Museums & galleries
Tower of London
What it is
The Tower of London is a fortress on the north bank of the Thames, begun shortly after the Norman Conquest around the White Tower at its centre. Over the centuries it has served as a royal residence, armoury, and prison, and the layered building work from different eras is one of the main reasons to visit. Inside you can see displays of arms and armour, and the complex is also where the Crown Jewels are kept and shown to visitors.
Getting there
It sits right on the Thames near Tower Hill, an easy stop from central London by Underground (Tower Hill station on the District and Circle lines) or via London Bridge station, with either route taking roughly 15-20 minutes from the West End. Several riverboat services also stop nearby if you'd rather arrive by water.
How much time to allow
Plan for at least two to three hours to see the main towers, walk the walls, and view the Crown Jewels without rushing. If you want to join one of the guided tours led by the Yeoman Warders, factor in extra time for queuing.
When to go
The site draws large crowds, especially around the Crown Jewels display and during school holidays, so arriving soon after opening tends to mean shorter waits. Weekday mornings are generally calmer than weekends.
Combine it with
- 30 St Mary Axe (0.7km) - the "Gherkin" building, a short walk away for a contrast of modern architecture.
- Tate Modern and Globe Theatre (around 1.3-1.6km) - reachable on foot or by a quick riverboat/bus ride along the Thames.
- Millennium Bridge (1.6km) - a pleasant link between the City side and the South Bank if you're heading toward Tate Modern.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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