The Tower of London has witnessed the ebb and flow of power throughout history, standing as a testament to the changing fortunes of the British monarchy. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, this iconic landmark is also home to the Crown Jewels, a dazzling display of the nation's regal heritage. As we explore the Tower of London, we'll take a closer look at the two main entrances that grant access to this historic site.
Tower of London Entrances | Quick Guide
Tower of London has two main entrances for all visitors - the West Gate entrance and the Middle Drawbridge entrance.
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West Gate | Main Entrance at Tower of London
The main entrance to the Tower of London is called the West Gate. This grand archway has the royal coat of arms on it. When you walk through the West Gate, you'll see the famous Yeomen Warders, also known as "Beefeaters." They stand guard and tell fascinating stories about the Tower's history. If you haven’t already bought the tickets, then the counter is just few steps away next to the Welcome Centre. Average waiting time at the main entrance is 30 minutes to 1 hour. Try to get there in the morning within the first hour, so you can be one of the first visitors to enter. The closest car park is at Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, which is a 2-minute walk from the Tower of London.
Middle Drawbridge | Group Entrance at Tower of London
This Tower of London entrance is mainly for groups or individuals who have already purchased their tickets online. The Middle Drawbridge is located on the north banks of the River Thames and generally has a shorter waiting time than the main entrance. The closest car park is at Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, which is a 2-minute walk from the Tower of London. Walk past the Tower of London Gift Shop along the banks of River Thames to the Middle Drawbridge entrance.
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Traitor's Gate
Originally known as the Water Gate, Traitor's Gate is a non-functioning entrance located on the River Thames side of the Tower. This grim passageway was historically used to bring prisoners into the Tower, often those accused of treason against the Crown. Over time, it became associated with some of the most significant events in English history, with notable figures like Sir Thomas More and Sir Walter Raleigh passing through it on their way to imprisonment.
Which Tower of London entrance should I choose?
If you plan to buy your tickets in advance and are travelling in a group, the Middle Drawbridge entrance is the better option. This entrance is generally not as crowded as the main entrance and has a shorter waiting time.
However, if you want to book tickets in person and are traveling with children, you should enter through the West Gate entrance.
Getting to Tower of London Entrance Gate
By Car
If you’re driving, the closest car parks are Tower Hill Coach and Car Park (2-minute walk) and Minories Car Park (10-minute walk).
By Bus
Bus numbers 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1 stop near Tower of London.
By Taxi
You can catch a taxi from anywhere in London and get off near the Tower of London on Lower Thames Street.
By Tube
The closest tube station to the Tower of London is Tower Hill Station (5-minute walk).
Quick tips for your Tower of London visit
- To avoid crowds, get there in the morning because most people tend to visit the Tower of London in the afternoon.
- Avoid weekends and school holidays like Easter and Christmas. Keep in mind that the peak season for tourists is between Easter and October.
- Buy your tickets online so you can cut short your waiting time and enter through the Middle Drawbridge entrance.
- Head to the Crown Jewels first because this is usually the busiest part of the castle.
- Make a day out of it and visit other nearby attractions like London Eye, Churchill War Rooms, National Gallery, The British Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- If this is your first time, you should try out the boat ride to the Tower of London. You can book tickets for an Uber Boat or riverboat for a one-of-a-kind tour of London.
