London · Tower of London
The Tower of London: Crown Jewels, Ravens & a Thousand Years of Stories
Nine centuries of kings, prisoners, and plot twists stand behind one set of stone walls. Here’s how to see the very best of it — the jewels, the Beefeaters, the ravens — in a single, well-planned visit.
There is no building in London quite like the Tower. Built in the 1080s by William the Conqueror, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has spent nearly a thousand years as a royal palace, an infamous prison, a royal menagerie, and the vault that guards the Crown Jewels. Walking through the gates feels less like entering a museum and more like stepping into a thousand years of plot twists.
The smart way to visit is simple: book your ticket online in advance, arrive early, and head straight for the Crown Jewels before the crowds build. This guide covers exactly what’s included with your ticket, what to see in what order, and the practical details that make the day smooth.
At a glance
- Allow
- 3 to 4 hours — this is a half-day, not a quick stop
- Entry
- West Entrance via Tower Hill — show your ticket on your phone
- Getting there
- Tower Hill is the nearest Underground station, minutes away on foot
- Cancellation
- Full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before your visit
What your ticket includes
This is the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket — full entry to the Tower grounds, the White Tower, and the Crown Jewels display. The Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) guided tours are included in admission: they set off roughly every 30 minutes from the moat, are given in English, and run first-come, first-served — no advance booking for the tour itself. Just check the day’s times on the boards when you enter.
A note from the fine print: during busy periods you can still expect some queues for the Crown Jewels themselves, and there’s no re-entry once you leave. Multi-language audio guides are available at the Tower for an additional fee if you’d rather explore at your own pace.
The Crown Jewels first
Do the Jewel House before anything else. The queue is shortest in the first half hour after opening and grows steadily through the morning. Inside, you’ll glide past the coronation regalia on a moving walkway — including the Imperial State Crown, which alone carries 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. In total the collection holds 23,578 gems, and it is still used in royal ceremonies today. Photography isn’t allowed inside the exhibition, so look with your eyes, not your lens.
The White Tower, the ravens, and the Beefeaters
After the jewels, climb the White Tower — the 11th-century Norman keep at the heart of the fortress — for the Royal Armouries collection of arms and armor, then tiptoe through a reconstructed medieval bedchamber. Outside, the Yeoman Warders (the famous Beefeaters) bring the Tower’s bloodiest tales to life on their free guided tours; they meet by the moat and are worth planning your morning around.
Then walk Tower Green, the quiet lawn where many executions took place — including two of Henry VIII’s wives — and look for the Tower’s ravens, whose presence is said to guard the kingdom itself. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave, the Tower will fall.
“Arrive early, do the jewels first, then let the Beefeaters tell you the stories.”
— The Travel Desk
Tips for a smooth visit
- Arrive in the first 30–45 minutes The Crown Jewels attract the longest queues all day. Entering close to opening time usually means a relaxed visit and far shorter waits at the Jewel House.
- Catch a Beefeater tour early The Yeoman Warder talks start regularly through the day from the moat and are included with your ticket. Join one early — it orients the whole visit and the stories are the highlight.
- Pack light and wear good shoes Everyone passes through airport-style security, and large luggage isn’t allowed inside. The grounds mean cobblestones, spiral staircases, and uneven stone floors — comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
- Come by public transport Tower Hill Underground station is only a few minutes’ walk away. Driving into central London means congestion charges, traffic, and expensive parking.
Tower of London: FAQ
Is the Crown Jewels exhibition really included in the ticket?
Yes — the ticket is specifically the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition ticket, so the Jewel House is included in your entry. Do it first thing: the queue there is the longest in the Tower and builds quickly after opening.
Are the Beefeater tours extra?
No. The Yeoman Warder tours are included in admission and leave roughly every 30 minutes from the moat. They’re given in English only and can’t be booked in advance — just check the meeting point and times on the boards when you arrive.
How long should I plan for?
Allow 3 to 4 hours to see the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, a Beefeater tour, Tower Green, and the battlements comfortably. Some visitors rush it in two hours, but you’ll miss the best stories that way.
Can I leave and come back in later?
No — there is no re-entry once you leave the Tower, so plan to see everything in one visit. Eat and use the restrooms before you exit.
What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your visit. Within 24 hours, tickets are non-refundable.
How to book your tickets
Tickets start from around £37 — and walk-up slots often sell out, so book online before you go. Here’s exactly what happens:
- Tap the button below. It opens GetYourGuide — our booking partner — on the official Tower of London ticket page.
- Pick your date and time. You’ll get a mobile ticket straight away.
- Show it on your phone at the West Entrance on Tower Hill and walk in.
One ticket covers the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Beefeater tours — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
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