Early Access Tower of London Tour

From£105
2 hours
London, United Kingdom

About this activity

Experience the Tower of London's Opening Ceremony with early access, guided tour, and exploration of historic sites and the Crown Jewels.

Highlights

  • Early access to the Tower of London
  • Witness the traditional Opening Ceremony
  • Explore the Crown Jewels
  • Discover the history of the White Tower
  • Learn about the Beefeaters' role

Full description

Step into the rich tapestry of London's history with an exclusive early access tour of the Tower of London. Begin your day by witnessing the traditional Opening Ceremony, a ceremony that has been performed for centuries. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, delve into the stories of the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, and the legendary Beefeaters. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the royal heritage and the secrets held within these ancient walls. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of London's most iconic landmarks before the crowds arrive.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of the Tower of London
  • Witness the Opening Ceremony
  • Explore the Crown Jewels and historic sites
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

Welcome to your tour and one of the most iconic buildings in London. Discover the iconic sites on the outer walls such as Traitor’s Gate and Tower Hill with your guide before entering the complex to explore one of Britain’s most historic buildings at your own pace. You will see Britain’s most treasured royal artefacts, walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn, see the armour of Henry VIII, visit William the Conqueror’s White Tower and meet the ravens at your own pace.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
2

You’re invited to the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, to be first in to explore the Crown Jewels, to join us on an adventure from the old City to the regal city of Westminster.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: YES
3

Enjoy a river boat ride on the river Thames. Learn about the landmarks from your guide as you pass: Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, London Bridge and so much more.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
4

Welcome to Westminster. Marvel at Big Ben, a London icon and hear all about the centuries that took this majestic building from palace to centre of British democracy.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
5

Dream of the last Anglo-Saxon king and a flagship of the Church of England, your guide will give you the lowdown on this most important of places.

Duration: 10 minAdmission: NO
6

The prime spot to get your photo with the mounted cavalry of the Queen’s Horse Guards and official entrance to Buckingham Palace itself. Visiting outside only.

Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7

Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s Palace is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NO
8

The most famous of King Charles III's palaces and housing a whopping 775 rooms, the stories attached to this icon have to be heard to be believed.

Duration: 20 minAdmission: NO

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The Tower of London is a historic site; some areas may have limited accessibility.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking and standing.
  • Bring a valid ID for entry; tickets are non-transferable.
  • Photography is allowed, but tripods and flash are prohibited.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Service Animals Allowed
  • Easy Public Transport

Good to know

  • Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs
  • The total tour details includes the travel time.

Traveler reviews

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Very worthwhile. Enjoyed...

Very worthwhile. Enjoyed the opening ceremony, and appreciated getting in early to see the Crown Jewels before it got really crowded.

Sally_AMay 25, 2026VIATOR

Don’t miss this tour.

Do not miss this experience. Our tour guide was great. The only issue you will have is there is not enough time to see everything at the Tower of London and do the river cruise to. You will have to decide whether you miss the cruise and stay at the tower or leave and do the cruise and finish the tour which you won’t regret.

Debbie YMay 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Worth checking out

The guy does not walk through the castle with you as if you were to purchase tickets at the main gate

MICH_MMay 21, 2026VIATOR

Nathan was a fantastic guide!

Nathan was very informative, professional, knowledgeable about any questions. We enjoyed his side stories about the history!

EbgteachMay 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Well-Organized Visit to Unique Event

Limited access event. Babs gave GREAT advice on how to squeeze every extra advantage out of the experience, and to maximize our limited time on the property. When she heard that we had already walked the Westminster district, she was agile enough to develop a Plan B that got us to see the end parade of the changing of the guard — including the Horse Guards.

BERNARD_RMay 5, 2026VIATOR

Additional information

Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs The total tour details includes the travel time.