Tower of London

There is no place in London, or, for that matter, in all of Britain with a more sinister reputation for brutality and savagery than the Tower of London. In its 900 years of history, it has been awash in the blood of kings and queens, rogues and innocents, alike.

Constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest by William the Conqueror as part of the pacification effort of his newly won lands, the fortress consisted, in those days, of the central White Tower and surrounding walls, which incorporated part of the city wall originally built by the Romans. The Tower, as we see it today, didn't take final shape until the reign of Edward I, who, like his immediate predecessor, added additional walls and towers to the original construction.

The Tower of London has never been successfully attacked and its massive, forbidding aspect has served for centuries as a symbol of the power of the monarchy, to citizens and enemies, alike. Today, the Tower is the home of the Crown Jewels and a museum of arms and armor, second to none.

Opening Hours
From 1 March until 31 October
Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 6pm.
Sunday and Monday from 10am until 6pm.

From 1 November until 28 February
Tuesday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm.
Sunday and Monday from 10am until 5pm.

The Tower closes one hour after the last admission and all internal buildings close 30 minutes after the last admission.

Location
Tower of London
Tower Hill
London
EC3

Location Map

Telephone
+44 (0)20 7709 0765

Getting There
The Tower of London is located on the River Thames next to Tower Bridge.

Nearest Tube / Rail Station
Tower Hill

Bus Routes
15, 25, 42, 78, 100, D1

Access
Visitors should be advised that there are a large number of steps throughout the Tower of London, with cobbles laid in some of the roads. Although many of the towers have limited access facilities the Jewel House and Crown Jewels are completely accessible to all visitors.

Wheelchairs are available from the Group Ticket Office at the West Gate entrance to the Tower and there is provision for parking for disabled visitors on the wharf. Please contact Visitor Services in advance of your visit (tel: 020 7488 5694). Toilets, with easy ramped access, are situated behind the Waterloo Block.

All disabled visitors are admitted at a concessionary rate and wheelchair helpers are admitted free of charge.