Tower of London Accessibility Guide

Overview

The Tower of London is a 1,000-year-old fortress, and its age creates significant accessibility challenges. Cobblestone and uneven paths cover much of the grounds and can be bumpy and tiring for wheelchair users. Only about 20% of the site is accessible without steps. The Crown Jewels exhibit has step-free access and is the main highlight you can reach. However, the White Tower exhibitions, the Bloody Tower, and the Battlements all require stairs. The White Tower does have a lift, but it only goes to the basement shop, not to the exhibition floors above. Free wheelchairs are available for loan. Staff (known as Yeoman Warders) are helpful and can advise on the best routes. This is rated "Partially Accessible" because the majority of the site remains inaccessible to wheelchair users.

Getting There

• Tube: Tower Hill (District, Circle lines). The station has step-free access via lift. The Tower entrance is a 3-minute roll from the station along a paved path.
• Bus: Routes 15, 42, 78, and 100 stop near Tower Hill. The RV1 bus also stops at Tower Gateway.
• Accessible entrance: The main entrance at the West Gate has a ramp. Staff at the gate can direct you to the smoothest route through the grounds.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main entrance at the West Gate has ramped access. From there, the route to the Crown Jewels is on relatively smooth paving.
• Free wheelchair loan from the ticket office. Available first come, first served.
• The Crown Jewels exhibit in the Waterloo Block has step-free access throughout, including the moving walkway past the jewels.
• The White Tower (the central keep) has a platform lift, but it only provides access to the basement shop. The exhibition floors above require stairs and are not wheelchair accessible.
• Many paths across the grounds are cobblestone. These are manageable but tiring, especially for manual wheelchair users. Power wheelchair users will find it easier.
• The Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower upper floors, and wall walks are not wheelchair accessible due to narrow spiral staircases.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are located near the New Armouries Cafe and in the Waterloo Block building (Crown Jewels area). Both have grab rails and emergency cords. There is no Changing Places toilet on site.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Admission is 33.60 GBP per adult. One companion enters free with proof of disability (Access Card, Blue Badge, or equivalent).
• Book tickets online in advance. Select an accessible ticket to ensure you are directed to the right entrance and avoid long queues.
• The Yeoman Warder tours (free with admission) start at the main entrance. The tour covers cobbled ground and includes some standing. Ask a Warder about the accessible highlights route if the full tour is too difficult.
• Bring gloves if you use a manual wheelchair. The cobblestones can be tough on your hands over the course of a visit.
• The New Armouries Cafe has step-free access and seating with room for wheelchairs. It is the only food option inside the Tower grounds.
• Tower Bridge is a short, flat roll from the Tower exit. The bridge walkway has lift access and glass floors with views of the Thames below.