Required information for the visit
You are welcome to visit the station by prior appointment, giving at least 14 days notice. Visits are possible on weekdays or at weekends, during the day or in the evening, except on Monday mornings, the first day of each month, the first Tuesday evening of each month, and from 6-7:30pm each evening.
The station is floating on a tidal river and is accessed by a ramp which slopes down quite steeply when the tide is low. It also jolts around in the wash of passing vessels at times, so if you suffer from seasickness please take precautions before coming. Access around the station is by an outside walkway grill separated from the river by just a railing, so you will need to wear flat footwear and outdoor clothes appropriate for the weather. A small range of souvenirs are available for visitors to buy, but there are no public toilets.
The maximum number for a group visit is normally 18. Group visits usually last about 1½ hours and include an introduction to the RNLI and Tower Lifeboat Station, a tour of the station facilities with a talk about the lifeboat from one of the crew, and a chance to see video footage of rescues. However, the lifeboat can be called out any time, so the programme for a visit may have to change on the day if the crew are on a ‘shout’ or the station facilities are required for an emergency.
The RNLI has standard terms and conditions for visits to its working lifeboat stations. Once a visit is booked, you will need to sign a copy of these for the visit to go ahead. You can see them here, and if you are planning a visit with children please note the minimum ratio of adults to children.
Booking a visit
To arrange a visit, please contact our visits officer :
- by email to visitstowerrnli@outlook.com
- by phone on 07516 000249
- by post to RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station, Lifeboat Pier, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London WC2R 2PP.
For a group visit, please download, complete and send us the Visit Request form
We will contact you with any questions and to arrange the visit.