The Abbey and the Tower
A Westminster Abbey and Tower of London combo pairs two of England’s most historically significant buildings — the coronation church (where monarchs are crowned) and the medieval fortress (where monarchs imprisoned and executed their enemies). The combination covers the glory and the darkness of the English Crown in a single day — the coronation splendour at the abbey, then the Traitors’ Gate, the Crown Jewels, the execution site, and the Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tours at the Tower.
The Tower of London (approximately 3 miles east of the abbey along the Thames) houses the Crown Jewels (the coronation regalia — the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, the Sovereign’s Sceptre), the White Tower (the original Norman keep, built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s), and the Yeoman Warder-guided tours (the Beefeaters narrate the Tower’s 1,000-year history with theatrical authority and dark humour).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Tower of London from Westminster Abbey?
Approximately 3 miles east along the Thames. The journey takes approximately 20–30 minutes by Tube (Westminster to Tower Hill) or 30 minutes by river bus (Westminster Pier to Tower Pier — the scenic option).
Can I see both in one day?
Yes — the standard combo visits the abbey in the morning and the Tower in the afternoon (or vice versa). Allow 1.5–2.5 hours at each. A full day (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) covers both comfortably.
Are the Crown Jewels at the Tower or the Abbey?
The Crown Jewels are displayed at the Tower of London. The Coronation Chair (used to crown the monarch) is at the abbey. The jewels travel to the abbey for the coronation ceremony and return to the Tower afterward.