Tower of London Tours and Activities

Tower of London which includes château or palace and heritage elements
Tower of London featuring heritage elements
Tower of London featuring heritage elements
Tower of London which includes heritage elements
Tower of London showing modern architecture and heritage elements


One of the world’s most well-preserved medieval castles, this historic building is known for its fascinating and gruesome history.

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armoury, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.

Be sure to check out the central White Tower, the oldest part of the complex and its most eye-catching building. The White Tower was built by William the Conqueror beginning in 1078. Inside you’ll find the Armories, with an excellent collection of arms and armour. Look for Henry VIII's large suit of armour, as well as various historic swords, morning stars and halberds.

On the far side of the White Tower, find the Bloody Tower. This tower takes its name from the famous murders of the uncrowned boy king, Edward V, and his brother Richard, who were imprisoned here by their uncle, Richard of Gloucester, after the death of their father. The boys were never seen again and Gloucester was crowned Richard III. Don’t miss the displays dedicated to some of the Tower’s other famous prisoners, including a reconstruction of Sir Walter Raleigh’s study.

The highlights of the tour are the iconic Crown Jewels, consisting of stunning crowns, glittering orbs and staffs housed in the Waterloo Barracks. This collection features the ceremonial objects of the British monarchy, some of which date as far back as the 12th century. Look for the magnificent Imperial State Crown, which is decorated with more than 3,000 jewels, including the fourth-largest diamond in the world. You’ll also see the platinum crown of the late Queen Mother, adorned with the 105-carat Indian Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light) diamond, which is said to bring luck to women.

The Tower of London is open daily, with hours varying by day. There is an admission fee. Free guided tours leave regularly from the bridge near the main entrance. To get to the tower, take the Tube to Tower Hill Station.

Tours & day trips

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Reviews of Tower of London

4.4
Top destination
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5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
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4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 6%
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Arrive early to avoid the queues.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great tour of amazing history.

Popular places to visit


Top Tower of London Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

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Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

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Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

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1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Club Quarters Hotel London City

Club Quarters Hotel London City

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Club Quarters Hotel London City
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

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45 Prescot Street, London, England
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Tower Suites by Blue Orchid

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100 Minories, London, England
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Hotel Saint

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London -Tower of London

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London -Tower of London

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7 Pepys Street, London, England
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tower of London

The Tower of London offers a rich blend of history and culture, with engaging activities like Beefeater tours and fascinating castle explorations. Nearby, you can immerse yourself in the arts, catch a theatre performance, or enjoy a bit of shopping. This iconic landmark presents a unique opportunity to delve into England's past while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding area.

Shopping

Borough Market, 1.1km from the Tower of London, offers vibrant city vibes with fresh produce and gourmet delights. Royal Exchange, 966m away, combines shopping with entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, Twinings Tea Shop and Museum is 3.2km away, perfect for tea lovers.

Recreation

Visit the O2 Arena for vibrant sports vibes, just 4.8km from the Tower of London, where you can enjoy thrilling events. Alternatively, head to Hampstead Heath, 9.7km away, for a peaceful retreat in nature, offering beautiful walking paths and a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation.

Adventure

Take a thrilling ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 6.4km from the Tower of London, offering stunning views of the city. Experience the adrenaline rush at Vertical Chill, a climbing venue situated 3.2km away, or race your mates at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Tower of London. Enjoy stunning views from the London Eye, immerse yourself in culture at the Barbican Arts Centre, or unleash your competitive spirit at All Star Lanes. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tower of London

Whether you're a culture buff, a family on an adventure, or just keen to explore, the Tower of London and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions. Discover iconic sites like the Tower Bridge and London Bridge, alongside charming streets, historic churches, and urban parks. There's something for every type of traveller, ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and enriching.

  • Tower Bridge: A stunning symbol of London, Tower Bridge captures the essence of Victorian engineering. Spanning 322m from the Tower of London, its iconic bascules and panoramic views offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
  • London Bridge: Located 805m away, London Bridge stands as a modern marvel amidst the bustling city. Its sleek design embodies contemporary architecture, making it a perfect spot to experience the dynamic urban vibes of London.
  • Big Ben: This famous clock tower, situated 3.2km from the Tower of London, is an emblem of British culture. Its majestic presence and historical significance provide a captivating blend of tradition and the lively atmosphere of the city.

Best time to go to Tower of London

The best time to visit Tower of London is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tower of London

When planning your visit to the Tower of London, consider travelling during the cheaper months of January to March for lower accommodation prices. Sundays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals or package options that combine flights and hotels for added savings. Look for eco-certified accommodations for sustainable choices. To save on transport, utilise London's extensive public transport system with an Oyster card or contactless payment, and explore free activities like the nearby Tower Bridge and scenic walks along the Thames.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tower of London are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Tower of London about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tower of London is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Tower of London is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can sort your results from the most affordable to the pricier options, ensuring that you find the best deals on accommodation. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Tower of London with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia