Days of Operation: 1 Mar to 31 Oct
Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:30 (Last admission 17:00) Sunday to Monday - 10:00 to 17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
1 Nov to 29 Feb
Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:30 (Last admission 16:00) Sunday to Monday - 10:00 to 16:30 (Last admission 16:00)
Open every day, except 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan 09.
All internal buildings close 30 minutes after the last admission.
Please allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
This summer see the Tower like you've never seen it before with the opening of Fortress! New, interactive, family-friendly installations will tell the story of its original purpose as a fortress, from soldiers and weapons that defended it, to stories of the Tower under attack and the kings who built it.
Crown Jewels
Our nation's regalia is held in the most visible vault in the world. Thousands of glittering gem stones and yards of silver gilt create a priceless display of royal ornament. Each can tell tales of intrigue, power and majesty across the ages. The Maundy Dish and Imperial State Crown are still part of the annual traditions of monarchy, come on the right day and you'll see our own tradition - placing the ‘in use' sign on a velvet cushion in the relevant case.
Beefeater tours
Share the secrets of one thousand years of royal gossip with a body of Beefeaters (proper name ‘Yeoman Warder' but who remembers that?) that has guarded this fortress for centuries. Take one of their tours and you'll be amazed and appalled by tales that have been passed down for generations. Pain and passion, treachery and torture, all delivered with a smile and swagger.
The White Tower
The White Tower was the original Tower of London. Begun by William the Conqueror around 1080, it would have made a safe and impressive home for the newly crowned Norman invader. It is still home to original armours worn by Henry VIII and Charles I and a scary collection of historical weapons and torture instruments. For those seeking a less gory side of its life, there is the beautifully preserved 11th century Chapel of St John the Evangelist to explore.
Prisoners of the Tower
Despite its reputation there are no dungeons at the Tower of London and its doubtful there ever really were. The Tower was rather more exclusive than that, with prisoners from the higher levels of society entitled to be held here. Come and see what life was like imprisoned in the Bloody or Beauchamp Towers. Experience the sights, sounds and inscriptions left from incarceration five hundred years ago.
Additional Information: HM Tower of London has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
