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Tower of London: Opening Ceremony & Early Crown Jewels Access
About This Tour
Most visitors arrive at the Tower of London to find crowded rooms and long queues at the Jewel House. This tour puts you inside before any of that happens.
You join a group of up to 20 guests and begin with a guided walk along the Tower's medieval outer walls, covering stories of Traitors' Gate, royal prisoners, and Thames-side ramparts. Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group inside for the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, where Yeoman Warders march in full dress uniform and unlock the fortress with military precision. It is a living ritual that most visitors never see.
Straight after the ceremony, you head to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app then let you explore the White Tower, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and more at your own pace.
You join a group of up to 20 guests and begin with a guided walk along the Tower's medieval outer walls, covering stories of Traitors' Gate, royal prisoners, and Thames-side ramparts. Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group inside for the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, where Yeoman Warders march in full dress uniform and unlock the fortress with military precision. It is a living ritual that most visitors never see.
Straight after the ceremony, you head to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app then let you explore the White Tower, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and more at your own pace.
What's Included
✓ Included
- Maximum Group Size of 20
- Access to the Traitor’s Gate, Bloody Tower, and more!
- Fun stories and pictures with the Beefeaters
- Early Access to the Crown Jewels
- Friendly, Knowledgeable Tour Guide
- Tower of London Gate Opening Ceremony
✗ Not Included
- Hotel pick up/drop off
- Food & Beverages
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1
Meet your guide outside the Tower of London Gift Shop for check-in and a welcome briefing. From here, follow your guide along the medieval outer walls, passing the ancient moat, Traitors' Gate, and the Thames-facing ramparts while hearing stories of royal prisoners, ravens, and centuries of intrigue.
2
Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group through a side entrance and into the empty fortress. Watch as Yeoman Warders in full dress uniform march through the courtyard and unlock the Tower of London gates with military precision, a living royal ritual that most visitors never witness.
3
Head straight to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Marvel at the Imperial State Crown, set with over 2,800 diamonds, and the Sovereign's Sceptre, topped with the world's largest colorless cut diamond.
4
With the guided portion complete, your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app let you explore every corner of the fortress at your own pace. Seek out the White Tower armories, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and the Chapel Royal across the rest of the day.
Good to Know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness