Tower visit header showing Line of Kings

Tower of London

The Royal Armouries is located in the White Tower, the central keep of the Tower of London, which is its historical home.

The Armouries is one of the ancient institutions of the Tower of London. Its origins may be traced back to the working armoury of the medieval kings of England.

The first recorded paying visitor to the Armouries was in 1545 when a visiting foreign dignitary viewed the personal armoury of Henry VIII in the White Tower.

The Restoration of Charles II in 1660 saw the establishment of two permanent public displays: the Line of Kings and the Spanish Armoury.

All these displays can still be seen in the White Tower, along with more modern weapons and armours. Our latest exhibit is Hands on History which is a series of interactive displays on the top floor of the White Tower.

Visitor Information

For more directions and a map to the museum click on the Google map logo below.

To ensure a trouble free journey get live road traffic information from www.keepmoving.co.uk

Opening times

Summer March – October
Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday to Monday 10am – 5.30pm
Winter November – February
Tuesday to Saturday 9am – 4.30pm
Sunday to Monday 10am – 4.30pm

The Tower is closed 24-26 December.
All internal buildings close thirty minutes after the last admission time.

Contact details

General enquiries
Tel: 020 3166 6660

Admission

Admission to the Royal Armouries in the White Tower is free, however, there is an entry charge into the Tower of London.

For details about tickets and prices visit the Historic Royal Palaces website: www.hrp.org.uk

Address

Royal Armouries Museum
HM Tower Of London
London
EC3N 4AB

Travel

The Royal Armouries is located within the White Tower, HM Tower of London.

London Underground

Use the District or Circle lines to Tower Hill station. Follow the signs to the Tower’s main entrance which is a five minute walk from the station.

Train

There are two stations close by: Fenchurch Street or London Bridge.

  • Fenchurch Street: Exit on to Mark Lane. Turn left on to Byward Street, which will lead you to Tower Hill and the Tower of London.
  • London Bridge: Cross the bridge over the River Thames and turn right on to Lower Thames Street. After a 15-minute walk the Tower is located on your right.

Bicycle

  • Bicycle stands are located next to the main shop near the entrance.
  • Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/cycles for information about cycle routes around the area.
  • No cycling is permitted on pedestrian areas.

Docklands Light Railway

Tower Gateway Station is located close to Tower Hill station and the Tower entrance is sign-posted.

Bus

  • Bus routes: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1
  • All major sightseeing bus tours.

Boat

Riverboats for Tower Pier leave from Charing Cross, Westminster and Greenwich.

Car

  • The Tower is in the Congestion Charging Zone.
  • 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 which is clearly indicated.
  • There are several Disabled Parking bays clearly marked.
  • Pricing information and car park opening and closing times telephone the City of London Corporation on 020 7606 3030 or email car.parks@corporationoflondon.gov.uk

For more information about travelling in London go to the Transport for London website: www.tfl.gov.uk or try the Transport for London Journey Planner.

Scary Horned Helmet

Search our collection

NAPOLEONIC WEEKEND

Bringing history to life with some of the most exciting tales from the era of Sharpe and Napoleon.

27 March

Click for more information

Did you know?

Waterloo telescope

The telescope carried by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo is on display at the Royal Armouries museum in Leeds.

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