Tower of London Bag Policy: Visitor Rules & Restrictions

A visit to London is incomplete without stepping back in time at the Tower of London, one of the most famous and important fortresses in the world. Officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, this landmark sits on the north bank of the River Thames and has had many roles across a thousand years: a royal palace, a strong fortress, a political prison, a place of execution, an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, and the safe home of the Crown Jewels of England. Its thick stone walls have seen royal ceremonies and grim imprisonments. Planning your visit helps a lot. And packing right matters, since convenient Tower of London storage point options exist nearby to help you move around the site without heavy bags.

Inside the Tower, there is a lot to see and learn. The Crown Jewels are a dazzling collection of over 23,000 gemstones that still play a role in royal ceremonies today. The Yeoman Warders, often called ‘Beefeaters’, guard the Tower and give entertaining talks about its history. Watch for the famous ravens. Tradition says the ravens protect the Crown and the Tower. People believe that if the six resident ravens ever leave, the kingdom will fall. You can also visit the White Tower, the oldest part built by William the Conqueror. The White Tower now holds a fine collection of arms and armor from the Royal Armouries. Walking here means you follow in the steps of Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Guy Fawkes. The stones around you hold stories of power, protection, and pain.

Tower of London Bag Policy

Understanding the Tower of London’s bag rules is a key part of planning your visit. The site’s main priority is the safety of visitors, staff, and the priceless objects inside. For this reason, all bags may be searched at the entrance, and size rules are enforced. These rules help visitors move safely through narrow and busy passageways. Following the rules is not optional — it is required for entry. If you know the rules before you pack, you will avoid delays and disappointment. Staff do thorough checks, so it’s best to arrive prepared.

Types of Bags Allowed

Visitors may bring small bags, rucksacks, and handbags into the Tower. The official guidance does not list exact centimeters, but the idea is a bag that is reasonable to carry. Think of a standard school backpack or a large handbag. The bag should not be too bulky and must not risk damaging the buildings or the exhibits. A common example is a bag around 40cm x 30cm x 20cm (16in x 12in x 8in). Keep your bag with you at all times. In crowded spots, staff may ask you to carry a backpack on your front or by your side, especially near the Jewel House, so you do not bump into displays or other people.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the Tower. There are no on-site facilities to store these items. If you arrive with a large suitcase or big travel backpack, you may be refused entry. This includes wheeled suitcases and bulky backpacking packs. The reasons are both security and practical layout. Large items are harder to screen and can block narrow staircases and corridors, which would create hazards and slow everyone down. Also banned are scooters, skateboards, and folding bicycles. In short, if you cannot easily carry your bag in front of you in a crowd, it’s probably too large to bring in.

Tower of London Lockers

One of the most important facts for first-time visitors is that the Tower of London has no public lockers or left-luggage facilities on-site. This is strict and applies in all cases. Unlike some museums, there is no cloakroom or place to store coats, umbrellas, or oversized bags when you arrive. This rule exists for security reasons and because the historic buildings cannot support modern storage services.

So, plan ahead. Turning up with a suitcase after leaving your hotel or with a large backpack full of belongings will likely mean you are denied entry. You would then need to find a nearby storage option, which takes time and causes stress. Because there are no on-site lockers, visitors are strongly advised to leave large items at their accommodation or to use third-party luggage storage services near the Tower before you enter. This planning ensures a smooth visit and lets you move around the site freely.

Tower of London Transportation

Getting to the Tower of London is easy because it’s centrally located and well served by public transport. The London Underground, also called the Tube, is one of the fastest ways to travel. The nearest station is Tower Hill, just a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance. Tower Hill sits on the District (green) and Circle (yellow) lines, so it links directly to many parts of the city, like Victoria, Westminster, and South Kensington. When you come out of the station, the Tower is usually in sight, so it’s hard to get lost. Emerging from underground and seeing the Tower is a small thrill.

Buses are another good option. Several routes stop close to the Tower, giving you a scenic way to travel and see the city. Look for buses 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343. The number 15 is useful for tourists because it follows a heritage route and often uses classic Routemaster buses, passing famous places like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. Bus stops are well marked and there’s a stop called ‘Tower of London’ very near the entrance. Use contactless payment or an Oyster card to make bus travel simple and affordable.

For a memorable arrival, try the river. Tower Pier sits beside the Tower of London, and services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and tour companies stop there. A river trip gives special views of the Thames and of city landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. You can board from many piers, including Westminster, Embankment, and Greenwich. It turns travel into a relaxed mini-trip.

You can also use National Rail. The closest main rail stations are London Bridge, about a 15-minute walk across Tower Bridge, and Fenchurch Street, around a 10-minute walk. These links connect the Tower to suburban and national lines.

Tower of London Camera Policy

Most visitors may take pictures and film in many parts of the Tower of London. It’s fine to use your phone or a camera for personal, non-commercial photos. The outside views, the Yeoman Warders (if they agree), the ravens, and views from the battlements are all good photo spots. The Tower’s architecture and age make it a place full of photographic chances.

But there are strict limits. Photography and filming are strictly forbidden inside the Jewel House to protect the Crown Jewels. Lighting inside is kept low to preserve fragile items, and flash could harm them over time. The photography ban also helps security. Any attempt to take photos in the Jewel House will be stopped by guards. Photography is also not allowed during services at the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. Flash photography is discouraged across the site to protect delicate materials and to avoid disturbing other visitors. Tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks may be limited in busy areas or inside buildings to prevent accidents. If you plan to shoot professionally, you need prior written permission. You cannot do commercial filming with a standard visitor ticket.

Tower of London Food Policy

Bringing your own food and drink into the Tower of London is allowed. This is helpful for families, people with special diets, or anyone who wants to save money. You may bring a packed lunch, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. There are picnic areas, often in the outer green spaces called the moat, where you can sit and eat. These spots give a calm place to rest during a busy day of walking.

There are a few clear limits. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed and will be taken at security. Glass bottles and very large picnic baskets or coolers are discouraged because they can fall under the oversized bag rules and might be refused at the gate. You also can’t bring cooking gear like portable barbecues, grills, or items with an open flame. If you prefer not to bring food, the Tower has on-site places to eat, such as the New Armouries Café, which offers hot and cold meals, sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. There are also smaller kiosks around the grounds for quick snacks and refreshments.

Other Tower of London Rules & Information

All visitors must go through a mandatory security check. This works like airport security and includes opening bags and possibly walking through a metal detector. To move faster through this check, have your bags ready and easy to open. Prohibited items, such as knives, weapons, or alcohol, will be taken away. Cooperating with security staff keeps everyone safe. Queues can be long in busy times, so allow extra time for security.

Accessibility is an important topic because the Tower is historic. The site has many tough staircases, cobbled streets, and uneven surfaces. Not every area is easy for wheelchair users or people with mobility issues. The Crown Jewels display is fully accessible, and some ground-floor areas and outdoor spaces are reachable. But many towers, including the White Tower and the battlements, have steep, narrow spiral staircases. The official site has an accessibility guide and map that helps you plan your route. Manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but some narrow historic interiors do not allow mobility scooters.

The Tower is a protected historic site and a former royal palace, so visitors should behave with respect. Do not touch stonework, artifacts, or displays unless a sign says you may. Climbing on walls or cannons is forbidden. Yeoman Warders and other staff will remind people of the rules and can help with questions. Their directions should be followed. The Tower of London is mostly a smoke-free site. Smoking and vaping are not allowed in buildings and in most outdoor areas. There are small, marked smoking zones on the visitor map where smoking is permitted. Please use those to keep the site comfortable for everyone.

Tips for Visitors

The most important tip is to check the official Tower of London website before you go. That site is run by Historic Royal Palaces and gives the latest opening times, which can change with the season or for special events. You can buy tickets online in advance, which is smart because it helps you skip long ticket lines on busy days. The official site also lists any temporary closures, special exhibitions, and schedules for the Yeoman Warder tours. Planning with this official source helps ensure you don’t miss key parts of the visit.

A small but useful trick is to think about what bag you bring. Since bags are checked at security, a clear bag or a very small clutch can speed things up. Security staff can see the contents of a clear bag quickly, which shortens checks. If you only need essentials like a phone, wallet, and keys, a small clutch that opens easily will help you move through the queue faster. This tip saves time that you can spend inside the Tower. Try it.

Finally, if you have luggage, plan ahead. Because of the strict no-luggage rule and the lack of lockers on-site, arriving with a huge bag will likely lead to being turned away. Don’t let heavy bags spoil your day. Instead, use nearby storage solutions. For instance, Qeepl offers luggage storage near the Tower of London. You can book online at a partner location, drop off your items in minutes, and then enjoy the fortress without worry. This service keeps your things safe and costs from £3.69 per day for one bag. It is a convenient option to avoid carrying large items while you explore.

FAQ

Can I take a bag into the Tower of London?

Yes, you can bring small bags, rucksacks, and handbags into the Tower of London. While there are no exact dimensions, a bag around 40cm x 30cm x 20cm is a good guide. However, large bags, suitcases, and bulky backpacks are strictly forbidden and there are no on-site storage facilities.

Can you bring drinks into the Tower of London?

Yes, you can bring your own drinks into the Tower, provided they are non-alcoholic. Bringing your own water or soft drinks is a good way to stay hydrated. Please note that all alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated by security staff at the entrance.

What to wear to the Tower of London?

There is no specific dress code, but comfortable shoes are essential. You will do a lot of walking on historic, uneven cobbled streets and climb steep, narrow stairs. It is also wise to dress in layers, as London’s weather can be unpredictable and temperatures vary between indoor and outdoor areas.

How early should I get to the Tower of London?

It is advisable to arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled entry, especially during peak season. This allows sufficient time to clear the mandatory security screening at the entrance, as queues can be long. Buying tickets online in advance will also help you bypass the ticket line.

Do you pay extra to see the Crown Jewels?

No, there is no extra charge to see the Crown Jewels. Your general admission ticket to the Tower of London includes access to all the main exhibits within the grounds, including the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels are displayed, the White Tower, and the Yeoman Warder guided tours.

Why are you not allowed to take photos of the Crown Jewels?

Photography of the Crown Jewels is forbidden for two key reasons: security and conservation. The ban helps protect the priceless collection from potential security threats. Furthermore, the intense light from camera flashes can cause cumulative damage to the ancient and delicate gemstones over time.