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Explore for free with your community group

Join our Community Access Scheme

What is the Community Access Scheme?

The Community Access Scheme (CAS) offers free entry, practical advice and support to enable community groups to visit and explore the Tower of London.

Who can join the Community Access Scheme?

We welcome community groups based in Tower Hamlets, City of London, Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Newham and Enfield, especially those who would not normally visit the palace or see it as a place of interest for them.

When

Daily (Monday - Sunday)


Booking information

Self-guided group visits are welcome throughout the week. They must be pre-booked at least three weeks in advanced through the Community Partnerships team.


Free (advance booking required)

Email to book a place

What does the Community Access Scheme offer participating groups?

  • Compulsory Group Leader Training designed to inspire and support group leaders to plan and lead visits for their groups to the palaces.
  • Free tickets for community groups to visit the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.
  • Year-round networking events and socials.
  • Support from the Community Partnerships team to help group leaders engage their groups with the palace's stories, collections and historic spaces.
  • Entry Cards for group members to return to the palace independently after their initial group visit.

How can I get involved?

Group leaders must book a place on a Group Leader Training Day to discover more about the programme and get useful tips on what to do when bringing groups to the Tower of London.

Upcoming online training dates:

The next training to be part of the CAS programme will take place in Spring 2025. Please email us to be added to our waiting list. 

Resource guide for the Community Access Scheme

This guide helps community group leaders and adult learning tutors to independently visit the Tower of London and engage their groups with the Tower’s unique stories and spaces.

Working with communities

Our core programmes and projects create opportunities for people to meaningfully engage with our spaces and stories, inspiring everyone to feel a sense of belonging at our six wonderful palaces.

Explore how we work with communities

Explore What's on

  • Tours and talks

Community Access Scheme

Explore Kensington Palace for free with your local community or adult learning group.

  • Wednesday - Sunday
  • Kensington Palace
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more
  • Tours and talks

Sensory Palaces

A health and wellbeing programme at Hampton Court Palace for people living with dementia and their carers.

  • September - March (selected dates)
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more
  • Tours and talks

Community Access Scheme

Explore Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for free with your local community or adult learning group.

  • Two to three times per year as required
  • 10.30 – 14.00
  • Hillsborough Castle
Learn more

Browse more History and stories

John Blanke

A Black musician at the Tudor court

Tower of London Prison

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

Thomas Cromwell

The life and death of Henry VIII’s 'most faithful servant'

Shop online

Shop Tower of London

Shop our unique collection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.

From £2.50

Guy Fawkes Decoration

This luxury fabric hanging decoration commemorates the infamous attempt of Guy Fawkes to assassinate King James I during the State Opening of Parliament on November 5th, 1605.

£13

Crown of India Snow Globe

The Imperial State Crown of India, set with fabulous gems from India and other countries, is one of the heaviest crowns in the Crown Jewels collection with more than 6000 diamonds.

£15