Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London (and historically simply as The Tower), is a historic monument in central London, on the north bank of the River Thames. It is located within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill.

The Tower of London is often identified with the White Tower, the original stark square fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1078. However, the tower as a whole is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.

The tower's primary function was a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison (particularly for high status and royal prisoners, such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I). This last use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower" (meaning "imprisoned"). It has also served as a place of execution and torture, an armoury, a treasury, a zoo, the Royal Mint, a public records office, an observatory, and since 1303, the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

The Tower is located at the eastern boundary of the City of London financial district, adjacent to the River Thames and Tower Bridge. Between the river and the Tower is Tower Wharf, a freely accessible walkway with excellent views of the river, tower and bridge, together with HMS Belfast and London City Hall on the opposite bank.

The Tower is in the Congestion Charging Zone

The nearest public transport locations are:
Tower Hill tube station (London Underground District and Circle lines);
Tower Gateway DLR station (Docklands Light Railway);
Fenchurch Street railway station (National Rail);
Tower Millennium Pier (river cruise boats);
St Katherine's Dock (Thames Clipper commuter boats).

Bus routes: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1

Parking near the Tower:
Please note there is no parking at the Tower of London. The nearest coach and car park is situated on Lower Thames Street and is a 2 minute walk to the main entrance.

Budget London Tour - City Tour and Tower of London

Three Palace Royal Pass - Hampton Court, Kensington Palace and Tower of London Tickets Enter the torturous world of the Tower of London, the sheer magnificence of Hampton Court Palace and the age of elegance of Kensington Palace with this convenient and flexible combination ticket. Book your Three Palace Royal Pass ahead of time to take advantage of jumping the queue at Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! The ancient stones reverberate with dark secrets, priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. The Tower of London is one of the world's most famous fortresses and has seen service as royal palace, prison, armoury and even zoo! It is still home to the Crown Jewels and Beefeaters. Your pass is valid for one visit to each of the above three palaces and is valid for two years. Being undated you have time to explore the stories and intrigues at each of the palaces at your leisure within your own itinerary.