5.0(39 reviews)
Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise
2.5 hours
Max 20 people
Commentary: Guide · en
London, United Kingdom
About this activity
The most in-depth tour of the Tower of London you can take without being royalty.
Highlights
- Enjoy VIP early entry to the Tower of London’s Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
- Be among a small group to witness the Opening Ceremony, one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world, before the Tower officially opens to the public.
- Explore the infamous fortress-turned-prison (and so much more!) on a professionally guided tour of the Tower of London, including visits to the Bloody Tower, torture chamber, execution site, and a walk along the Tower walls.
- See London from the water on a sightseeing river cruise thanks to your included City Cruises flexible one-way ticket.
Full description
This early access Tower of London tour gets you into the Tower before anyone else and covers the most ground inside the famous fortress. See the historic opening ceremony and view the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive, then enjoy a full tour of the tower with a certified Blue Badge guide. If that weren't enough, you'll also be able to continue your sightseeing after the Tower with ease thanks to a flexible one-way river cruise pass to explore historic London by water.
Take an exclusive visit to Britain's most famous castle on this in-depth early access Tower of London tour.
Your adventure begins as you're welcomed into the Tower of London before it opens to the public. Step through the gates and watch the famous Beefeater guards perform one of the world’s best-known military rituals: the Opening Ceremony, or the official opening of the Tower for the day.
Your adventure begins as you're welcomed into the Tower of London before it opens to the public. Step through the gates and watch the famous Beefeater guards perform one of the world’s best-known military rituals: the Opening Ceremony, or the official opening of the Tower for the day.
From there, the Crown Jewels await. Since you'll be among the first inside, you can take your time and experience this incredible collection in the most serene way possible. While site rules prevent your guide from accompanying you inside, they'll brief you on the most spectacular pieces to look out for.
Just as the day's long lines are beginning to form outside the Jewel House, you'll be meeting your guide back outside to begin your Tower of London guided tour. As you make your way through the Tower grounds, you'll see the old execution site, explore the Bloody Tower and Torture Chamber, and even step into the restored bedroom of Edward I for a fascinating and intimate look at 13th-century royal life inside its walls. You'll wrap up at the White Tower, a beautiful museum filled with period armor, clothing, and architecture, which you're welcome to explore at your own pace.
Just as the day's long lines are beginning to form outside the Jewel House, you'll be meeting your guide back outside to begin your Tower of London guided tour. As you make your way through the Tower grounds, you'll see the old execution site, explore the Bloody Tower and Torture Chamber, and even step into the restored bedroom of Edward I for a fascinating and intimate look at 13th-century royal life inside its walls. You'll wrap up at the White Tower, a beautiful museum filled with period armor, clothing, and architecture, which you're welcome to explore at your own pace.
Before you part ways, your guide will give you a City Cruises pass valid for a one-way sightseeing boat trip on the day and time of your choice from a selection of easy-to-reach piers, including the Tower Millennium pier just outside the gates. With departures every 30–40 minutes, these sightseeing cruises give you the opportunity to soak up London’s iconic sights from the top deck or heated downstairs saloon while enjoying fun and entertaining live commentary from the crew.
On this early access Tower of London tour, you'll not only avoid the lines to the Jewel House (which can last for an hour or more) but also the crowds. Relish in the unrivaled experience of seeing some of the world's most priceless royal relics up close and personal in a way that few others can claim.
On this early access Tower of London tour, you'll not only avoid the lines to the Jewel House (which can last for an hour or more) but also the crowds. Relish in the unrivaled experience of seeing some of the world's most priceless royal relics up close and personal in a way that few others can claim.
Sites Visited:
- Tower of London
- Jewel House (first entrance)
- Old execution site on Tower Green
- Bloody Tower
- Torture chamber
- Castle walls
- Opening Ceremony
- London from the water (City Cruises sightseeing cruise)
Included / Excluded
- First entrance ticket for Jewel House
- First entrance ticket for Tower of London, including Opening Ceremony
- Flexible one-way London river cruise pass
- Blue Badge guide
- Headset
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
Tower Place East, Lower Thames St, London, UK
Important information
Know before you book
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- 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.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to London government guidelines for the most up to date information
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- All guests must pass through security.
- Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible/mobility friendly. Those with wheelchairs and mobility issues should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
- 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.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to London government guidelines for the most up to date information
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.