Updated Tower of London opening hours, last admission rules, seasonal variations, quieter Crown Jewels times, recommended early mornings & late afternoons, planning tips for tickets & tours. The Tower of London, home of the Crown Jewels, is one of Britain’s most visited historic sites in the City of London, also known as the Square Mile. It’s officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, which tells you something about how seriously it takes itself. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and expanded for centuries after that, it spans 12 acres right on the north bank of the Thames. Tower of London, royal fortress and London landmark. Its buildings and grounds served historically as a royal palace, a political prison, a place of execution, an arsenal, a royal mint, a menagerie, and a public records office. It is located on the north bank of the River Thames. Complete guide to visiting the Tower of London: tickets, Crown Jewels, White Tower exhibits, medieval walls, Yeoman Warder tours, ravens care, opening hours, best times and planning tips. Step into centuries of history and intrigue. Book a ticket in advance online or purchase tickets on the day at the ticket office. Enjoy an enhanced visit to the Tower with one of our unique experience tickets. Explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site. Get up close to the Crown Jewels, meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens and see the Tower like never before. That’s the spirit of what follows: 21 genuinely interesting things about the Tower, with the received wisdom corrected where it needs correcting, plus the practical details that actually change how you visit – including a £1 ticket, a £10 ceremony, and the fact that there is no family ticket at all. The essentials, checked for 2026 The Tower of London, officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic citadel and castle on the north bank of the River Thames in London, England. Discover fascinating stories and see iconic sights at London’s famous castle, the Tower of London, where you can explore nearly 1,000 years of its history as a mighty fortress, royal palace and infamous prison.