Tower of London & Crown Jewels
About Tower of London & Crown Jewels
The Tower of London is nearly 1,000 years of living history packed into one extraordinary fortress on the banks of the Thames. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, armoury, treasury and even a zoo. Walk the same corridors as Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh and Guy Fawkes — and hear their stories brought to life by the legendary Yeoman Warders.
The Crown Jewels are the undisputed highlight — a dazzling collection of 23,578 gemstones including the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Imperial State Crown. But there's so much more: the White Tower houses a stunning collection of royal armour, the Medieval Palace reveals how kings once lived, and the ravens — legend says if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall — strut around the grounds with unmistakable attitude.
Why you'll love it
- ✓See the Crown Jewels — including the Imperial State Crown and Sovereign's Orb
- ✓Join a free Yeoman Warder tour led by real former military servicemen and women
- ✓Explore the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress dating to 1066
- ✓Discover stories of famous prisoners from Anne Boleyn to Rudolf Hess
- ✓Meet the Tower's resident ravens — guardians of the kingdom
Good to know
Nearest tube
Tower Hill (5 min walk)
Duration
Allow 3-4 hours to see everything
Accessibility
Partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas have cobblestones and steps. Accessible route to Crown Jewels available. Free carers' tickets
Age recommendation
Suitable for all ages. Children under 5 go free
Visitor reviews
Helen C.
January 2025
“Absolutely incredible. The Yeoman Warder tour was the highlight — our guide was hilarious and brilliantly knowledgeable. The Crown Jewels took my breath away.”
Tom W.
December 2024
“We spent nearly four hours here and could have stayed longer. So much history in every corner. The kids loved the armour in the White Tower.”
Fiona G.
November 2024
“The Crown Jewels queue moved surprisingly fast. The whole experience is fascinating but wear comfortable shoes — there's a lot of walking on cobblestones.”
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Crown Jewels queue take?
Queue times vary — typically 30-60 minutes in peak season, shorter on weekday mornings. The moving walkway keeps things flowing.
Are the Yeoman Warder tours free?
Yes, tours are included with your admission ticket. They run every 30 minutes from the main entrance, last about an hour, and are thoroughly entertaining.
Is the Tower of London suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children love the armour, the ravens and the stories of daring escapes. There's also a hands-on activity trail designed for younger visitors.
Can I see real prisoners' graffiti?
Yes — the Beauchamp Tower contains remarkable carvings made by prisoners over the centuries, some incredibly detailed and moving.
What time should I arrive?
We recommend arriving at opening time (9am or 10am depending on season) to beat the crowds, especially for the Crown Jewels.
Price from
£36
per person
Book NowExperience details
From
£36