Best of London: Tower of London, River Cruise & History Walk

4h 45m

Max 20 people

London, United Kingdom

About this activity

Spend the morning discovering London's highlights as you step inside the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels, and explore the city on foot and by riverboat with a local tour leader.

Highlights

Enjoy a self-guided morning visit to the Tower of London.
Admire the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
Board a sightseeing cruise on the River Thames.
Embark on a royal walking tour passing Buckingham Palace.
See London's highlights in a seamless morning of sightseeing.

Full description

Skip the line and start your morning inside the Tower of London, a former royal residence, and experience history brought to life. You’ll admire the precious Crown Jewels and then enjoy a hour of free time to explore the entire complex at your own pace, including the Bloody Tower, Traitor’s Gate, and see the famous ravens kept within the Tower. Next, soak in views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and more on a relaxing river cruise down the River Thames. You'll disembark in Westminster, where you'll set off on a walking tour. Learn why each stop earned its spot in England's royal and political history as you pass Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and end with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park. Designed to be convenient and stress-free, your expert tour leader handles all the logistics and seamlessly navigates you from one stop to the next. Whether you're short on time or want to get your bearings, this comprehensive walking tour covers London's main sites in under 5 hours and is the perfect introduction to the capital city.

Your tour begins outside the Tower, where your local tour leader will give you the context needed to understand the significance the site holds—not only in the pages of history, but its continued relevance today. Once the doors open for the day, you'll step inside this historic building and go directly to the Jewel House to feast your eyes on the 23,000 gemstones contained within the Crown Jewels.

Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore the entire complex at your own pace. Your tour leader will share suggestions based on your interests, including the castle ramparts, the personal chambers of past kings, Traitor's Gate, Bloody Tower, Torture Tower, or the armor collection in White Tower. By the end of your visit, you'll be equipped with the complete story of the Tower and its importance as a symbol of royal, state and historic power.

At the end of free time, you'll reunite with your tour leader and board a sightseeing river cruise to enjoy views of London's famous landmarks from this unique vantage point. As you cruise down the River Thames, you'll see Tower Bridge, the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard—the tallest building in the UK—Shakespeare's Globe Theater and more.

The river cruise ends in Westminster, where your tour leader will take you on a walking tour of England's royal history. Pause outside Westminster Abbey, where Coronations and royal weddings have been held for centuries. Continue past Buckingham Palace to see the official residence of King Charles III and many other British monarchs before him. And finally, finish with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park, the oldest Royal Park in London. Other highlights of your royal walking tour include Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

In under 5 hours, you'll have seen London's highlights on this comprehensive sightseeing experience combining skip-the-line entry to the Tower of London, Thames river cruise, and a royal history walk. A local tour leader takes care of all the logistics and helps you navigate the city, allowing you to maximize your time in London and cover more ground in a single morning than you'd be able to do on your own—perfect for travelers short on time or seeking an introduction to London.

Included / Excluded

Local English-speaking tour leader
Entrance to Tower of London
London river cruise
Royal history walk
Group of 20 guests maximum

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities
Entrance to other monuments
Guided tour of Tower of London

Meeting point

Start Location

Tower of London Shop, Lower Thames Street, London, UK

Tower of London Shop, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet your coordinator at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and in front of the Tower of London giftshop. There is a large tree with benches next to where the coordinator will be waiting.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Know before you go

Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
All guests must pass through security.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
We recommend you bring a water bottle (to protect the environment we don't provide plastic bottles). You'll be able to fill your bottle on tour.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Please note that for security reasons bag searches will take place at Tower of London.
There is no guiding allowed in the White Tower for groups of more than 10. In Peak Season no guiding inside The White Tower at all.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.