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Early Access Tower of London, Crown Jewels & Thames River Cruise
About This Tour
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 an hour to explore at your own pace. 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. This walking tour covers London's main sites in under 5 hours.
Unlock even more Tower of London secrets with this 3-hour experience by selecting the Opening Ceremony option when booking. Witness the historic Opening Ceremony, then enjoy an in-depth guided tour of the Tower of London led by a certified Blue Badge Guide, followed by a relaxing River Thames cruise.
Unlock even more Tower of London secrets with this 3-hour experience by selecting the Opening Ceremony option when booking. Witness the historic Opening Ceremony, then enjoy an in-depth guided tour of the Tower of London led by a certified Blue Badge Guide, followed by a relaxing River Thames cruise.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Entrance to the Tower of London with first access to the Crown Jewels
- Royal history walking tour of Westminster (Tower of London & Royal Walk option only)
- Guided tour of Tower of London (Opening Ceremony option only)
- Cruise on the River Thames
- Tower of London Opening Ceremony (Opening ceremony option only)
✗ Not Included
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
- Entrance to other monuments
Itinerary
1
Meet your local tour leader and head into the tower. You'll head straight to the Jewel House, which means you’ll be able to grab a prime spot to view the Crown Jewels. If you want to start your Tower of London tour with a behind-the-scenes look of day-to-day life at the Tower, select the Opening Ceremony option when booking. The Opening Ceremony is a notable military ritual that officially opens the famous historical edifice. After the Opening Ceremony, your tour will continue to the Jewel House.
2
You'll have free time to explore the entire complex at your own pace. Your tour leader will share suggestions based on your interests. 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.
3
See the sites where famous prisoners were executed, and choose to venture into the Bloody Tower to hear the story of the two princes, which has become a legend in its own right. Various sources say their ghosts are among the specters that have been sighted at the Tower at night. From there, step into the Torture Tower and learn about this horrid practice in British history. Though it has never been officially been permitted in English law, torture was used to extract confessions from prisoners brought to the Tower of London.
4
White Tower is the heart of the Tower of London, and you’ll have the chance to explore the armory. See armor used by Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II on display.
5
Reunite with your tour leader and board a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames, you'll see Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard—the tallest building in the UK—Shakespeare's Globe Theater and more.
6
An observation wheel and fixture on the London skyline popularized in movies and TV shows. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
7
A 19th century drawbridge still in use today and one of London's most recognizable landmarks. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
8
A symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt after the Great Fire and survived WWII bombings. The cathedral also hosted the state funeral for Sir Winston Churchill. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
9
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. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
10
Gaze up at the clock tower standing next to the Houses of Parliament and an iconic symbol of the capital city. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
11
The center of political life in the UK for centuries, with the current building dating back to the 1860s and 1870s. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
12
Continue past Buckingham Palace to see the official residence of King Charles III and many other British monarchs before him. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
13
Finally, finish with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park, the oldest Royal Park in London. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
- Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests. Depending on the option you select, your itinerary may vary slightly.
- Note: the Opening Ceremony option does not include a royal history walking tour of Westminster.
- Note: If you select the Opening Ceremony option, your tour will end at the Tower of London, allowing you to continue exploring at your own pace after the tour.
- Note: If you select the Tower of London & Royal Walk option, your visit to the Tower of London will be self-guided. Your guide will provide an introduction to the Tower’s history before you enter.