How to Buy Tickets for the Tower of London (and Skip the Lines)

The Tower of London is one of the most important historical attractions in the British capital. Fortress, royal palace, prison, mint, armory, and keeper of the Crown Jewels, this complex on the bank of the Thames tells the story of nearly a thousand years of English history.

Because it is one of the most popular sights in London, it’s best to plan ahead and decide which ticket to choose. In this guide, you’ll find information on how to purchase tickets for the Tower of London, which options to consider—standard entry, guided tours, early access, or the London Pass—as well as practical tips on opening times, prices, transport, and visit duration.

For those in a hurry: the easiest way to buy tickets for the Tower of London is to book online in advance. You can consider the entry ticket for the Tower of London. If you want a more complete experience, you can also choose the VIP tour with early access to the Tower of London.

How to buy tickets for the Tower of London

To visit the Tower of London, you can choose between several options: entry ticket, guided tour, early access, or tourist pass. The choice depends on how much time you have, your budget, and what kind of experience you want.

The standard ticket lets you access the main areas of the complex open to visitors, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the walls, the Bloody Tower, the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, and other publicly accessible sections. Some experiences or special tours may, however, have specific rules, schedules, or booking requirements.

The best options for booking tickets for the Tower of London

Buying tickets online

The most convenient solution is to buy your tickets online before your visit. This way, you can better organize your day, avoid the uncertainty of buying on the spot, and arrive at the Tower of London with your ticket ready.

You can purchase tickets through the official Historic Royal Palaces website or via booking platforms like GetYourGuide, which are useful if you want to compare entry tickets, guided tours, and cancellation policies.

For a self-guided visit you can start with the entry ticket for the Tower of London. Before confirming, always check the date, time, what’s included, cancellation policies, and entry procedures.

Booking a guided tour or early access

You can also visit the Tower of London independently, but a guided tour can make the experience more interesting. The site’s history is long, layered, and full of stories about monarchs, prisoners, executions, political intrigue, and symbols of royal power.

If you want to avoid some of the crowds and have a more in-depth experience, you can consider the VIP tour with early access to the Tower of London. Before booking, always check what’s included, the starting time, the language, the meeting point, and whether the tour also includes Tower Bridge or other nearby areas.

Considering the London Pass

If you’re planning to visit many attractions during your stay, you might want to consider the London Pass. This pass can include several city attractions, including the Tower of London, and may be cost-effective if you have a tight schedule.

However, the pass should be carefully considered: it only makes sense if you really plan to visit multiple included attractions and can organize your itinerary well. To better understand how it works, you can also read our guide to the London Pass.

Buying tickets on site: why it’s not recommended

Buying tickets directly upon arrival may seem simple, but it’s not the most practical solution during peak periods. The Tower of London is one of the city’s most visited attractions and queues can waste precious time.

If you only have a few days in London, booking online allows you to plan your visit better and combine the Tower with nearby sights like Tower Bridge, St Katharine Docks, the Thames or the City.

Standard ticket, guided tour, or London Pass: what to choose?

The choice depends on the type of trip and how much time you have available.

• Entry ticket: is the simplest solution if you want to visit the Tower of London independently.
• Guided tour: is recommended if you want to delve deeper into the history of the fortress, the prisoners, the monarchs, and the Crown Jewels.
• Early access tour: is useful if you want to visit with fewer crowds and a more structured itinerary.
• London Pass: may be worthwhile if you plan to visit many included attractions during your stay.

For a first visit, an online entry ticket is sufficient if you want the freedom to explore. However, if you really want to understand the role of the Tower in English history, a guided tour or early access tour can offer a richer experience.

Useful information for visiting the Tower of London

When to visit the Tower of London

The Tower of London is visited year-round, but some times are more manageable than others. Summer months, weekends, and British school holidays tend to be busier, while weekdays and early hours of the day can offer a quieter experience.

If your main goal is to see the Crown Jewels, it’s best to arrive early or choose less busy times, as this is one of the most popular areas in the complex.

Tower of London opening hours

The Tower of London’s hours vary depending on the date, season, events, and any partial closures. In many periods, visiting hours are between morning and late afternoon, with last entry and final tours before the actual closing time.

Before booking, always check the official calendar for your chosen date, as access, routes, Yeoman Warder tours, and Crown Jewels hours may change.

How to get to the Tower of London

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the Thames, next to Tower Bridge. The most convenient underground station is Tower Hill, served by the Circle and District lines.

You can also reach it by train, getting off at London Bridge, Fenchurch Street, or Liverpool Street and continuing on foot or by public transport. Another pleasant alternative is to arrive via the river, getting off at Tower Pier with a Thames riverboat.

How tickets for the Tower of London work

The Tower of London ticket includes access to the main areas open to visitors in the complex, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the walls, the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, the Bloody Tower, the Medieval Palace, and other exhibitions open to the public.

After purchasing online, you will receive instructions for access and the ticket to show at the entrance, either digitally or printed as instructed by the provider. Before visiting, always check if the ticket is valid for a specific date, a time slot, or offers more flexible access.

Ticket prices for the Tower of London

The price of tickets for the Tower of London varies depending on age, visitor category, date, and where you buy the ticket. Official rates offer different prices for adults, children, youth, students, seniors, and visitors with disabilities. Children under 5 generally enter for free.

Discounted tickets from £1 are also available for some categories of residents or benefits recipients, with booking and documentation required. Before buying, always check the updated price, cancellation conditions, selected time slot, and what’s included in the ticket.

Are the Crown Jewels included?

Yes, the standard ticket normally includes entry to the Crown Jewels exhibition, one of the most visited sections of the Tower of London. Because of this, there may still be a queue even after entering the complex.

To better manage your time, consider visiting the Crown Jewels at the start of the day or during a less crowded period, depending on timings and your planned route.

What to see at the Tower of London

The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels are one of the main attractions of the Tower of London. The collection includes crowns, sceptres, ceremonial objects, and symbols of the British monarchy used in coronations and official occasions.

The White Tower

The White Tower is the oldest and most recognizable part of the complex. Built by order of William the Conqueror, it houses weapons, armor, and artifacts demonstrating the Tower’s military and symbolic function.

The Yeoman Warder tours

The Yeoman Warder tours, also known as Beefeater tours, are included in the admission depending on availability and the day’s schedule. They tell stories of prisoners, executions, intrigue, and daily life in the Tower.

The Bloody Tower and the walls

The Bloody Tower, the walls, and the turrets of the complex allow for a better understanding of the defensive and prison role of the Tower of London. The visit is especially interesting for those who love medieval and Tudor history.

The Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula

The chapel is one of the most significant places in the complex, linked to the memory of some individuals executed in the Tower. Access may depend on opening hours and the type of visit.

Practical tips for visiting the Tower of London

• Book online: especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak season.
• Arrive early: the Crown Jewels attract many visitors.
• Allow at least 2 or 3 hours: the Tower is larger than it appears from the outside.
• Wear comfortable shoes: there are stairs, cobblestones, walls, and uneven paths.
• Check the daily timings: opening times, tours, and accessible sections may vary.
• Combine with Tower Bridge: the location makes it easy to also visit the bridge area and riverside.

Accessibility and services

The Tower of London is a historic site, so some areas may be difficult to reach for those with reduced mobility. There are routes and services designed to improve accessibility, but not all sections of the complex are accessible in the same way.

Before your visit, it is advisable to check the official accessibility information, especially if there are people with physical, visual, or hearing disabilities in your group. This way, you can better choose your route and understand which areas are easier to visit.

FAQ about tickets for the Tower of London

Is it worth buying tickets for the Tower of London in advance?

Yes, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends, during holidays, and in periods of high attendance. Booking online allows you to choose the date more easily and organize your visit at your own pace.

Does the Tower of London ticket include the Crown Jewels?

Yes, the standard ticket normally includes access to the public areas of the Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the walls, the Bloody Tower, and other areas open to visitors.

How much does a ticket to the Tower of London cost?

The official price varies depending on the visitor category, the date, and the purchase channel. There are rates for adults, children, youths, seniors, students, and visitors with disabilities. Children under 5 generally enter for free.

How much time do you need to visit the Tower of London?

For a basic visit, you need at least 2 or 3 hours. If you want to see the Crown Jewels at your leisure, join a Yeoman Warder tour, and visit the main towers, plan for half a day.

Is the Tower of London included in the London Pass?

Yes, the Tower of London is generally included in the London Pass, but it’s always best to check the updated pass conditions and any booking requirements before your visit.

Can you visit the Tower of London with a guide?

Yes, you can choose a guided tour or, when available, join the Yeoman Warder tours included with entry. A guide is helpful to better understand the history of the complex.

What is the nearest tube station to the Tower of London?

The most convenient stop is Tower Hill, served by the Circle and District lines. From there, you can reach the entrance to the Tower with a short walk.

Is Tower Bridge included in the Tower of London ticket?

No, Tower Bridge is a separate attraction and requires a different ticket. However, it is just steps away from the Tower of London and can easily be visited on the same day.

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Conclusion: which ticket should you choose for the Tower of London?

The best ticket for the Tower of London depends on how much time you have and how deeply you want to explore the site. If you prefer to move around independently, the online entrance ticket is the simplest solution. However, if you’d like to learn more about the history of the fortress, the prisoners, the monarchs, and the Crown Jewels, a guided tour or early access can make the experience more complete.

To start, you can check the Tower of London entrance ticket or consider the VIP early access tour. Before you confirm, always check the date, time, what’s included, tour language, and booking conditions.