Guided tours with the Yeomen Warders
This is arguably the most iconic experience at the Tower of London: being guided by a Yeoman Warder, those historic guardians in their distinctive red and black uniform who have protected the fortress since 1485. These career veterans bring a thousand years of history to life with unmatched anecdotes and detail.
Guided tours by the Yeomen Warders are included in the price of your entry ticket. They depart from the main entrance (Middle Tower) approximately every 30 minutes and last between 45 minutes and 1 hour depending on group size and visitor questions. Presentations are in English.
To understand what you will see during the visit, also read our guide to the history and legends of the Tower of London.
What's included in your ticket
All Yeomen Warder guided tours, access to the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Medieval Royal Palace and all permanent exhibitions are included in your standard ticket. No additional fees are charged on site.
What does a Yeoman Warder tour look like?
Your guide leads you through the main courtyards and buildings of the fortress, stopping at key historic points: the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, Tower Green where executions took place. Each stop brings stories of famous prisoners, royal executions and the myths surrounding the Tower.
The Yeomen Warders live on site with their families - they are one of the rare communities to reside inside a functioning historic monument.
Self-guided visit: explore at your own pace
If you prefer to organise your visit as you wish, a self-guided tour is equally enriching. A detailed map is provided at the entrance, and informational panels are placed throughout the site.
This option is ideal if you want to spend more time at certain sites - especially the Jewel House for the Crown Jewels, which can have up to an hour's waiting time during peak season.
Practical tip
Start with the Crown Jewels at opening time (9am on weekdays) to avoid queues. Then join a Yeoman Warder guided tour mid-morning to round out your visit.
Audio guides
For visitors who do not speak English, the Tower of London offers audio guides in several languages including French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese and Mandarin.
The audio guide can be hired at reception for a small fee. It covers all the main points of interest and allows you to explore the history of each building at your own pace.
Available languages
French ยท English ยท German ยท Spanish ยท Italian ยท Japanese ยท Mandarin. Other languages may be available depending on the season.
Where to hire the audio guide?
At the welcome desk, just after the entry turnstiles. Bring a form of ID as a deposit. Audio guides are refreshed each morning.
Family visits
The Tower of London is particularly well-suited to families with children. The Yeomen Warders excel at making history accessible and engaging for younger visitors, with stories about the ravens, armour and legendary figures.
Special children's activities are regularly organised in the fortress, particularly during British school holidays. Ask at reception on the day of your visit.
Children under 5 enter free. Ages 5-15 benefit from a reduced rate. A family ticket (2 adults + 3 children) is available.
Opening hours & prices
The Tower of London is open every day except 24-26 December and 1 January. Opening hours vary by season.
Typical opening hours
- Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00am-5:30pm (last entry 5:00pm)
- Sunday-Monday: 10:00am-5:30pm (last entry 5:00pm)
- Summer (July-August): closes at 6:00pm
Yeomen Warder guided tours depart approximately every 30 minutes from opening time, with the last tour typically starting 1h30 before closing.
How to book your visit
It is strongly recommended to book your ticket in advance, especially during peak season (April-October) and during school holidays. Box office queues can reach 45 minutes in summer.
If you are unsure before buying, our Tower of London FAQ answers questions about tickets, prices and accessibility.
By booking through our partner, you receive your mobile ticket by email within minutes. No printing required - simply show your QR code at the entrance.
Secure booking via our partner
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