Tower of London Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
To get the most out of your visit to the Tower of London, timing is everything. Because the fortress is a sprawling, twelve-acre historic complex, your experience will depend heavily on the season, the day of the week, and even the hour you pass through the gates.
Navigating the crowds, catching the legendary Yeoman Warder tours, and viewing the Crown Jewels without waiting in massive queues requires a solid plan. This guide details the complete opening hours, seasonal variations, exhibit schedules, and the best times to visit this landmark.
Tower of London Opening Hours
The Tower of London opens every day (except select winter holidays). Hours vary by weekday, with the fortress opening later on Sundays and Mondays. Last admission is always one to one and a half hours before closing time, but you should arrive much earlier to see everything.
The fortress is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day (24, 25, and 26 December). On New Year's Day (1 January), the gates open later at 10:00 AM.
Here is the seasonal schedule for 2026:
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sun-Mon: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
*Note: The Tower of London is closed on December 24, 25, and 26. On January 1, the fortress opens later at 10:00 AM. Middle Tower, the primary historical entrance, is undergoing essential conservation work until mid-August 2026. During this time, the Middle Drawbridge serves as the main entry point.
Timings for Specific Areas
Different parts of the Tower of London and its tours run on their own daily timetables.
Yeoman Warder Guided Tours
These depart every 45 minutes daily near the main entrance. The first tour leaves shortly after the gates open (around 9:30 AM), and the last tour departs at 3:15 PM in the summer and 2:30 PM in the winter.
The Crown Jewels (Jewel House)
Opens at the same time as the main gates and closes thirty minutes before the fortress grounds close. Lines are notoriously long and can be cut off early if the wait time extends past the building closing hour.
The Tower Wharf
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Wharf is a public walkway outside the main castle walls that offers excellent views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames. It occasionally closes early for private events.
Best Time to Visit the Tower of London
Planning your entry slot and season will allow you to see the fortress with fewer crowds.
Best time of day
The Early Morning Strategy: Arriving fifteen minutes before opening (8:45 AM Tuesday through
Saturday, or 9:45 AM Sunday and Monday) is the most effective way to beat the crowds. Head directly to the Jewel
House the moment you enter to view the Crown Jewels with little to no wait.
The Late Afternoon Strategy: If you cannot arrive early, wait until after 2:00 PM. By this
time, most large school groups and morning tour buses have departed, leaving the paths and smaller towers much
quieter.
Best day of the week
Best Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Worst Days: Saturdays and Sundays.
Midweek visits offer a significantly more relaxed experience. Weekends bring high volumes of both domestic
weekend travelers and international tourists.
Best season of the year
Peak Season (June to August): This is the busiest time of the year. Expect hot weather, large
tour groups, and queues that can easily exceed an hour for major exhibits.
Shoulder Season (March to May, and September to October): This is the ideal time to visit. The
weather in London is generally mild, and the crowd levels are moderate compared to summer.
Low Season (November to February): This is the quietest time of the year, with the exception of
the Christmas holidays. If you do not mind the cold weather and shorter operating hours, you can explore the
medieval towers in peace and walk straight into the Crown Jewels exhibition.
Peak Season, Crowded Days, and How to Beat the Crowds
Summer (June–August) is the busiest time of year. Weekends are the most crowded days overall—Saturday and Sunday see the longest security lines and fullest walkways. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are usually the calmest days of the week, no matter the season. Free-entry days also draw bigger crowds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I book my ticket slot for the best experience?
You should book the earliest available time slot of the day, which is 9:00 AM from Tuesday to Saturday. This allows you to enter the grounds first, view the Crown Jewels immediately, and complete your visit before the afternoon crowds arrive.
Can I stay in the Tower of London past my ticket timeslot?
Yes. The time printed on your ticket is your arrival slot, which helps the fortress manage visitor entry. Once you are inside the gates, you are welcome to stay as long as you like until the official closing time for that day.
Are the opening hours different for the Ceremony of the Keys?
Yes. The Ceremony of the Keys is a highly exclusive evening event that takes place after the main grounds have closed. It begins at 9:30 PM and concludes at approximately 10:30 PM. You must book separate, dedicated tickets for this event months in advance.
Is the Tower of London open if it rains?
Yes, the Tower of London remains open during rain. However, because the site is a large historical fortress, you will need to walk outdoors along cobblestone paths to get between the different buildings and towers. We recommend carrying an umbrella and wearing sturdy, waterproof shoes.
How much time should I budget for my visit?
You should budget a minimum of three hours to see the main highlights, including the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and a Yeoman Warder tour. If you enjoy reading all the historical displays or plan to stop for lunch at the on-site café, four hours is more realistic.