Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Tower of London with Kids: Everything You Need to Know
The Tower of London is one of the Capital’s most incredible gems – a tourist site like no other in the world.
But it can get crowded, it’s expensive, it’s enormous, and visiting the Tower of London with kids may drain you (and your bank account!).
Here’s my easy guide for visiting the Tower of London with kids, from someone who lives in London and has a membership.
I’ll tell you all my tips and tricks to make your visit as smooth as possible.
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Tickets for the Tower of London With Kids
The Tower of London is pricey. Adult tickets are £33.60, and children ages 5-15 cost £16.50. Children under 5 enter free with a paying adult.
That’s right: Tower of London toddlers enter free!
Audio Guides are an additional fee, and can be paid for with your ticket then collected inside the Tower.
How can you save on tickets? There are two main ways.
Is the London Pass Right for You?
The London Pass includes admission to the Tower of London. If you want to see many of the attractions included with the London Pass, this could save you money.
Use my London Pass calculator here to see if you would save.
Is a Membership Right for You?
Historic Royal Palaces memberships offer year-long entrance to all 6 HRP attractions (Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle) for one lower price.
Family memberships start from £70-£110 per year. If you’re visiting just two of the places on this list, it’s probably worth it to get a membership, even if you don’t live in London.
Two adults and two children over 5 would cost over £175 to see the two most popular attractions – the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace. A membership has instantly saved you at least £65.
Opening Hours
The Tower of London is open everyday (except on the 24-26 of December and 1 January).
Weekend hours sometimes vary between 9:00 and 10:00, so it’s best to check on their official calendar here.
Summer Hours (1 March – 31 October)
- Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-17:30
- Sunday-Monday: 09:00 or 10:00-17:30
- Last admission: 17:00
Winter Hours (1 November – 28 February)
- Tuesday-Saturday: 09:00-16:30
- Sunday-Monday: 09:00 or 10:00-16:30
- Last admission: 16:00
When to Arrive & How Long it Takes Visiting the Tower of London with Kids
If you can, I advise you to arrive right at opening time at 9 or 10 am.
The Tower usually starts to get really crowded about 1.5-2 hours after opening, If you arrive first thing you can have first crack at the Crown Jewels and the White Tower.
If it’s raining, you may be in luck as it tends to be a bit less crowded, and you’ll only be in the rain for short bits walking between the buildings.
How Long Should I Spend at the Tower of London?
How long you want to spend at the Tower is up to you. If you want to see everything in detail, you could spend 4 hours.
But you can definitely see most everything in 2 hours if you don’t have to queue for the Crown Jewels.
Just do what your kids’ attention span allows for – this is supposed to be a fun visit, not a stressful one!
You don’t have to read every single placard. Half the joy of the Tower is just being there where history happened.
Tower of London Toddlers Tip 💡
If you’re visiting the Tower with a wee squirmy one, definitely get there before the crowds. It will be more difficult to navigate and see everything once it’s full of people.
Getting to the Tower of London with Kids
The easiest way to get to the Tower of London when walking with little feet (or a pram) is to take the tube.
The closest station is Tower Hill, which is right across the street. Tower Hill serves the Circle and District lines (green and yellow).
There is lift (elevator) access from the platform to ground level. But to avoid stairs completely, you’ll need to walk around Tower Hill and cross the street above ground.
When you exit Tower Hill Station, note the historic London Wall. That’s a piece of Roman London history right there!
There is a tunnel directly from the outside of the station to the Tower, but it has a lot of stairs.
You can also take any of the convenient bus routes that stop right near the Tower. Taking buses with prams is very easy to do!
Entrance to the Tower of London
Once you approach the entrance, there is a line of ticket booths on your right.
You can purchase tickets or a membership there, then enter the queue for the Tower.
If you already have a membership that you purchased online, you can enter the entrance queue without going to the ticket booth. Show them your confirmation email and you’re good to go.
There is a security check that may require a bag search and metal detection.
Collecting Your Audio Guides
Just after the entrance, you’ll see the Beefeater’s Shop. This is where you can collect your audio guides.
Accessibility
Outside the Tower is much more accessible than inside the Tower. This is a 1,000+ year-old mediaeval fortress, after all!
See the full downloadable Tower Access Guide here.
Pram Parking
If you’re bringing a pram, there is a pram parking station under the south side of the White Tower (right in the middle of the complex).
I would recommend – if your kids don’t need to be in it the whole time – to park your pram and walk around.
There are few places in the Tower where there aren’t stairs, and the cobbled pavements make for quite the bumpy ride for buggy riders.
Prams are not allowed inside the Crown Jewels building, but there is pram parking on-site.
Facilities, Food & Drink
For a mediaeval castle, the Tower has quite a modern range of facilities that make touring it with kids quite easy.
There are plentiful toilets and changing stations, along with a water fountain, cafes, and small snack trolleys.
I would recommend bringing your own water so you can fill your bottle at the fountain, and avoid buying a pricey bottle of water on site.
You can also pack a lunch and eat on one of the benches to really save on your family outing.
Tower of London Kids Itinerary
Here’s all the things to see while visiting the Tower of London with kids.
I’ve noted which parts are best for older kids, and which ones will be okay for toddlers and younger children.
1. Yeoman Warder Tour
Tours by official Yeoman Warders (aka “Beefeaters”) begin every 30 minutes, and are free with your ticket.
This is a great way to hear all about the incredible history of the Tower from an expert.
The Beefeaters are quite entertaining and know absolutely everything. You can pose with them for photos after the tour if you ask politely.
If you’ve just missed the start of a tour, head to the Crown Jewels and come back for the next tour.
If your kids get restless, you can always leave the tour! But my kids have always found them funny and entertaining.
2. See the Crown Jewels
If you don’t start with a tour, I recommend you head straight to the Crown Jewels (if you’re getting there first thing in the morning, which I also recommend).
Large queues are common between 12-3pm.
You’ll wander through several sparkling exhibits before you make it to the highlight: the crowns themselves.
There is a moving walkway that takes you past the crowns – you may need to lift up littles so they can see.
No prams are allowed in this building and no photography or video is allowed inside.
3. Explore the White Tower
The White Tower is the iconic building in the centre which you will immediately recognize. It’s the largest of all the buildings on site, and will take you the longest to get through.
Outside, you’ll see a sign that warns of “205 steps,” but don’t worry – you don’t do all those steps at once.
Right under the entrance steps is buggy parking sheltered from the weather. Just remember to take your valuables with you, then go up inside the White Tower.
In this incredible historic space you will climb up floor by floor, seeing the Royal Armouries. Kids will find the suits of armour for Kings, soldiers and horses particularly fascinating.
Don’t miss the incredible architectural gem of St John’s Chapel inside the White Tower. Though kids won’t find it interesting, adults certainly will.
On the top floor there is a display of execution history and equipment, which may be frightening for some children.
The basement – when you come all the way back down to exit – was where several prisoners, including Guy Fawkes, were imprisoned and tortured.
4. See the Execution Site
After you exit the White Tower, the Execution Site of Anne Boleyn and others is marked with a round glass memorial. Many visitors leave flowers here for Anne.
There is a placard to read about the history of this space.
Don’t let children climb on the memorial.
5. Explore the Battlements
The Tower is divided into the inner ward and the outer ward. The Outer Ward, you’ll notice, has a massive wall with towers dotted about its perimeter. These are the battlements.
You can climb up to these battlements and walk the perimeter of the castle (not the whole thing, but some parts), and you’ll get epic views of the Thames and London’s skyline.
6. See the Bloody Tower
*May be scary for small children*
With the “Bloody Tower,” it’s right in the name – this spot has some particularly gruesome history.
Upon entry you’ll see the massive portcullis – the iron gate that was lowered to keep the castle protected.
To the left, Sir Walter Raleigh’s study has some light, sound, and video effects to replicate what his experience would have been like.
Upstairs is the infamous room where the “Princes in the Tower” were kept before being (supposedly) murdered. There are also video and sound effects in this room.
My toddler is not a fan of the spooky sounds. Young kids may want to skip the Bloody Tower, or you can take turns going in without the children.
7. Spot the Ravens and the Royal Beasts
See those black birds hopping about the Tower? Those are the incredible ravens that live in the Tower of London.
Legend says that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, then England will fall.
There are also sculptures of polar bears, lions, elephants, monkeys and more dotted throughout the Tower.
The Royal Menagerie used to be on site, and if you see an animal, look for its placard. There were some truly wild animals that used to live at the Tower!
8. See Historic Graffiti Inside Beauchamp Tower
Beauchamp Tower is where many prisoners were kept, and they left their mark. Don’t miss the “Imprisonment in the Tower” exhibition, where you’ll see some truly incredible works of art carved in stone.
Each piece of graffiti is attributed with the (likely) author’s name.
My toddler particularly loves the arrow-slit windows inside Beauchamp Tower (which is also a good place to rest little legs if they’re getting tired).
9. Peek Inside the Medieval Palace
The former home of Henry III and Edward I, this grand set of Towers is redecorated to match what it would have looked like when the mediaeval Royals called it home.
10. See Torture at the Tower
At Lower Wakefield Tower you’ll find a small but incredible torture exhibition. It’s not for the faint of heart!
There are no effects, though, so it’s fine for littles (as long as they don’t know what they’re looking at), and older kids will find it darkly fascinating.
11. See the Guards Protecting the Crown Jewels
Kids will be fascinated with the elaborately-dressed guards outside the Crown Jewels building. But don’t let their funny hats fool you – these are serious soldiers who carry weapons.
There is a small barrier between the courtyard and the guards – don’t let little kids cross the barrier or get too close.
12. See the Fusilier Museum
If you have time, it’s worth popping into the small Fusilier Museum. There is lots of cool military memorabilia and small displays for kids.
You can also create a memorial coin in a novelty machine.
13. See the London Wall and the Moat
Don’t forget to check out the incredible moat (which is filled with wildflowers in the summer), and the ancient London Wall, sections of which are still very much intact.
Exiting the Tower
You’ll exit the Tower Thameside, and you’ll be greeted with an epic view of Tower Bridge. This is a great place to stop for family photos.
You can pose with the Tower in the background, or pose with the river and Tower Bridge in the background.
Have a wander along the riverside and there’s more to see: Traitor’s Gate is the most notable, where Anne Boleyn would have taken her final entrance to the Tower of London.
Food Nearby the Tower of London for Families 🍕🍔
Don’t want to pay Tower prices to eat? I totally understand. Here’s your best food options nearby. Keep those kids fueled up!
Snacks Nearby 🥨
Directly across from the entrance is a Starbucks and a Pret a Manger. These are great for a quick snack and drink before going inside.
Lunch & Dinner Nearby: Quick Bites 🍜
- Wagamama Tower Hill: Quick casual Asian food (think noodle bowls, soups and dumplings).
- Zizzi Tower Hill: Quick casual pizza and pasta.
- Yalla Beirut Lebanese: Quick mezze, shawarma and wraps.
- Assenheims: Quick grilled meats and platters with South American flavours.
- Honest Burgers St Katherine’s Docks: Upscale burger chain.
- Pizza Express: British pizza chain great for kids.
Lunch & Dinner Nearby: Sit-Down Meals 🍽️
- Byward Cafe & Bar: Casual table service for British classics in a pretty garden.
- Keepers Kitchen & Bar: Casual eatery with pasta, fish & chips, salads, burgers, etc.
- Coppa Club: A bit more fine-dining, but with a great kids menu!
- Bodean’s: Pub-style food with BBQ and ribs.
- Cote St Katherine’s Docks: French Brasserie chain for quick but satisfying bites.
- Emilia’s Pasta: Handmade italian favourites in a cosy atmosphere.
- Bravas Tapas: Spanish flavours in a cosy pub-like setting.
What Else to do Near the Tower of London with Kids
You’re in Central London, so of course there’s plenty to do nearby!
If the kids are up for it, you can pop to:
⭐️ Tower Bridge
5 minute walk.
You can climb to the top and walk across a glass floor! Don’t do this if you’re afraid of heights.
⭐️ Sky Garden
10 minute walk.
Epic views on top of a skyscraper. Free tickets but book ahead.
⭐️ Monument
10 minute walk.
This imposing monument to the Tower of London has an incredible view from the top.
⭐️ Leadenhall Market
13 minute walk.
This architectural market is straight out of Harry Potter!
⭐️ St Paul’s Cathedral
25 minute walk or short bus or tube ride.
Only a 20 minute walk away (maybe a bit longer with kids) is this stunning and iconic cathedral, an integral part of the London skyline.
⭐️ The Shard
20 minute walk or short bus or tube ride.
Southbank skyscraper The Shard is known for its fine dining restaurants and incredible views. The View From the Shard is included in the London Pass.
⭐️ Borough Market
15 minute walk across the bridge.
Pop across the Thames and explore this gastronomic delight. Avoid weekends – it gets absolutely packed.
⭐️ Clink Prison Museum & the Old Operating Theatre
20 minute walk across the bridge or short bus or tube ride.
If you’re up for some more dark history, head across the Thames to either of these museums showcasing some of London’s more gruesome past.
Events at the Tower of London 🗓️
Some events at the Tower happen everyday, and some only once in a while.
Check the daily schedule here to see if there’s anything special happening on the day of your visit.
✅ Watch the Ceremony of the Keys (Requires Separate Booking)
Late at night you can watch this ancient tradition of locking up the Tower
Tickets are £5 and book up very quickly. This might be interesting for tweens and teens, but not for littles (plus, it starts at 9:30 pm).
✅ Half Term and Holiday Activities
During school holidays, the Tower usually puts on some great family activities. See the full listings here and toggle by dates.
Holiday activities are usually announced about 6 weeks in advance.
💡Tips for Visiting Tower of London with Kids
To recap, here are all the tips I covered in this post.
- Arrive as early as you can. Right at opening time is best.
- Bad weather is good! It means it will be less crowded.
- Consider renting an audio guide for kids – it may help them stay entertained, so you can enjoy your time too.
- Park your pram under the White Tower steps and walk.
- See the Crown Jewels first to avoid the queues.
- Bring your own food and water to save money (you just can’t eat inside the exhibits).
- The Royal Guards are real soldiers and have strict protocol (and very real weapons). Don’t let kids approach them.
- Take some photos upon exiting near Tower Bridge! This is a great spot to pose.
More on Visiting London with Family & Kids
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Ultimate Attraction Map Of London: Travel Efficiently!
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