets or seek assistance from staff.

Throughout the grounds, benches are provided for rest, and clear signage helps visitors navigate between the various towers and exhibitions.

Please note that while Wi-Fi is available in certain indoor areas, the thick stone walls of the historic buildings can make the signal intermittent.

The Tower of London is a historic fortress with many uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and spiral staircases. However, significant efforts have been made to ensure the site is as accessible as possible for all visitors.

Mobility and Wheelchair Access
While the cobbles can be challenging, there are designated accessible routes throughout the site. A lift is available in the White Tower to provide access to the Royal Armouries, and the Jewel House is fully accessible via a lift and a moving walkway. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who cannot navigate the stairs of the smaller towers, a digital “Tower Tour” is often available to view the interiors virtually.

Visual and Auditory Assistance
Induction loops are fitted at ticket booths and various information points to assist visitors with hearing aids. British Sign Language (BSL) tours are occasionally scheduled, and descriptive audio tours are available for blind or partially sighted guests. Tactile models and large-print guides can also be requested at the Welcome Center to help navigate the history of the fortress.

Neurodiversity and Sensory Information
The Tower can be crowded and noisy, particularly in the Jewel House and during Yeoman Warder tours. Visitors who prefer a quieter experience are encouraged to arrive at opening time on weekdays. A “Chill Down Room” is sometimes available for those who need a quiet space away from the crowds; please speak to a member of staff for current availability and access.

Assistant Animals
Trained assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Tower of London. Water bowls can be provided upon request at the refreshment points.

There are multiple dining options available for visitors within the Tower walls.

The New Armouries Cafe is the primary restaurant, serving a variety of hot meals, sandwiches, salads, and snacks, with options for various dietary requirements. For a quicker stop, the Raven’s Cafe offers takeaway beverages and light refreshments near the White Tower.

During the warmer months, several outdoor kiosks open to provide ice cream and cold drinks. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and use the designated picnic areas located in the open spaces of the Tower’s grounds, though eating and drinking are strictly prohibited inside the historic buildings and the Jewel House.

The Tower features several gift shops, the largest being the Tower of London Shop located near the main entrance.

These stores offer a wide selection of high-quality merchandise ranging from historical books and educational toys to bespoke jewelry inspired by the Crown Jewels. Exclusive collections often include items featuring the White Tower, the ravens, and the Yeoman Warders.

Smaller specialized shops are located within the grounds, such as the Jewel House Shop, which focuses on commemorative items and regal accessories. All purchases support the continued conservation of the Tower, ensuring the site is preserved for future generations.