Yeoman Warder tours

Our famous Yeoman Warder tours are the perfect way to begin your visit to the Tower of London.

Yeoman Warders, also known as ‘Beefeaters’, will share key stories from 1,000 years of history. Be entertained by tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more…

Learn about the Tower's iconic history as a fortress, palace and prison. Discover how William the Conqueror built the White Tower and hear tales of the prisoners who entered through Traitors' Gate.

Yeoman Warders will share details of the famous prisoners executed on Tower Green. Many are now buried nearby in the 16th-century Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.

Important information for ticket holders

Please be aware:

Tours may be adapted or cancelled in poor weather conditions or to accommodate large crowds.
Parts of the Tower covered by the Yeoman Warder tour may seem frightening or scary to young children.
The route of the tour requires visitors to navigate a flight of 21 steps and cobbled, uneven walkways.

When

Available

Where

Tours begin near the main entrance to the Tower of London.

Ticketing information

Tours begin every 30 minutes. See times

Tours are included as part of an admission ticket and there is no need to book in advance.

Included in palace admission (members go free)

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Yeoman Warder Andy Merry wearing new uniform featuring HM King Charles III's royal cypher leading a tour at the Tower.

Tours begin every 30 mins. The first tour starts at 10.00 from Tuesday - Saturday and at 10.30 on Sunday and Monday. The final tour of the day starts at 14.30 and take place during opening hours.

Tours begin near the main entrance to the Tower of London and are included as part of your Tower admission ticket.

Places on the tours cannot be booked in advance. Yeoman Warders will strive to accommodate as many people as possible.

Tours are given in English only, but audio guide tours provide information about the Tower of London in many different languages.

Accessibility

The Tower of London is a historic building with difficult stairs and wheelchair access is limited. The route of the tour requires visitors to navigate a flight of 21 steps and cobbled, uneven walkways.

More on accessibility at the Tower of London

Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London

Royal bodyguards

The 'Beefeaters', as they are nicknamed, have long been symbols of London and Britain.

It is thought their nickname is derived from their position in the Royal Bodyguard, which permitted them to eat as much beef as they wanted from the king's table.

Yeoman Warders are a detachment of the 'Yeomen of the Guard' and they have formed the Royal Bodyguard since at least 1509. Their origins stretch back as far as the reign of Edward IV (1461-83).

Recruiting Yeoman Warders

Yeoman Warders must have served in the armed forces for at least 22 years, reaching a certain rank within their service, and they must also have been awarded the long service and good conduct medal.

The current contingent of warders have between them served in Northern Ireland, the Falklands War, Bosnia, the first and second Gulf conflicts and Afghanistan.

They are happy to answer your questions about the Tower and are some of the most photographed guards in London!

Warders behaving badly

Today's immaculately behaved and salaried Yeoman Warders would no doubt be shocked by the complaint of Sir John Peyton, the Lieutenant of the Tower in 1598, when he declared some were 'given to drunkenness, disorders and quarrels'.

More on Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London