You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

Battlements

Explore the defensive inner wall and its towers that have protected for centuries

Walk the walls at the Tower

The huge stone battlements forming the Tower's walls have protected kings and queens since Henry III's fortifications in the mid-13th century.

Take the Wall Walk to explore the Medieval Palace and the secrets of these huge towers. Along the way, you’ll discover the many different roles the Tower of London has played, from Medieval times right through to the 20th century.

The Tower was once a royal residence and has even played host to a zoo. But, above all else, it has served as a mighty fortress and is the current protector of the Crown Jewels.

When

Open


Ticketing information


Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Tower of London tickets
Children running on South Battlements in front of Lanthorn Tower (with wooden swords in their hands).

South Battlements

Medieval Palace

The luxurious Medieval Palace contains recreations of fabulous interiors used by medieval kings and queens during their visits to their most important fortress.

St. Thomas’s Tower

Built by Edward I in the late 1270s. He used this room to meet important visitors and conduct business in front of the huge fireplace.

Wakefield Tower

Built by Edward's father Henry III, the Wakefield Tower was completed some 40 years earlier than St. Thomas's Tower. Explore the room that was probably Henry's council chamber and marvel at his meticulously reconstructed throne.

Lanthorn Tower

Discover rare objects dating back to the time of Henry III and Edward I.

Salt Tower

Scratched into the walls of the Salt Tower, you will find graffiti left by prisoners almost 500 years ago.

This tower originally overlooked the Thames, and in times of trouble, archers on the ground floor were able to protect it by shooting through the five arrow loops. During peaceful times the room was a storehouse.

East Battlements

Broad Arrow Tower

From the 14th century, the Broad Arrow Tower was connected to the government department responsible for royal supplies – the Wardrobe. Today, the Broad Arrow Tower has been re-presented as a guard tower, its original use.

Fighting Platform

This addition to the East Battlements recreates the atmosphere of a fortress in operation, where the garrison would have assembled in case of attack. Hear the sounds of the garrison at peace and at war, under cover of the wooden roof that would have protected them.

Constable Tower

Security breached! Tower raided! Here you can explore the remarkable story of the only time the defences of the fortress were ever breached – the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.

Martin Tower

This tower houses the Yeoman Warders at the Tower exhibition, which tells the story of the Yeoman Warder community. The exhibition explores the Yeoman Warders' history, ceremonies and traditions.

Sculpture of a baboon made from galvanised wire.
The entrance to the upper storey of the Bowyer Tower after conservation in 2016, looking east along the North Battlements. The Brick Tower can be seen in the background, and the Waterloo Barracks on the right.

North Battlements

Royal Beasts

For 600 years, wild and exotic animals were kept at the Tower of London. Discover why they were here and what their life was like in the Tower at Royal Beasts

Bowyer Tower

Discover the story of the Duke of Wellington – war hero, prime minister and Constable of the Tower of London.

Flint Tower

In the 20th century, the Tower continued to play an important defensive role for Britain. Hear the story of how this ancient fortress continued to play its part in a modern-day war.

What's on

BOOKING SOON

  • For members
  • Events

Members-Only Ceremony of the Keys

Members-only access to the traditional locking up of the Tower of London, the Ceremony of the Keys.

  • 08 December 2024; 19 January, 16 February, 23 March 2025
  • 21:30
  • Tower of London
  • Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Learn more
  • Tours and talks

Audio Guide Tour

Explore deeper with the Tower of London audio guide tour. Discover extra information about the Tower's history, plan your day and find out more about our cafés and shops.

  • Available
  • Tower of London
  • Separate ticket
Learn More
  • Things to see

St John's Chapel

An architectural gem in the White Tower.

  • Open daily
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more

BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES

Tower of London Prison

It is known as an infamous prison, but it wasn't built to be one

The Tower of London Menagerie

For over 600 years, the Tower housed a menagerie of exotic wild animals

The Tower's Mint

Guarding the production of all the country's precious coins for over 500 years

Shop online

Shop Kings & Queens of England

Discover our informative and best selling range, inspired by the incredible history of the Kings and Queens of England.

From £4.99

Shop Medieval

Step back in time with our medieval inspiration collection, full of fascinating ornaments and homewares for your collection.

From £3.50

Shop Ravens

It is said that if the six ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London then the Tower and the kingdom will fall. Naturally, to preserve the kingdom six ravens are kept to live and protect the Tower of London.

From £2.50