Can I take pictures in the Tower of London?

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within most of the palace with the exception of the Jewel House, the Martin Tower, the Chapel of St. John (in the White Tower), inside the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula and some temporary exhibitions. Some additional items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted. Ask a member of staff if you are unsure. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks are prohibited.

Can I take a bag into the Tower of London?

Yes, but only small bags are allowed. Kindly note, all bags are subject to a security check before admission and entrance. Here is a list of some prohibited items: - Sharp items (knives, scissors, cutlery, screwdrivers) - Liquids that are not in a sealed container/bottle - Items that make a noise (whistles) - Paint spray - Padlocks - Chains - Climbing gear - Banners - Placards - Flags

4.7(124 reviews)

Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise

3 hours

Max 20 people

Commentary: Guide · en

London, United Kingdom

About this activity

See the famous opening ceremony and view the Crown Jewels before the crowds. Then enjoy a full tour of the Tower with an expert guide and get access to a one-way river cruise ticket.

Highlights

Get early access to the Tower of London’s Jewel House
Watch the Opening Ceremony, a celebrated military ritual
Enjoy an expertly guided tour of the Tower of London
Marvel at the Crown Jewels in peace and quiet
Continue your adventure on a sightseeing river cruise

Full description

Begin your VIP tour with early, skip-the-line access, and see the tower’s storied opening ceremony. With just a small group for company, you’ll explore the landmark’s highlights. You’ll also be among the first visitors to enter the Tower of London’s world-famous Jewel House, where the glittering Crown Jewels await. At the end, you’ll receive a flexible one-way pass for London’s best sightseeing river cruise.

Skip the line for VIP entrance into the Tower of London. Once inside you’ll watch the Opening Ceremony, a notable military ritual that officially opens the famous historical edifice. Following a brief overview from the Yeoman Warders – the tower guardians – you’ll be among the first people of the day to walk into the Jewel House to experience the Crown Jewels without the crowds that come later in the day.

Next, your expert guide will lead you on a complete tour of the Tower of London, beginning with the Execution Site, on Tower Green, where many a noble lost their head. As you make your way from there to the Bloody Tower (where Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned for 13 years) and then to the Torture Chambers, you will get a firm sense of English history in all its gruesome forms.

After a walk along the famous Tower Walls and a quick look inside the refurbished bedroom of Edward I, you’ll spy a “conspiracy” of the tower’s resident ravens. Your tour ends with a highlight as you step into the White Tower (the central tower, or ‘keep’), for a full tour of a refurbished medieval castle.

Your guide will leave you inside the White Tower, but you'll be able to explore the other areas of the Tower of London on your own, including the Bestiary, Beauchamp Tower, and the Fusilier Museum. As the guided tour ends, you’ll also receive a flexible one-way boat pass for a London sightseeing river cruise to be used on any day and from any pier.

Included / Excluded

Local English-speaking guide
Expertly guided walking tour
First entrance ticket for Tower of London
First entrance ticket for Jewel House
Flexible one-way London river cruise pass

Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet at West Gate

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.

See the Crown Jewels

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.

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.
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.

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.