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 (Complete Tower tour only)
- 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. If you're short on time, select the Morning at the Tower option for a 2.5 hour tour of the Tower's grounds (excluding the Opening Ceremony).
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. If you're short on time, select the Morning at the Tower option for a 2.5 hour tour of the Tower's grounds (excluding the Opening Ceremony).
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.
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
Meeting point
Departure Point: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT. Meet your coordinator for check-in at the West Gate entrance, which is 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.
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.