Discover the medieval fortress where the Crown Jewels are hidden. Far from the prison myth, explore living history with the Yeomen Warders. Book your tickets to skip the lines and enjoy a guided tour.
Prices and conditions
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Enter the Tower of London before anyone else, on a VIP early-access tour.
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From 152,43 €.
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From 179 €.
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Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"We arrived 15 minutes before opening to avoid the crowd at the West Gate. The Yeomen Warders have incredible humor, and their anecdotes are worth the entry fee. We admired the Crown Jewels without stress, a truly magical moment."
"The site is immense, comfortable shoes are a must as the cobblestones are uneven. The White Tower is impressive with its history dating back to 1078. Unfortunately, we waited 30 minutes to see the jewels, a shame."
"As an American tourist, I expected cages, but the history is much more nuanced. The guided tour with the Beefeaters is a must-do. The view of the Thames from the Battlements is perfect for photos."
"My kids loved the legend of the Ravens. We followed the advice to start with the White Tower to understand the history. Early access saved us valuable time in the queues."
"The Victorian and Norman architecture is superb. We visited St John's Chapel, which is very peaceful. The price of €43 is reasonable, even though the stairs of the Bloody Tower are a bit steep for a senior like me."
"As a couple, we chose the Guided Tour + Cruise package. The river cruise on the Thames was the perfect extension. The Jewels, especially the Cullinan I, are dazzling. Impeccable organization despite the crowds."
"I was worried about the crowds, but by booking early access, everything flowed smoothly. The Yeoman Warder told us about the fate of Elizabeth I with wild energy. The photo from the Inner Rampart with Tower Bridge in the distance turned out great."
"The history is fascinating, especially the Norman conquest aspect. We enjoyed the St John's Chapel and its tombs. We had a bit of trouble finding the opening time for the jewels; you really need to check the schedule to avoid rushing."
"With my friends, we did the Beefeaters-guided tour. It's the best way to learn about the dynastic dramas without getting bored. The atmosphere on the Battlements at sunset is unforgettable. Thanks for the shoe advice!"
"The Koh-i-Nûr diamond and the Crown of St Edward are worth the trip. We followed the recommended route: White Tower first, then the jewels. The €43 entry fee is justified by the richness of the site. A pride of the capital."
"Despite the grey weather, the magic works. The Yeomen Warders are natural actors. We were able to see the Ravens at liberty, a mystical detail we enjoyed. Priority access made the day smooth and pleasant."
"Magnificent site, the story of William the Conqueror is well told. However, we found the queue for the Jewels a bit long even with a pre-reserved ticket. The view of the Thames from the battlements remains the best vantage point in London."
Everything you need to plan your visit
PMR
Partial access with adaptations for the White Tower, but limitations due to medieval stairs.
Family
Family-friendly site with playful activities, but caution required on stairs and ramparts.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
A fortress that shaped British history
White Tower Construction
Internal Executions (<20th Century)
Resident Ravens
Official Address
The Tower of London is not just a legendary prison, but a complex fortress erected by William the Conqueror. This site now houses the Crown Jewels and offers an immersion into medieval London thanks to its expert guides, the Beefeaters. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
Founded after the Norman conquest of 1066, the White Tower was built in 1078 on the orders of William the Conqueror. Initially a symbol of oppression for Londoners, it served as a royal residence and an impregnable keep. The thick white stone walls then dominated the entire city, imposing Norman power over a subdued population.
Contrary to popular clichés fueled by Tudor propaganda, very few executions took place within the walls. Only 7 people were executed inside the tower before the 20th century. Most political condemnations, such as those of Thomas Cromwell or Anne Boleyn, actually took place at Tower Hill, just outside the walls.
The English expression « sent to the Tower » simply means being imprisoned, reflecting its prestigious carceral role. Major figures like Elizabeth I were held there before ascending the throne. Over the centuries, the fortress also served as a treasury, an armoury, and even a royal zoo, housing lions and an elephant until 1835.
The absolute highlight remains the Crown Jewels room, generally open around 10am. You can admire the Crown of St Edward and the sceptre adorned with the Cullinan I, the largest cut diamond in the world. These pieces symbolize the British monarchy and are kept under heavy surveillance, offering a stunning visual spectacle that fully justifies visiting this UNESCO-listed historical fortress.
Do not miss the guided tour by the Yeomen Warders (Beefeaters). These official guardians, recognizable by their historical uniforms, tell rare and funny anecdotes about daily life in the fortress. Their lively narration transforms cold stones into human testimonies, far from standard audio guides. They share secrets about famous executions like that of Anne Boleyn in 1536.
Observe the famous ravens of the Tower as well, whose presence is guaranteed by a dedicated Ravenmaster. According to legend, if these birds leave the premises, the United Kingdom will fall. This tradition maintained since Charles II adds a mysterious and living touch to the medieval atmosphere of the site, between history and persistent folklore.
The main entrance is located via the West Gate, opposite the official shop. It is crucial to arrive 15 minutes before opening to avoid queues of 30 to 60 minutes. The nearest parking, Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, is accessible in two minutes on foot, facilitating access for those arriving by car.
Allow a minimum of 2h30 to 3h to calmly explore the White Tower, the chapels, and the battlements. Start with the White Tower to understand the defensive structure, then head to the Jewels once they are open. Wear comfortable shoes, as the uneven cobblestones and narrow stairs require good agility.
The Tower is located only 300 meters from Tower Bridge. After your visit, cross the bridge to enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the Thames and the City. This combination effectively links the medieval history of the fortress with the Victorian architecture of the bridge, thus optimizing your day in London.
Living fortress and royal treasures
Insider tips
Queues at the West Gate can reach 60 min during peak hours. Arriving 15 min before opening allows you to enter quickly and beat the crowds to the Jewels. You will thus gain a precious hour to explore the ramparts quietly before the influx of school groups.
This is the central and oldest building, constructed by William the Conqueror. Doing it first helps you understand the overall defensive structure before exploring the outer walls. It provides an essential historical framework for appreciating the other buildings added later by successive kings.
These tours guided by the Yeomen Warders are often included or inexpensive and offer unique anecdotes not found in audio guides. The wardens share macabre and humorous stories about famous prisoners, making the experience much more immersive than silently reading informational signs.
The Jewel House often opens after general admission, sometimes around 10 am. Do not rush there upon arrival if it is not yet open; prioritize the chapels instead. Check specific times when booking to optimize your route and avoid frustrating waits outside closed doors.
The viewpoint from the walls offers the best photo including the White Tower and Tower Bridge in the background without crowds. Morning light is ideal for capturing the textures of the medieval stones. Avoid midday when shadows mask architectural details and visitors obstruct the field of view.
The site is vast with uneven medieval cobblestones and many narrow stairs. Avoid heels or rigid shoes that tire feet quickly. Plan for non-slip soles as some surfaces become slippery in the rain, particularly near the moat and main entrances.
If available, opt for a ticket including Tower Bridge to optimize time between the two sites, which are 300m apart. This combination allows you to fully enjoy the day without managing two separate reservations. You will also save a few euros compared to buying individual entries.
Spotting the ravens in the inner courtyard is a magical moment. Their presence is guaranteed by special care, a living detail of history. Watch them move freely; they are accustomed to visitors but remain majestic. It is a tangible reminder of the legends that symbolically protect the British monarchy.
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Book my ticketsLittle-known anecdotes
Contrary to popular belief fueled by 16th-century religious propaganda, very few executions took place within the walls. Only 7 people were executed INSIDE the tower before the 20th century, while the majority of condemned prisoners were taken to Tower Hill, just next door, to meet their public fate.
Elizabeth I was imprisoned here by her sister Mary I before becoming queen. This use as a prison for nobles who had fallen out of favor is the origin of the expression "sent to the Tower," equivalent to being "imprisoned in the Bastille."
The White Tower was built in 1078 on the direct orders of William the Conqueror as a symbol of oppression and absolute power. This massive white stone building then dominated London's wooden structures, serving as a constant reminder to the subdued citizens of Norman military domination over the conquered city.
Architects Anthony Salvin and John Taylor restored the tower in the 19th century to return it to its medieval appearance by removing structures built after that period.
The intense use as a prison in the 16th and 17th centuries popularized the English expression "sent to the Tower," equivalent to our "imprisoned in the Bastille." Although the Tower served as a palace and treasury, this reputation as a state prison for nobles who had fallen out of favor remains etched in the British collective consciousness today.
Long before it became a museum, the Tower housed a true Royal Menagerie founded by Richard I in the 12th century. This private zoo welcomed exotic animals gifted by foreign dignitaries, including polar bears, elephants, and lions. The most famous was undoubtedly the lion offered by the King of France Philip II Augustus to his cousin during their meeting in 1194. The keepers of these beasts, known as the Lion Keepers, were official employees of the Crown. The menagerie operated for several centuries until sanitary conditions and changing morals led to its permanent closure in 1835, with the last animals transferred to the Regent's Park Zoo.
Three itineraries based on available time
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Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Victoria Station (62 min walk) Bus : Minories (6 min walk)
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Everything you need to know before your visit
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