The Tower of London is arguably the most essential historic site in the entire UK. A former fortress, palace, and notorious prison, it is now home to the priceless Crown Jewels and the legendary Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).
To make the most of this massively popular attraction, a strategic approach is necessary. Here is your definitive guide to securing tickets, choosing the best time to visit, and maximizing your day of royal intrigue.
Part 1: Tickets, Prices & Duration
1. Booking Your Ticket
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Book Online & In Advance: Always purchase your timed entry ticket on the official Historic Royal Palaces website before your visit. This guarantees entry, allows you to select your preferred time slot, and saves you money.
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Advance Adult Ticket: Approximately £34.80 (Save £5.00+ off the gate price).
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Child (age 5-15): Approximately £17.90.
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The London Pass: The Tower of London is included in The London Pass. If you plan to visit three or more major paid attractions in a single day (like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral), the Pass may offer better overall value.
2. How Long to Spend
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Minimum Time: Allow at least 2–3 hours to see the main sights (Crown Jewels, White Tower).
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Ideal Time: Plan for a half-day (4–5 hours), which allows time for the full Beefeater Tour, exploring the walls, visiting the White Tower, and taking a lunch break.
3. Opening Hours (Standard Winter 2025/2026)
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Last Admission |
| Tuesday – Saturday | 9:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Sunday & Monday | 10:00 AM | 4:30 PM | 3:00 PM |
| Closed: Christmas Eve (Dec 24), Christmas Day (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26), and New Year’s Day (Jan 1). |
Part 2: Best Time to Visit & Strategy
1. The Single Best Tip: Arrive at Opening
The Tower of London gets incredibly busy from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. To have the best experience, you must arrive 15 minutes before the gates open.
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The Strategy: Get inside at 9:00 AM (or 10:00 AM on Sun/Mon) and head immediately to the Crown Jewels exhibition. This is the single most popular attraction, and going straight there ensures you see the spectacular collection without a significant wait.
2. Best Days for Fewer Crowds
| Day | Why It’s Good | Tip |
| Monday | Often the most “tranquil” day of the week, with the weekend rush over. Perfect for a more relaxed visit and clear photos. | Great day for a full, leisurely exploration of the White Tower and outer walls. |
| Wednesday / Friday | Generally less busy than the weekend. Friday mornings offer the chance for more personal interaction with the Beefeaters. | Consider the Ceremony of the Keys (see Part 4) which is often easier to book mid-week. |
| Avoid | Weekends and all UK school holidays (Easter, Summer, Christmas). |
Part 3: The Must-Do: The Beefeater Tour
Your ticket includes a free guided tour led by the famous Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters. This tour is essential for getting the true feel of the Tower’s history.
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Start Time: Tours run frequently (roughly every 45 minutes). The first tour is typically at 10:00 AM (Tuesday-Saturday) or 10:45 AM (Sunday-Monday).
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Duration: The guided tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.
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Why You Must Go: The Beefeaters are all retired military personnel with deep knowledge and often a dark, witty sense of humour. They bring the Tower’s stories of torture, execution, and royal intrigue to life in a way a self-guided tour simply cannot.
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Where to Start: Tours start from the moat area near the main visitor entrance; look for the Beefeater standing on the stone block.
Part 4: The Exclusive Evening Ceremony
The Ceremony of the Keys is a 700-year-old tradition where the Tower is officially locked up for the night by the Yeoman Warders.
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What it Is: A simple, precise 15-minute ceremony that takes place every single night at exactly 9:53 PM.
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Access: This is a separate, highly exclusive event. Tickets are free but must be applied for months in advance through the Historic Royal Palaces website, as space is severely limited (usually around 40–50 people).
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Tip: If you can secure a ticket, it is one of the most intimate and traditional historic experiences London offers. You must follow the Beefeaters and remain completely silent throughout the ceremony.