The Tower of London is a famous London landmark. As a priceless jewel vault, menacing prison, bloody execution site and future cause of our Kingdom’s demise (should the ravens ever leave) then it’s no wonder that nearly three million visitors come each year! Here are our top tips for visiting the Tower of London and avoiding the crowds…
1. BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE FOR THE TOWER OF LONDON
Buy your tickets for the Tower of London online for some savings and to avoid queues, especially during peak times. Check the Tower of London website for updated prices.
2. PLAN TO VISIT MID-WEEK
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays there can be long queues for the Tower of London. Tuesdays and Wednesdays see fewer visitors so plan your visit for mid-week if possible.
3. ARRIVE EARLY
Plan to arrive at the Tower of London at 9am, particularly if you are visiting during the school holidays. This way you are ahead of the crowds. Outside high season weekdays can be calm throughout which enables you to have a lie on..!
4. CHANCE BEING LET IN AHEAD OF OPENING TIME
If you have to visit at peak time, be outside half an hour before official opening time (10am on Sunday and Monday; 9.30am Tuesday to Saturday). Officials have been known to wave these ‘early birds’ straight into the Tower of London. This means you get the privilege of prime time in the Tower, among just a few others.
5. TAKE A YEOMEN WARDER TOUR
Try to do the Yeoman Warder Tour first. This 45 minute tour is included with the admission price and gives a wonderful introduction and orientation of the Tower complex. Tours meet next to the moat prior to entering the Tower of London.
6. GET THE FAMILY ACTIVITY TRAILS
These trails are available free of charge at the Welcome Centre with quizzes and activities especially for families. We found the family trail interesting and informative. Our boys love an activity trail and it definetely helps to keep them engaged and interested.
7. TALK TO THE STAFF
The staff at the Tower are extremely well knowledgable and full of good stories – talk to them, ask them questions.
8. MAKE A DAY OF IT
Some visitors treat the Tower as a quick tick on their London sightseeing list. There is plenty to do at the Tower of London so make a day of it. You can easily fill the time with the Crown Jewels, the feeding of the ravens, walking the walls, and the exhibitions in the White and Medieval Towers. What’s more, with your ticket you can leave and re-enter so catch the nearby Tower Bridge while close by. Check the Tower Bridge website to see the lift times. We would highly recommend seeing the bridge open if you are in and around Tower Bridge at the appropriate time. We saw it for the first time this summer and it was quite a sight.
9. FIND THE QUIET ZONES
Even at peak times there are quiet spots within the Tower. Head to Tower Green and find a quiet bench overlooking the beamed tudor buildings, home to the Yeomen Warders. Similarly tucked away, are the benches under the arches of the South Battlements. These offer a magnificent unobstructed view of the White Tower.
10. AND FOR SOMETHING TRUELY DIFFERENT…
For a unique experience book to participate in the Ceremony of the Keys to lock up the Tower of London each night. Tickets are free but must be booked months in advance.
READ ALSO:
Exploring the Tower of London with Kids
Top 10 Things To Do In London With Kids
Updated post February 2018
