London · Since 1078

Tower of London Tours

Tower of London tours take you inside a fortress William the Conqueror began in 1078 — past the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the ravens the kingdom is said to depend on. Compare guided, early-access and Beefeater-led options, hand-picked so you see the right things in the time you have.

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c.1078Founded by William the Conqueror
23,578Gemstones in the Crown Jewels
1988UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hours, prices and access verified by the Tower of London Tours team — last checked 17 July 2026.

Hand-picked

Top Guided Tower of London Tours for 2026

The tours below cover the ways most people visit: the official skip-the-line ticket, a private Beefeater meet and greet, and early access that beats the Crown Jewels queue.

Entrance to the Crown Jewels at the Tower of LondonBest Seller

Tower of London & Crown Jewels Day Ticket

★ 4.4 · 7,283 reviews · Historic Royal Palaces

Make your own way in with a timed entry ticket and follow a Yeoman Warder through the grounds on the free tour included with admission. See the Crown Jewels, step inside the White Tower, and walk to Traitors' Gate and Tower Green, the execution site of Anne Boleyn. This is the official ticket, the lowest-priced way to see everything on-site, and the option most first-time visitors choose. Go straight to the Crown Jewels at opening, as the line grows quickly through the morning.

$50 / personFull day
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Yeoman Warder welcome sign at the Tower of LondonLikely to Sell Out

VIP Tower of London Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet

★ 4.6 · 918 reviews · 3 hours

Enter early with skip-the-line timed tickets and get the rare thing most visitors miss: a private audience with a Beefeater. Your guide covers the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and Royal Armouries, and Tower Green, where three queens were executed. Small groups keep it personal, and there is an optional upgrade to add a Thames cruise. Best for travellers who want depth and a genuine Beefeater encounter rather than a self-guided walk. Meets outside the Tower; admission is included, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

$136 / person3 hours
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Tower of London at opening before the crowds arriveLikely to Sell Out

Early Access Tower of London: Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony

★ 4.6 · 997 reviews · Early entry

Arrive before the public and watch the Opening Ceremony, when a Yeoman Warder and military escort unlock the gates for the day. You are then among the first inside the Jewel House, so you see the Crown Jewels without the queue that builds by mid-morning. A guide sets up the history, then you explore the White Tower and grounds at your own pace with a multilingual app. Best for early risers who want the Crown Jewels crowd-free. Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

$99 / personEarly entry
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Free Cancellation Up to 24H in Advance

Every tour and ticket on this page can be cancelled up to 24 hours before it starts, for a full refund.

★

Best Guides

Explore the Tower with expert local guides and Yeoman Warders, chosen for their knowledge, storytelling and pace.

✓

Book With Confidence

We compared the best Tower of London tours and tickets so you don't have to. Free cancellation, no hidden fees.

♛

Experience of a Lifetime

Nearly a thousand years of history, the Crown Jewels and the ravens — seen the right way, in the time you have.

Trusted & recommended

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2025 VisitEngland Visit London

Every option

All Tower of London Tours & Tickets

From a 40-minute river cruise to a private family tour — guided, early-access, after-hours and combination tours, each with free cancellation.

Guided Beefeater tour group at the Tower of LondonTop Rated

VIP Beefeater Meet & Greet with Guided Tour

★ 4.8 · 367 reviews · 2 hours

A two-hour guided walk through Traitors' Gate, Tower Green and the Bloody Tower, finishing at the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House. The highlight is a guaranteed 15-minute meet and greet with a Yeoman Warder — a photo and a conversation you won't get on a general ticket. Headsets are provided for larger groups so you can hear every story. Best for travellers who want a real Beefeater encounter without paying private-tour prices. Timed entry included; explore on your own afterwards.

$56 / person2 hours
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Tower of London beside the River Thames and Tower BridgeLikely to Sell Out

Tower of London Guided Tour with Thames River Cruise

★ 4.5 · 451 reviews · 1.5 hours

A guided storytelling tour of the Tower paired with a sightseeing cruise on the Thames — two activities in one booking. You cover the Crown Jewels and the White Tower with a guide, then see the skyline from the water on a one-way river cruise voucher. It is a relaxed way to add the river to a Tower visit without arranging a separate boat. Best for first-timers pairing sights. The cruise voucher is a one-way pass and is only on the higher tiers, so check which option you select.

$112 / person1.5 hours
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View across the Tower of London complexTop Rated

Full Day London Tour: Tower of London & Westminster Abbey

★ 4.9 · 248 reviews · 7 hours

One guided day that links Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard and the Tower of London, with a Thames cruise between them. You get inside both Westminster Abbey and the Tower — most day tours only pass by — and see the Crown Jewels with a guide. It is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Best for short-stay visitors who want London's headline sights covered properly in a single day. Lunch is at your own expense; the Changing of the Guard runs on set days.

$124 / person7 hours
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White Tower seen from Tower BridgeLikely to Sell Out

VIP Early Access: Opening Ceremony & Tower Bridge Entry

★ 4.8 · 738 reviews · 3.5 hours

The early-access tour for people who also want Tower Bridge. You enter the Tower before the public for the Opening Ceremony and a private welcome from a Chief Beefeater, then reach the Crown Jewels ahead of the queue. It adds timed tickets to the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms and the glass walkway, plus the Norman Chapel of St John inside the White Tower. Best for visitors combining the Tower and its famous bridge in one morning. Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

$204 / person3.5 hours
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Tower of London from the River ThamesLikely to Sell Out

Early Access Opening Ceremony & River Cruise

★ 4.7 · 352 reviews · 3 hours

Early entry with a Blue Badge guide, built around the Opening Ceremony and first access to the Jewel House before the crowds. After the Crown Jewels you cover Tower Green and the Bloody Tower, then finish with a flexible one-way Thames cruise ticket you can use when you like. Headsets keep the commentary clear in the busy rooms. Best for visitors who want the crowd-beating early start and the river in a single, well-paced morning. Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

$155 / person3 hours
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Tower Bridge lit up at night near the Tower of LondonAfter Hours

After Hours Tour with Beefeater & Ceremony of the Keys

★ 4.6 · 94 reviews · 1h40

See the Tower after the gates close to the public, with a Yeoman Warder guiding you around empty, floodlit grounds. The centrepiece is guaranteed access to the Ceremony of the Keys, the locking ritual performed nightly for around 700 years. You cover Execution Square, Traitors' Gate and the exteriors of the White and Bloody Towers. Note this is a grounds-and-ceremony experience: it does not include the Crown Jewels or the building interiors. Best for history lovers who want the Tower without the daytime crowds.

Grounds and ceremony only — no Crown Jewels or interiors.

$218 / person1h 40m
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Entrance to the White Tower at the Tower of LondonTop Rated

Small Group Tower of London Tour with a Local Expert

★ 4.9 · 441 reviews · Max 12

A small-group tour capped at twelve, led by a Blue Badge guide who covers the whole complex: the Crown Jewels, the White Tower armouries, the ravens, Tower Green, the Bloody and Wakefield Towers, the Medieval Palace and the chapel where Anne Boleyn is buried. The small cap means you can hear every word and ask questions, and groups often end up even smaller. Pre-paid tickets are included. Best for travellers who want the depth of a private tour at a shared-group price.

$209 / person2–3 hours
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The White Tower rising above the Tower of London wallsPrivate

Private Tour: The Iconic Tower of London

★ 5.0 · 31 reviews · 2.5 hours

Your own Blue Badge guide and no strangers in the group, so the pace and the focus are yours — royal palace, mint, prison and execution ground, told the way your family or party wants to hear it. All tickets and reservations are included, so you head straight in past the ticket line to the Crown Jewels, the armouries and the towers. Best for special occasions, mixed-age groups, or anyone who wants a tour shaped around their own questions. Morning or afternoon starts are available.

$356 / person2.5 hours
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Inside the White Tower at the Tower of LondonTop Rated

Private Tower of London Tour for Families & Friends

★ 5.0 · 52 reviews · 3 hours

A private tour built for families, led by a Blue Badge guide who knows how to keep children engaged across three hours — the ravens, the armour, the Crown Jewels and the stories behind them. Skip-the-line admission is included, and the group is only ever your own party. Guides tailor the walk to the ages in your group, and the site has cafes for a mid-visit break. Best for two-family trips, grandparents with grandchildren, or anyone visiting with school-age kids who wants the history to land.

$349 / person3 hours
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Tower of London at sunset by the ThamesBest Value

The Official Tower of London River Cruise

★ 4.7 · 137 reviews · 40 min

A 40-minute sightseeing cruise on an electric boat, curated by the charity that runs the Tower, departing from a pier right beside it. Live commentary points out St Paul's, the Globe, the Shard, HMS Belfast and more as you sail. Comfortable indoor and outdoor decks and a guaranteed seat make it an easy, low-cost add-on to a Tower visit. Best as a relaxed way to see the skyline from the water. This is a river cruise only — it sails past the Tower and does not include admission inside.

River cruise only — Tower admission not included.

$25 / person40 min
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Medieval armour display near the Tower of LondonBest Value

Medieval History Walking Tour from the Tower of London

★ 5.0 · 276 reviews · 2 hours

A two-hour guided walk through medieval London that starts at Tower Hill and traces the old city to Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral and Shakespeare's Globe. It is led by a knowledgeable guide and is a low-cost way to put the Tower in the context of the city that grew up around it. Note this is an exterior walking tour: it starts at the Tower but does not go inside, so pair it with a ticket if you want to see the Crown Jewels. Best for history walkers and second-day visitors.

Exterior walking tour — does not enter the Tower.

$25 / person2 hours
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About

About the Tower of London

Founded by William the Conqueror around 1078, the Tower of London has spent nearly a thousand years as a royal palace, fortress, mint, menagerie, prison and place of execution. Join us to see the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House, the Norman White Tower at its centre, and the resident ravens — and to hear the stories of Anne Boleyn, the Princes in the Tower and the Yeoman Warders who still live within the walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, it remains one of the most visited castles in the world.

History

William the Conqueror began the White Tower around 1078 to command the Thames and the City. Over the centuries it held royal prisoners, the Royal Mint and a menagerie of exotic animals, and saw the executions of three English queens. Today it is cared for by the charity Historic Royal Palaces.

Access

The Crown Jewels queue builds fast through the morning. A standard ticket includes the free Yeoman Warder tour, while early-access and skip-the-line tours take you in before the crowds — worth it in peak season, when the wait for the Jewel House can stretch long past opening.

What to See

Inside the walls are the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and Royal Armouries, the Medieval Palace, Traitors' Gate, the Bloody Tower, Tower Green's scaffold site and the ravens. The Wall Walk links the towers with views over Tower Bridge and the river.

The Ravens

Legend holds that if the ravens leave, the Tower will fall — so a group is kept and cared for by the Ravenmaster. You'll usually find them near the White Tower. It's the detail children remember most, and one of the oldest traditions still kept here.

Read the full history of the Tower →

The White Tower, the Norman keep at the centre of the Tower of London

Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit to the Tower of London

Access & getting in

Book a timed ticket or tour online so you're not queuing at the gate, and head to the Crown Jewels first thing to avoid the mid-morning line. The nearest Underground station is Tower Hill, a few minutes' walk away. During conservation work in 2026 the usual Middle Tower entrance may be closed, with visitors entering via the Middle Drawbridge — signage guides you in.

Wear comfortable shoes: the site is cobbled, with stairs and uneven historic surfaces. Allow two to three hours, longer if you're visiting with children or want to walk the battlements.

See full visitor information →

Tower of London

Address
Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Nearest tube: Tower Hill
Opening Hours
Monday10:00 – 17:30
Tuesday – Sunday09:00 – 17:30
Last admission16:30
Last Beefeater tour15:15
Summer hours. Shorter in winter; closed 24–26 Dec & 1 Jan.

Traveller reviews

Tower of London Tour Reviews

Paraphrased from verified traveller reviews across the tours above.

★★★★★

The Beefeater meet and greet made it. Our guide covered the Crown Jewels and Tower Green, then Wayne answered every question the group had. Worth booking over a plain ticket.

Meredith K. · United States · VIP Beefeater tour · 2026

★★★★★

Getting in early was the whole point — we walked straight to the Crown Jewels with no line, and by the time we came out the queue was around the corner. The Opening Ceremony was a lovely surprise.

Lori M. · Canada · Early access tour · 2026

★★★★★

Three hours flew by. Our small group had a Blue Badge guide who knew every stone, and it ended up being almost private. Best value guided tour we did in London.

Roger S. · United Kingdom · Small-group tour · 2026

★★★★★

Did the after-hours tour and the Ceremony of the Keys. Standing on the empty, floodlit grounds while the gates were locked was unforgettable. Bring a jacket — it's all outdoors.

David C. · Australia · After Hours tour · 2025

★★★★★

Marina was wonderful with our two families — eight of us, including four kids. She pitched the history perfectly for the children and still kept the adults hooked. The tiara for the little one was a sweet touch.

Matt A. · United States · Private family tour · 2026

★★★★★

The day ticket plus the free Yeoman Warder tour was plenty for us. We saw the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the ravens, and spent the afternoon exploring on our own.

Kelly S. · Ireland · Day ticket · 2026

★★★★★

The river cruise was a relaxing add-on after the Tower — comfortable electric boat, a good narrator, and a different view of Tower Bridge. Just note it's a short trip, not a full day.

Sabine R. · Germany · River cruise · 2026

★★★★☆

The Crown Jewels exhibit was busier than we expected even with early access, but our guide used the time well and pointed out what to look for before we went in. Still glad we did the tour.

Scott R. · United States · Early access tour · 2026

★★★★★

The full-day tour linked Westminster Abbey and the Tower with a boat in between. A lot of walking, but we saw the headline sights properly and our guide kept us on time for the guard change.

Cheryl N. · United States · Full-day London tour · 2026

★★★★★

The medieval walking tour was a hidden gem. It doesn't go inside the Tower, but Mick brought old London to life from Tower Hill down to the Globe. Do it on a second day.

Shannon H. · United States · Medieval walking tour · 2026

Compare

Compare Tower of London Tours

Sorted by popularity. Prices and ratings match the tour cards above; every tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

TourBest ForHighlightsDurationPrice
Crown Jewels Day TicketFirst-timers on a budgetCrown Jewels, White Tower, free Beefeater tourFull day$50Book
Early Access + Opening CeremonyBeating the Crown Jewels queueOpening Ceremony, early Jewel House, White TowerEarly entry$99Book
VIP Beefeater Meet & GreetA private Beefeater encounterSkip-the-line, private Beefeater, Crown Jewels, Tower Green3 hours$136Book
Early Access + Tower BridgeCombining Tower + Tower BridgeOpening Ceremony, Crown Jewels, Tower Bridge glass walkway3.5 hours$204Book
Small Group with Local ExpertDepth without a private priceWhole complex, max 12, Blue Badge guide2–3 hours$209Book
Guided + Thames River CruisePairing the Tower with the riverGuided Tower tour, Crown Jewels, one-way cruise1.5 hours$112Book
VIP Beefeater Guided TourGuaranteed Beefeater meetingGuided grounds, Jewel House, 15-min Warder meet2 hours$56Book
Early Access + River CruiseEarly start plus the riverOpening Ceremony, Crown Jewels, one-way cruise3 hours$155Book
Full Day: Tower + WestminsterShort-stay visitors seeing it allWestminster Abbey, guard change, Tower, cruise7 hours$124Book
Medieval London Walking TourHistory walkers (exterior only)Tower Hill, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, the Globe2 hours$25Book
After Hours + Ceremony of the KeysAtmosphere without the crowdsFloodlit grounds, Ceremony of the Keys, Warder guide1h 40m$218Book
Official River CruiseA quick, low-cost skyline trip40-min electric boat, live commentary, guaranteed seat40 min$25Book
Private Family TourFamilies with school-age kidsPrivate guide, ravens, armour, Crown Jewels3 hours$349Book
Private: The Iconic TowerSpecial occasions, your own pacePrivate Blue Badge guide, all tickets, Crown Jewels2.5 hours$356Book

Gallery

Tower of London Gallery

The White Tower against a blue sky Guard outside the Crown Jewels entrance A raven at the Tower of London Tower Bridge beside the Tower of London The Norman chapel inside the White Tower Cannon and guard along the Tower of London walls Golden-hour view of the Tower of London Interpretation sign about the Tower ravens

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Good to know

Tower of London Tours FAQs

Yes, in peak season. Guided tours and timed tickets sell out days ahead between April and October, so book 3–5 days early in summer and 24–48 hours ahead the rest of the year. Every tour listed here has free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so booking early costs you nothing.
Yes. Every tour and ticket listed on this page can be cancelled up to 24 hours before it starts for a full refund. Book the date you want now and change your mind later if your plans move.
For most first-time visitors the standard day ticket with the free Yeoman Warder tour covers the Crown Jewels, White Tower and Medieval Palace at the lowest price. If you want to skip the Crown Jewels queue, an early-access tour gets you in before the public and the biggest crowds.
A standard ticket already includes a free Yeoman Warder tour that runs every 30 minutes. Paid tours add value in two ways: early or private access that beats the Crown Jewels queue, and a dedicated guide who explains the executions, the ravens and the White Tower in depth. Choose based on whether your priority is beating crowds or going deeper.
A standard adult ticket is £37 (children 5–15 are £18.50 and under-5s are free). Guided tours here start from around $50. One ticket covers everything on-site, including the Crown Jewels and the White Tower.
Yes. The Crown Jewels are inside the Jewel House and are included in standard admission at no extra charge. There is no separate ticket or upgrade for them.
Yes. A free tour led by a Yeoman Warder is included with every admission ticket and departs from just inside the entrance every 30 minutes, starting at 10:00. Paid Beefeater tours on this page add a private meet and greet on top of that.
Children aged 5–15 need a child ticket (£18.50), and under-5s enter free. There is no longer a family ticket, so children pay the child rate. Strollers are not allowed inside the White Tower.
In summer the Tower opens 09:00–17:30 Tuesday to Sunday, and 10:00–17:30 on Mondays. Last admission is 16:30 and the last free Yeoman Warder tour leaves at 15:15. Hours are shorter in winter, and the Tower is closed 24–26 December and 1 January.
Allow at least two to three hours to see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and the main grounds without rushing. History enthusiasts and families often stay closer to four. The site is quieter after midday, once the morning tour groups have moved through.
Parts are, but not all. The grounds and the Crown Jewels are largely accessible, while the White Tower and some historic buildings have stairs and uneven stone that limit access. Most guided tours cross cobbles and inclines, so check the accessibility notes on any tour before booking.
Arrive at opening and go straight to the Crown Jewels first, before the line builds through the late morning. An early-access or opening-ceremony tour goes a step further, taking you inside before the general public. Afternoons are generally quieter than mornings.
Legend says that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the fortress and the kingdom will fall, so a group of resident ravens is kept and cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster. You can usually see them near the White Tower and the Wakefield Tower. One wing is gently trimmed so they stay close to home.
Three English queens — Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey — were executed on Tower Green, the private scaffold site inside the walls. A glass memorial now marks the spot, and several of the condemned are buried in the nearby Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.
Yes, but it needs a separate booking. The Ceremony of the Keys is the nightly locking of the Tower and has taken place for around 700 years. The after-hours tour on this page is the reliable way to attend, as it includes guaranteed access to the ceremony with a Yeoman Warder.

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From the blog

Tower of London Guides

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