We are delighted to be reintroducing guided tours of the Queen’s Tower, giving staff and students the chance to ascend Imperial’s most iconic landmark once again.
About the Tower
The Queen’s Tower is the only surviving part of the former Imperial Institute, opened by Queen Victoria in 1893. Saved from demolition in the 1950s, the Tower has been a central feature of campus life for students and staff for over a century.
More recently, the Tower underwent an extensive three-year restoration programme, including major repairs to its historic stonework and the complete renewal of the copper dome by some of the country's last remaining coppersmiths.
Officially reopened in April 2026, the restoration project has helped ensure this remarkable Grade II listed structure will continue to stand at the centre of our South Kensington Campus for generations to come.
About the Tours
Following significant interest, we're delighted to be reintroducing tours of the Queen's Tower, initially on a limited basis.
Tours will begin in September 2026 at an initial rate of one per month, with places allocated through a raffle open to all Imperial students and staff. Successful entrants will be randomly selected to join one of our tours, climbing the Tower’s original staircases and enjoying panoramic views across London.
As additional guides are trained up, we hope to increase the frequency of tours in the future. Before entering, please consult the FAQ section below, which answers many of the most common questions about the tours and the raffle process.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there disabled access for Queen's Tower tours?
- How many people can come on the tours?
- What should I wear?
- How long do the tours last?
- Is ascending the Queen's Tower difficult?
- Can I bring a friend?
- Can I arrange a departmental or VIP visit?
- Do I have to sign a waiver or anything similar?
- What time should I arrive before the tour?
- Is it claustrophobic?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to fit the Tower with lift access, meaning it is not fully accessible; the only way to get to the top of the tower is through a series of stairwells.
There is a strict maximum of 10 people permitted per tour, excluding tour guides. This is to comply with guidance provided by our health and safety team.
Please wear whatever clothes you feel comfortable in. However, as internal areas near the top of the Tower can build up dirt, it's advisable to wear clothes you don't mind getting a bit dirty.
All tour attendees must wear closed top shoes or trainers. Sandles, flip flops, high heels and other similar footwear will not be allowed. Approval of footwear is at the discretion of the tour guide.
Tour of the Queen's Tower are booked-in for 1 hour time slots, but often take around 45 minutes or so.
As there is no lift, the entire ascent of the structure must be carried out via a series of stairwells. In total, this means climbing 87 meters via over 300 steps. Tour guides understand that this can be physically demanding and factor this into tours, stopping on at natural viewing areas on the way up (meaning guests don't have to walk up all 300 steps in one go). However, before signing up to the raffle, guests should feel satisfied that they will be able to complete the climb without additional assistance.
Due to strictly limited numbers, only guests who have been chosen through the raffle will be able to visit the Tower. There are no plus ones allowed.
On special occasions, we may be able to consider submissions for VIP or departmental visits. To enquire about the possibility of these, please reach out directly to our lead tour guide Chafik Kharbotli (c.kharbotli@imperial.ac.uk) and provide as much detail as possible in your enquiry. These requests are considered on a case by case basis and may not always be possible. Please also note that these visit are still subject to the same 10 person maximum restriction.
For individual visits, please use the raffle form linked further up on this page.
Yes. Before ascending the Tower, you must read and sign a health and safety document detailing requirements and restrictions around the visit. Once you secure a slot, this form will be sent to you in advance of your visit. You will not be able to complete your tour if this is not signed in advance.
Before your tour you will receive an email will full details about your trip and our health and safety form. The meeting point for tours is typically next to the lions at the base of the Tower. We ask guests to arrive 10-15 minutes before their scheduled start time to ensure a prompt start to the tour.
Many of the lower stairwells are very wide and open. However as you climb higher, some stairwells do become slightly narrower and more cramped. Guests should ensure they are comfortable with this before signing up to the raffle.