CityBuddy
Tower of London
Tickets: book ahead or walk in?
Advance timed tickets sell out on peak days and avoid long queues at the gate.
How far ahead
About a week ahead, more in summer holidays
Ticket release
Tickets released online in advance on the Historic Royal Palaces site
Timed entry
Yes
Typical price
GBP 35
Busiest
Mid-morning to mid-afternoon, school holidays, weekends
Quietest time
First entry slot, weekdays in term time
Skip-the-line ticket
Worth it
Best time to visit
Early morning on weekdays, just after opening, to avoid the longest queues at the Crown Jewels; late autumn and winter have thinner crowds and shorter lines.
Budget tips
Advance online tickets usually cost around £30-35 for adults, cheaper for children and concessions; no regular free days. The London Pass includes entry, and Historic Royal Palaces membership or timed online tickets can save money for repeat visitors.
Recommended for
History buffs, Families with older children, Photography enthusiasts, Fans of royal and military history
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Whispers of royal secrets and echoes of historic dramas linger in the shadows of its ancient stones. Notorious for housing the Crown Jewels, it dazzles visitors with gems that gleam brighter than tales of intrigue and imprisonment.
Highlights: Legend has it that if the resident ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall; to prevent this, at least six ravens with clipped wings live on the grounds at all times, cared for by the Ravenmaster. Visitors can also catch the whimsical Ceremony of the Keys, a tradition that has locked the Tower gates securely every night for over 700 years without fail.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, the site is extensive with cobbled paths and stairs.
- Head straight to the Crown Jewels on arrival to avoid the longest queues later in the day.
- Join the Yeoman Warder guided tour, it is included with admission and delivers lively history and good photo stops.
- Photograph Tower Bridge from the waterfront near the White Tower for a classic view and fewer crowds.
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