If your children are anything like mine – fascinated by knights, castles, and stories of kings who didn’t always keep their heads – the Tower of London will be one of the highlights of any London trip. I recently went with my boys on a warm summer’s day, and it delivered on every level: the glittering Crown Jewels, spine-tingling tales of prisoners and executions, the imposing Yeoman Warders in their Tudor uniforms, and the ravens doing exactly as they please.
It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and a great place to anchor a London itinerary – particularly for families who want to combine real history with something genuinely exciting for children of all ages. Whether you’re planning a short family trip or a longer stay, the whole family will find something here to get absorbed in. The key to a great visit? Go in prepared. Here’s everything first-timers need to know.
Quick Tower of London facts
Address: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB
Getting there: Tower Hill station (District and Circle line), 2 minutes’ walk; or Tower Gateway (DLR)
Opening times: Tues–Sat 9am–4:30pm | Sun–Mon 10am–4:30pm | Last admission 3pm Last Yeoman Warder tour: 2:30pm – plan your day around this
Recommended time: At least 3 hours; a full day works well with kids
Children under 5: Free
A thousand years of British history (a short version)
The Tower of London has been many things over its near-1,000-year history: a medieval castle and fortress, a royal residence, a prison, an armoury, a mint, and even a royal zoo. Its many uses have earned it a fearsome reputation as one of London’s most formidable buildings – and one of the most significant sites in British history.
William the Conqueror began building the White Tower around 1078 to deter invaders and tighten his grip on his newly conquered kingdom. Subsequent monarchs added towers, defensive walls, and moats, expanding it into the complex you see today. Henry III and Edward I carried out the largest expansions in the 13th century, transforming the original Norman structure into a concentric fortress. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is close to a thousand years of history to uncover within its ancient walls.
The Tower’s reputation as a place of imprisonment grew through Tudor times – and it’s here the stories that captivate children most begin. Executions in the 16th century make for dark but gripping history: Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Catherine Howard were among those who met their end on Tower Green. The young Princes in the Tower disappeared in 1483, their fate one of the great unsolved mysteries of English history. For over 500 years, the Royal Mint also operated within the Tower’s walls, producing most of the nation’s coins – a detail that impresses kids as much as the Crown Jewels themselves.
Don’t forget to book ahead
Tower of London tickets must be booked online before you go. It’s cheaper than buying at the ticket office, you choose a timed entry slot, and during school holidays the Tower of London tour capacity sells out. You don’t want to arrive with excited children only to find there’s no availability until mid-afternoon.
Online prices: Adults from £34.80 | Children 5–15 from £17.40 | Under-5s free
Walk-up prices at the ticket office are: adults £37, children £18.50, family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children) £82.10.
Arrive on time. You can arrive within 30 minutes of your booked timeslot – so between, say, 10:00 and 10:29 for a 10am entry.
Tower Hamlets residents: Adults who live in the borough can visit for £1, with additional tickets for up to three children at £1 each – available from the ticket office on the day with proof of address.
Historic Royal Palaces’ annual membership is worth considering if you’re planning to visit more than one of their properties. It covers the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, and more – and pays for itself quickly with a family visit.
What to see and do at the Tower of London with kids
The Crown Jewels
This is what everyone comes for. You walk into the Jewel House, and there they are: the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, the sceptres, all glistening under the lights. The collection includes more than 100 objects and over 23,000 precious stones.
Expect a queue – on a warm summer day, we waited a fair while, and part of the line is outside with little shade. Worth every minute. You move along a slow conveyor belt past the main displays, though you can step off to linger longer, which we did. My boys went around twice without any persuasion needed.
Tip: Head here first thing, or later in the afternoon when queues tend to shorten.
The White Tower
The White Tower was built between 1078 and 1100 by William the Conqueror to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners, and to deter foreign invaders. For children obsessed with knights and armour, it’s hard to top. The Line of Kings – installed for Charles II in the 17th century and one of Britain’s oldest visitor displays – lines up the armour of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II alongside beautifully carved horses. Henry VIII’s suit of armour alone sparked a conversation with my boys about Tudor times and English history that lasted most of the afternoon.
There are hands-on activities for families throughout the White Tower, and the interactive displays give younger children something to engage with beyond looking at objects behind glass.
The Yeoman Warder tour
The Yeoman Warder tour – the famous Beefeater tour, free with your ticket – is not to be skipped. Today’s Yeoman Warders must have at least 22 years of military service, reach the rank of Warrant Officer, and hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Dressed in their distinctive Tudor uniform, they lead guided tours from the main entrance throughout the day, with the last tour departing at 2:30pm.
We followed ours from start to finish, and so did everyone around us. The storytelling is theatrical, often darkly funny, and pitched well for children of most ages. The Tower’s history – prisoners, executions, escape attempts – comes alive in a way a guidebook simply can’t match. A treat for history buffs in the family, but entertaining for everyone. Just a note – some of the stories can be gruesome and scary, so for very young kids it might not be suitable.
If you want to go deeper and see more restricted parts of the Tower, specialist guided tours are available. But for most families, the Beefeater tour covers the essentials brilliantly.
The Bloody Tower and Tower Green
Tower Green is where some of the most famous executions in English history took place. Queens consort Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey – briefly queen regnant – were among the nobility beheaded here during the 16th century, away from public spectacle on Tower Hill. Lady Jane Grey was just 17 years old.
Buried beneath the altar of the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula – the Tower’s own chapel – are three Tudor queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey.
The story of the Princes in the Tower tends to catch children off-guard even when they’re not expecting to be interested. The two princes – sons of Edward IV – were placed in the Tower in 1483 and were never seen alive again. Their fate remains one of history’s most enduring unsolved mysteries.
The famous ravens
Legend has it that if the famous ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom will fall. Charles II is said to have been the first to insist they be protected after being warned that the Crown itself would be in peril if they left. A dedicated Ravenmaster looks after them, and at least six must be in residence at all times. In practice, the ravens are large, glossy, and entirely unbothered by tourists. Watching them strut around the grass while Yeoman Warders go about their duties is one of those quietly memorable moments that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
The Royal Beasts exhibition
One for younger children, especially. The Tower once kept a remarkable royal menagerie – including lions, a polar bear gifted by the King of Norway, and various other exotic animals. The Royal Beasts exhibition brings this history to life through interactive displays. My boys found the idea of bears and big cats living inside a medieval castle thoroughly brilliant.
The Royal Mint exhibition
For over 500 years, the Tower’s Mint produced most of the nation’s coins – including during Isaac Newton’s time there, when he pursued counterfeiters with forensic determination. Good for older children and history buffs who want more than armour and jewels.
Special events worth knowing about
The Ceremony of the Keys is the most extraordinary of them. Every night for around 700 years, the Yeoman Warders have performed the ceremonial locking up of the Tower – a ritual that has only ever been delayed once, when a WWII bomb knocked the Warders off their feet mid-ceremony. Tickets cost £5 per person and must be booked in advance online through Historic Royal Palaces. New dates are released monthly and sell out fast. Vistors are admitted from 9:30pm, which makes it better suited to older children or a grown-up evening out – but for anyone visiting London, it’s one of the most memorable things you can do.
Gun salutes take place on the Wharf on notable royal dates – typically 62 rounds fired at 1pm. Check the Historic Royal Palaces website before your visit for upcoming dates.
Seasonal family programmes run through the year, with live actors, reenactments, and activities for younger children. Always check what’s on at hrp.org.uk before you go.
A seasonal ice rink has previously been installed in the Tower’s moat for winter – a spectacular setting for skating with the medieval defensive walls on three sides. It doesn’t run every year, so check the Historic Royal Palaces website when planning a winter visit to see whether it’s on. If it is, book early.
Top tips for visiting with kids
Wear comfortable shoes. The Tower grounds are largely cobblestoned. Pushchairs are manageable, but the uneven ground can be tiring for young kids.
Shade is limited. On a hot day, the areas between buildings offer little shelter. Sun cream, hats, and water bottles are essential in summer. The indoor spaces – the White Tower and the Jewel House – offer welcome relief.
Allow at least 3 hours. The Tower recommends a minimum of three hours, though you can stay for the whole day until closing. We spent most of a full day there, doubling back to the Crown Jewels and taking our time in the White Tower.
Audio guides are available to hire in multiple languages. Worth it for older children or history-minded adults who want more detail between the Beefeater tours.
The gift shop is near the exit and hard to avoid. Set expectations with the children in advance.
Food and drink: The New Armouries Café serves hot food, sandwiches, and ice creams – the ice creams were very welcome on a warm day. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Refreshment kiosks are dotted around the grounds, too.
Check for school holidays. The Tower gets very busy during UK school holidays. If you can visit on a weekday in term time, you’ll have a much more comfortable experience.
Where to go afterwards
The Tower sits on the north bank of the River Thames in the City of London, and the surrounding area rewards an afternoon’s exploration.
Tower Bridge is right next door, and worth the short walk just to see it up close. It’s a separate attraction with its own paid ticket for the exhibition and glass floor walkways.
The Southbank walk is one of the great free things to do in London with children. Head across Tower Bridge and walk west along the south bank of the Thames. You’ll pass London Bridge, Borough Market (great for a late lunch), the reconstructed Globe Theatre, and the Tate Modern. Keep going, and you’ll reach the South Bank proper – the London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and plenty of spots to stop and eat along the way. It’s an easy, enjoyable walk with good views of the river throughout, and you can stop wherever energy runs low.
The Sky Garden is a tip worth keeping. Perched 155 metres up in the Walkie-Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street, it offers panoramic views across the London skyline. Entry is free, but tickets must be booked in advance online – spaces are limited and open up to three weeks ahead, so book as soon as you know your travel dates. On a clear day, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are directly below you, which makes a satisfying end to the day.
Sky Garden opening times: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm | Sat, Sun and bank holidays 11am–9pm
Getting there from the Tower: Around a 10–15 minute walk through the City, or a few minutes on the Tube to Monument or Bank.
Getting to the Tower of London
By Tube: Tower Hill station (District and Circle line) on the London Underground – the Tower is visible from the station exit, a 2-minute walk.
By DLR: Tower Gateway, about 5 minutes’ walk.
By river: Thames Clipper services stop at Tower Pier – a good option if you’re travelling from Embankment, Waterloo, or Greenwich.
By bus: Routes 15, 42, 78, and 100 stop nearby.
Driving is not recommended. The Tower is in the Congestion Charge zone, parking is limited and expensive, and the London Underground is far more straightforward from anywhere in central London.
FAQs
How long should I spend at the Tower of London with kids? Allow at least 3 hours. Most families find a full day works well – there’s more than enough to fill one, particularly if you do a Yeoman Warder tour, the Crown Jewels, and the White Tower.
What age is the Tower of London suitable for? Children from around 5 upwards get a lot from it. Under-5s get in free and will enjoy the spectacle and outdoor space. Children studying Tudor or medieval history at school – roughly ages 8–12 – tend to find it fascinating. It’s a great place for history buffs of any age.
Is the Yeoman Warder tour worth doing? Yes, always do it. It’s free with your Tower of London tickets, the storytelling is excellent. And it’s the best way to understand what you’re looking at as you walk around. The last guided tour departs at 2:30pm – plan your day around this.
Do you have to queue for the Crown Jewels? Yes. On busy days the queue can be long and part of it is outdoors. Go early in the day or later in the afternoon to keep waiting time down.
Is the Tower of London worth it with kids? It’s one of the best family days out in London. Real history, dramatic stories, the Crown Jewels, and the Yeoman Warders make it absorbing for the whole family. Book ahead, go early, bring snacks, and wear comfortable shoes.
What’s the nearest Tube station? Tower Hill station on the District and Circle line, a 2-minute walk from the main entrance.
Can I visit Tower Bridge on the same day? Yes – it’s a short walk away. It’s a separate paid attraction, so factor that into your budget.
What is the Ceremony of the Keys? The nightly locking up of the Tower of London – a tradition that has taken place every night for around 700 years. It starts at 9:30pm. Tickets are £5 per person and must be booked in advance at hrp.org.uk. Better suited to older children and adults.
Always check the Historic Royal Palaces website for the most up-to-date prices, opening times, and any temporary closures before your visit.