The iconic Tower of London has been featured in many films and TV shows. Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower has been used as a royal palace, fortress and prison.
Today, the Tower of London is a world heritage site, home to the famous Yeoman Warders, the Crown Jewels and the legendary guardians of the fortress - the ravens.
With stunning scenic views of the River Thames, the Tower still stands tall as part of the iconic London skyline, bringing almost 1000 years of history to the silver screen.
The Tower has made appearances in many TV shows and films, from superhero blockbuster Spider-Man: Far From Home to Channel 5's behind-the-scenes documentary Inside the Tower of London.
Television
Image: © Lion Television
Horrible Histories
CBBC's Horrible Histories explores famous historical events through comedy and musical sketches. In a special episode, the Horrible Histories team experience the 'Horrible History of the Terrifying Tower of London'. The episode features famous historical figures associated with the Tower, from Henry VIII to Sir Walter Raleigh. Filming took place across various locations of the Tower's exteriors, including the famous keep - the White Tower.
Inside the Tower of London
Channel 5's documentary Inside the Tower of London reveals the day-to-day work of the people who keep the Tower running, from Yeoman Warders and curators to conservators and Palace Hosts.
The show also delves into the fortress' fascinating and long history. The Tower has played a role in many historic coronations, and the latest season documented the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Stream Inside the Tower of London on My5
Image: Professor Alice Roberts photographed for TV show Digging For Britain. © BBC Studios
Digging for Britain
Hit BBC documentary Digging For Britain follows Professor Alice Roberts as she explores the latest finds from dedicated archaeologists. The Tower is featured in Season 10, Episode 1 where Alice explores evidence of financial forgery under the Tower during Henry VIII's reign.
Killing Eve
BBC spy thriller Killing Eve follows British intelligence investigator Eve Polastri, who is tasked with finding ruthless assassin Villanelle.
In season 5, Eve tails a suspect while in disguise at the Tower of London. In this scene, Eve is standing outside the White Tower. Almost 1000 years old, the iconic castle keep was built by William the Conqueror to amaze and terrify Londoners, and to warn foreign invaders.
Films
Image: Tower battlements at night. © Historic Royal Palaces
Cruella
Cruella (2021) focuses on the origin story of 101 Dalmations' infamous villain - Cruella de Vil. In the film, she is an aspiring fashion designer named Estella who lives in 1970s London.
The Tower's exterior is featured in a scene where Estella parks her car on Tower Wharf. The Tower's south battlements can also be seen in the background, which leads to the royal apartments used by medieval kings and queens.
Image: A gun salute on the Tower Wharf. © Historic Royal Palaces 2024
Spiderman: Far From Home
Spiderman: Far From Home (2019) follows superhero Peter Parker when he is recruited for a mission while on a school trip in Europe.
In the film, the final battle takes place in London, featuring many well-known landmarks, including the Tower of London. Betty, Ned and MJ use the Tower to hide from dangerous drones.
Scenes filmed on location show the characters standing on the Tower Wharf. The Wharf plays a special role in important ceremonies at the Tower, including Gun Salutes and the Constable's Dues.
Muppets Most Wanted
In Muppets Most Wanted (2019), the muppets are on a tour in Europe, when they find themselves involved in a heist to steal the Crown Jewels.
Exterior shots of the Tower were filmed on location and can be seen when Miss Peggy is on her way to her wedding, walking past the Jewel House where the Crown Jewels are kept. The exterior of the Fusilier Museum was also used as the wedding venue.
Interior scenes of the Tower, where the plot to steal the Crown Jewels takes place, were not filmed on location. Instead, they were reimagined for the movie on a film set.
Learn more about the Crown JewelsMission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
The fifth film in the blockbuster franchise, Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015) sees Ethan Hunt and his team hunt down an international rogue organisation.
In the film, Ethan must diffuse a bomb at a terrace restaurant located on the Wharf outside of the Tower of London. In reality, there isn't a terrace restaurant outside the Tower and it was created on set for the film.
Other films and tv shows
Other Films and TV Shows filmed at the Tower
- Horrible Histories - BBC (2024)
- Platinum Jubilee Windsor Horse Show – ITV (2022)
- Holmes and Watson (2018)
- Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Documentaries
- Secrets of the Royal Palace – Channel 5 (2022)
- Medieval Pleasures – History Hit (2022)
- Songs of Praise Platinum Jubilee Special– BBC One (2022)
- Who Do You Think You Are? – BBC2 (2021)
- Lucy Worsley Investigates – BBC Two (2021)
- The Fall of Anne Boleyn – Channel 5 (2020)
- Thomas Cromwell: A Very Modern Tudor – Channel 5 (2020)
- The Princes in the Tower – History Hit (2020)
- Hilary Mantel: The Return to Wolf Hall – BBC Four (2020)
- Long Lost Family: The Unknown Soldiers – ITV (2019)
- Digging Up Britain's Past – Channel 5 (2019)
Image credit: Channel 5
Visit the Tower of London
Visit iconic locations at the Tower of London as seen in many of your favourite TV shows and films from Killing Eve (2021) to Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019).
Filming enquiries
Everything you need to know to book filming and photography for the press and media at the Tower of London and our other palaces.
Find out how to book filmingBROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
The story of the Tower of London
Iconic fortress, royal palace and infamous prison
Tower of London Prison
It is known as an infamous prison, but it wasn't built to be one
Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London
The ‘Beefeaters’ have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times
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