Tower of London

Tower of London tickets and tours

United Kingdom

Things to do in Tower of London

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There are many amazing historical stories and fascinating features of the Tower of London, but one of the most colourful has to be the men you see standing around in the bizarre red costumes. They’re officially named Yeoman Warders, but all of England knows them as ‘Beefeaters’.

Today, these men (and women) offer guided tours and interesting anecdotes about the Tower’s history, but they have a much longer history. Once a royal bodyguard (since 1509), they enjoyed a powerful position and the right to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king's table. Back then, they were known for fighting and drunkenness, and would have killed any unexpected visitor.

The modern Yeoman Warders are not just tour guides, however. Each one of them has served at least 22 years in the armed forces in places such as the Falkland Islands, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. They can answer your questions and are happy to have their photographs taken with you.

Opening hours

1 November-28 February:

  • Tuesday-Saturday: 9.00am-4.30pm
  • Sunday-Monday: 10.00am-4.30pm
  • Last admission is at 4.00pm

1 March-31 October:

  • Tuesday-Saturday: 9.00am-5.30pm
  • Sunday-Monday: 10.00am-5.30pm
  • Last admission is at 5.00pm

About the Tower of London

Only since the Victorian era has the Tower been a tourist attraction. Throughout its earlier history it has been a royal residence, a castle, an armoury, a treasury for the Crown Jewels and a notorious prison.

French King William the Conqueror started construction in the eleventh century using stone from Caen in France. Successive kings added more fortifications, accommodation and even a private zoo with lions. One of the most infamous events of this early history came in 1483 when Richard Duke of Gloucester put his two young sons in the tower ‘for their own protection’. Nobody ever saw them again . . . and Richard suddenly became king. Hmm.

During the Tudor period, the tower became a centre of torture and imprisonment. This was partly due to Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church and the large number of people who didn’t agree with it. Famous prisoners included politician Sir Thomas More and Henry’s own wife Anne Boleyn (whose crime was not to have a male child).

In 1605, the tower welcomed Guy Fawkes, an early terrorist who’d tried to blow up Parliament. Nor was he the only traitor. During WWII, spies were also imprisoned and executed here. German Josef Jakobs was the last to be executed in 1941.

Today, there’s a story about the ravens who live at the tower. It’s said that if they ever leave, the Tower and England itself will fall. Be nice to them . . .

Address

The Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB

Getting there:

By underground:

  • District or Circle lines to Tower Hill station (then five-minute walk)

By train:

  • The nearest stations are Fenchurch Street or London Bridge (then follow signs)

By bicycle:

  • Find cycle racks on the Wharf opposite the Perkin Reveller restaurant and stands (three) next to the shop at the tower. (Do not attach bicycles to railings.)

By Docklands Light Railway (DLR):

  • Take to Tower Gateway Station (then follow signs)

By bus:

  • Routes 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1 and sightseeing buses

By riverboat:

  • From Charing Cross, Westminster and Greenwich to Tower Pier

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Price (per adult)

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Squid Game immersive multiplayer gameplay experience in London
Activities

Squid Game immersive multiplayer gameplay experience in London

Test your skills in an immersive, Squid Game-inspired experience in London. Take on iconic challenges such as Red Light, Green Light, Memory Steps and Marbles.

Duration up to 1 hour
Available in:

en 

Instant Confirmation
Tower of London and Crown Jewels private guided tour
Attractions & guided tours

Tower of London and Crown Jewels private guided tour

Join this private guided tour at the royal palace of England's past kings and queens, where you'll learn about the history and traditions of the iconic Tower of London.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

Windsor Castle and optional Tower of London tour with entry tickets
Attractions & guided tours

Windsor Castle and optional Tower of London tour with entry tickets

Explore British royal history with a day tour of Windsor Castle, and optional Tower of London visit.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private London Sightseeing Taxi Tour & Tower of London
Attractions & guided tours

Private London Sightseeing Taxi Tour & Tower of London

Admire London's top sights from the comfort of an iconic black cab with your private driver-guide. Visit the Tower of London with the included tickets.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Tower of London and Private Audience with Beefeater
Attractions & guided tours

Tower of London and Private Audience with Beefeater

Book your Tower of London private tour with a Beefeater to get early access to the Jewel House and discover one of the country's most iconic landmarks.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Tower of London, Thames River Ride and Changing of the Guards Tour
Attractions & guided tours

Tower of London, Thames River Ride and Changing of the Guards Tour

Visit the Tower of London and cruise the Thames River. See the Changing of the Guards or take a tour through the vibrant city of Westminster.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Best of London Walking Tour with Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Activities

Best of London Walking Tour with Tower of London and Tower Bridge

See 30+ London top attractions in one walking tour, and visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Westminster Walking Tour with Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Activities

Westminster Walking Tour with Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Enjoy a 3-hour Westminster walking tour, and explore the historic Tower of London, with its Beefeater guards and Crown Jewels.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

London Top Sights Guided Tour with Access to the Tower of London
Attractions & guided tours

London Top Sights Guided Tour with Access to the Tower of London

Embark on an engaging London walking tour that covers the top 30 attractions in five hours before entering one of England's oldest castles, the Tower of London.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

London top sights guided walking tour
Activities

London top sights guided walking tour

Book this 5-hour walking tour of London! Discover the history, culture, and legends of London and see more than 30 top sights!

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Tower of London and Tower Bridge private half-day guided tour
Attractions & guided tours

Tower of London and Tower Bridge private half-day guided tour

Explore two of the most recognizable icons in London on a private guided tour. Discover the royal history of the UK at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, with tickets included.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Tower of London and the heart of Westminster private half-day tour
Activities

Tower of London and the heart of Westminster private half-day tour

Explore Royal London on a private half-day tour of the most landmarks including the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Westminster, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

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Tower of London

Tower of London

London

United Kingdom

Reviews Tower of London

5/5
Anonymous, 03 Oct 2015
5/5
Anonymous, 21 Jan 2015

“Mis amigas y yo quedamos muy complacidas con este tour y recibimos informaciones muy interesantes sobre estas atracciones de la ciudad”

4/5
Anonymous, 21 Jan 2015

“Esta excursión fue muy positiva e interesante”

4/5
Anonymous, 21 Jan 2015

“I love London and this tour is the perfect way to explore the city”

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