The Tower of London

Supplied by: Historic Royal Palaces

Overview

Crown Jewels
NEW FOR 2023: THE JEWEL HOUSE TRANSFORMED
Following their use in the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023, the regalia is back on display in the Treasury of the Jewel House.
Appreciate these remarkable objects up close, including the Imperial State Crown, which was worn by His Majesty The King for the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and features in the official Coronation portraits, as well as St Edward’s Crown, which was used at the moment of crowning.
Also on display will be Queen Mary's Crown, which was made by Garrard for the 1911 Coronation and was modified for Her Majesty Queen Camilla ahead of this year’s Coronation.
Relive the historic service through official imagery from the 2023 ceremony, which also features in the new exhibition.

The Bloody Tower & The White Tower
In the Bloody Tower, you’ll explore the most infamous prison at the Tower of London and learn about the story of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ and see where bones thought to belong to the princes were discovered in 1674 when a staircase leading to the White Tower was demolished.

The White Tower, which gives the entire grounds of the castle its name, was originally built by William the Conqueror almost 1,000 years ago and is the oldest medieval building at the Tower of London. Inside, you’ll see the world-class Royal Armouries collections, including the ‘Line of Kings’; an exhibition of the royal armours of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II. Discover the armour of the ‘Giant’ and marvel at the spectacular gilded armour and weapons on display.

Meet the Yeoman Warders
Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters’, will share key stories from 1,000 years of history. Be entertained by tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more…
Learn about the Tower's iconic history as a fortress, palace and prison. Yeoman Warders will share details of the famous prisoners executed on Tower Green. Many are now buried nearby in the 16th-century Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.

The Royal Mint
Until 1812, most of the coins in circulation in Britain were made at the Tower of London in a dedicated area that became known as Mint Street. Explore the story of the Mint between 1279 and 1812 at the fantastic interactive exhibition, where you’ll have the chance to learn about its long history, the monarchs who reigned over the Mint and how the coins produced there reflected the politics and power struggles of the times.

Royal Beasts
Explore the tales of the many exotic animals kept at the Tower, from lions, tigers, monkeys and elephants, to zebras, alligators, bears and kangaroos, in the Royal Beasts exhibition at the Tower of London.
Learn about the polar bear who fished in the Thames for his lunch, the ostrich who ate nails and many other surprising stories.
Experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of the animals through interactive displays and find out what happened when the royal beasts escaped...

Tower Ravens
It is said of the ravens in the Tower of London that if they ever leave, the Kingdom of Britain will fall. Meet the famous ravens and learn more about why they are known as the guardians of the Tower, at their lodgings on the South Lawn.



Opening Hours

02 SEPTEMBER - 20 OCTOBER 2023 (EXCEPT 05 SEPTEMBER, SEE BELOW)
Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-17.30
Last admission: 15.30-16.00
Tuesday to Saturday: 09.00-17.30
Last admission: 15.30-16.00
Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 15.30

05 SEPTEMBER 2023
Open 09:00-14:00. Last admission: 12.00
Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 12.00

01 NOVEMBER TO 23 DECEMBER
Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-16.30
Last admission: 15.30
Tuesday to Saturday: 09.00-16.30
Last admission: 15.30
Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 14.30