Jewel Tower is a 14th-century medieval tower in London, located next to the Palace of Westminster. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026, reflecting updated English Heritage pricing and revised seasonal opening patterns that may differ from older guides.
Quick facts about Jewel Tower
| Key information | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Typically 10am–5pm (last entry around 4:30pm), seasonal variations apply |
| Ticket prices | Adult £8.50; Child £7.65; Concession £8.00 |
| Address | Abingdon Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX |
| Nearest transport | Westminster Underground station (5-minute walk) |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
Jewel Tower opening hours
Jewel Tower is usually open from 10am to 5pm, with last entry shortly before closing. Opening days vary by season, with more limited winter hours.
Five great things to do in London
- 🚖 Take a private black cab tour around London’s highlights – with hotel pick-up.
- 🧙 Discover Harry Potter filming locations – and spots that inspired the books – on a wizarding walking tour.
- 🍴 Taste the best of British cuisine on a food tour through Borough Market.
- 🚲 Combine landmarks, pubs and street art – on a guided bike tour.
- ⛴️ Take a sightseeing cruise along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich.
Jewel Tower ticket prices
The standard admission prices for Jewel Tower are:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £8.90 |
| Child (5–17) | £5.30 |
| Concession | £8.00 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £23.10 |
These prices are for standard entry, booked in advance during peak periods. Tickets booked on the door are more expensive. Tickets for off-peak periods are a little cheaper. Entry is free for English Heritage members.
The Jewel Tower is not included in major London city passes such as Go City. Nearby attractions included in those passes include:
- Tower of London
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Kensington Palace
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Is it worth paying for English Heritage membership?
Entry prices for English Heritage sites, including Dover Castle, Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle, can seem extremely expensive. This is clearly a deliberate ploy to push visitors towards taking out annual English Heritage membership.
Membership gives free access to more than 400 sites across the country, and costs £82. That is, unless you get a special deal – there was a 25%-off Black Friday deal in November 2025, for example.
Whether that £82 is worth it depends on how many sites are near you (there are lots in the south of the country, not so many near me in Yorkshire). And, critically, whether you’re going to visit them with children.
Each member can take up to six children with them free of charge. Given the steep one-time entry fees, an adult member with two children is likely to recoup the cost of their membership by visiting just two or three sites within the year.
For an individual without children, I’d say English Heritage membership is worth it only if you’re planning to blitz a few sites in one year. For an individual with children, membership is a smart investment that will likely pay itself back within one school holiday. To me, it’s a no-brainer.
The real question is whether it’s worth renewing English Heritage membership after a year. That’s debatable, as you’re unlikely to go to many of these sites twice. I eventually renewed after I was offered 20% off the price. I’ll probably recoup the membership price visiting two sites in summer next year, even if I’ve ticked off most of the best ones near me.
If you buy membership through this link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to get to Jewel Tower
Jewel Tower is located in central Westminster, close to major government buildings.
- Underground: Westminster station (Circle, District and Jubilee lines) is around 0.2 miles away
- Bus: Multiple routes stop along Parliament Square
- Walking: Easily reached from central London landmarks within 10–15 minutes
Parking at Jewel Tower
There is no dedicated parking at Jewel Tower.
- The surrounding area has restricted street parking only
- The nearest public car parks are limited and often expensive
- Using public transport is the most practical option
How long to spend at Jewel Tower
Most visits take 30 to 60 minutes.
The site is small and arranged over a few floors, making it suitable for a short visit combined with nearby attractions.
Accessibility at Jewel Tower
Accessibility is limited due to the historic structure.
- No lift access to upper floors
- Narrow staircases throughout the tower
- Ground floor is partially accessible
- Assistance dogs are permitted
Visitors with mobility requirements may find access restricted.
Inside Jewel Tower: what to see
Visitors at this English Heritage site can explore a compact but well-preserved medieval building.
Key features include:
- Ground floor exhibition explaining the tower’s role in storing royal treasures
- Upper chambers showing how the building was used by medieval clerks
- Historic stone architecture, including original vaulting
- Displays on the development of the House of Lords records system
- Views of nearby government buildings from upper levels
The layout is vertical, with exhibits spread across multiple floors connected by stairs.
Practical visitor tips for Jewel Tower
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Visit timing | Arrive early in the day to avoid queues, especially in summer |
| Crowds | The site is small and can feel busy during peak hours |
| Entry process | Tickets can be bought on arrival; booking ahead is rarely required but is cheaper. |
| Layout | Expect a compact, multi-level visit with stairs between floors |
| Nearby facilities | Toilets and cafés are not available on-site but are nearby |
Frequently asked questions about Jewel Tower
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Jewel Tower suitable for children? | Yes, but the experience is brief and includes stairs. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Jewel Tower? | No, advance booking is usually not required. |
| Is Jewel Tower open on Sundays? | Yes, but opening days vary seasonally. |
| Are bags allowed in Jewel Tower? | Yes, but large bags may be restricted due to space. |
Things to do near Jewel Tower
- Westminster Abbey (0.1 miles)
- Houses of Parliament (0.1 miles)
- Churchill War Rooms (0.4 miles)
- London Eye (0.6 miles)
- Banqueting House (0.7 miles)
These attractions are within walking distance and can be combined into a half-day itinerary.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect when visiting the Florence Nightingale Museum.
- Plan a visit to the Golden Hinde and Tate Modern in Bankside, London.
- Explore the Charles Dickens Museum and Foundling Museum in Bloomsbury, London.
- What to know before visiting Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Hunterian Museum in Holborn, London.
- How to ride the Mail Rail at the Postal Museum in London.
