Early Access Tower of London Tour With Opening Ceremony & Cruise

Unlock the secrets of the UNESCO-listed Tower of London with this exclusive early access tour. Bypass the crowds and witness a captivating opening ceremony before exploring the castle’s storied past. Wander its grounds, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and cap off the experience with a flexible one-way cruise along the iconic River Thames. This comprehensive tour provides an unparalleled look into one of London’s most historic landmarks – but the real adventure lies in the stories waiting to be uncovered.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In London.

Key Points

• This tour offers early access to the Tower of London before the general public, providing an exclusive and immersive experience.
• The tour includes an opening ceremony with a Yeoman Warder and military escort, setting the tone for the experience.
• Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed tower’s key areas, including the Jewel House to admire the Crown Jewels.
• The tour provides skip-the-line access, ensuring an unparalleled experience without long queues.
• A flexible one-way ticket for a Thames river cruise is included, offering unparalleled views of London’s iconic riverfront landmarks.

Tour Overview

This early access Tower of London tour offers visitors a chance to explore one of London’s most iconic landmarks before the crowds arrive, providing skip-the-line access and comprehensive insights into the tower’s storied history and highlights.

With exclusive early access, you’ll witness the opening ceremony complete with a Yeoman Warder and military escort, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The tour takes you through the UNESCO-listed tower‘s key areas, including the refurbished bedroom of Edward I and the resident ravens. The highlight is accessing the Jewel House to admire the Crown Jewels before the general public.

The tour also includes a flexible one-way ticket for a Thames river cruise, providing a unique perspective of the city.

Highlights

The tour begins with an exclusive opening ceremony featuring a Yeoman Warder and military escort, setting an immersive tone for the experience.

Visitors then explore the Tower Walls, the refurbished bedroom of Edward I, and the resident ravens, offering a glimpse into the tower’s storied past.

The highlight, however, is the chance to be among the first to access the Jewel House and witness the Crown Jewels before the general public. This breathtaking display showcases the opulent collection of royal regalia, including the iconic Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Visitors then tour the White Tower, a refurbished medieval castle, completing a comprehensive exploration of this UNESCO-listed landmark.

The early access and skip-the-line privileges ensure an unparalleled experience at one of London’s most popular attractions.

Inclusions

The tour includes a local English-speaking guide who leads the guided walking tour, in addition to providing admission tickets for the Tower of London and Jewel House.

Visitors will enjoy early access and skip-the-line privileges to explore this UNESCO-listed landmark before the crowds arrive. The tour includes the highlight of being the first to enter the Jewel House and view the legendary Crown Jewels.

Throughout the experience, the guide will provide expert commentary on the Tower’s rich history and captivating residents, from the refurbished bedroom of Edward I to the resident ravens.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can enjoy the Tower of London’s storied past without hassle.

Meeting and End Point

Travelers meet the guide in front of the Tower of London shop, directly across from the entrance, to begin their early access tour of the historic landmark.

The tour concludes at London Aldgate, allowing participants the flexibility to continue exploring the city on their own.

This convenient meeting point ensures a seamless start to the tour, while the end location provides easy access to other popular attractions and transportation.

The guide’s expertise and the group’s early entry to the Tower of London allow visitors to marvel at the Crown Jewels and other iconic sights before the crowds arrive, ensuring an immersive and memorable experience.

Arrival and Entrance

Upon arrival, visitors will be led directly to the Tower of London’s entrance, bypassing the standard queues.

A Yeoman Warder and military escort will commence the opening ceremony, officially ushering the group into the UNESCO-listed site before it opens to the general public.

Guests will have the privilege of first entry into the iconic Jewel House, where they’ll admire the dazzling Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.

This exclusive experience allows visitors to explore the Tower’s highlights, such as the refurbished White Tower and the resident ravens, in a serene and uncrowded atmosphere.

The tour’s early access makes the most of the limited time, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable journey through British history.

Exploring the Tower

After the captivating opening ceremony, guests explore the Tower’s rich history, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Led by a knowledgeable local guide, visitors venture along the Tower Walls, gazing upon the refurbished bedroom of King Edward I. Next, they marvel at the resident ravens, the guardians of the Tower’s legend.

Inside the White Tower, a medieval castle, guests discover its beautifully restored interiors.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House, where the group admires the dazzling collection before the crowds arrive.

Viewing the Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels captivate guests with their dazzling displays of opulence and power, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance that has made them enduring symbols of the British monarchy.

As part of the early access tour, visitors enjoy exclusive, first-in access to the Jewel House, home to this priceless collection.

Some highlights include:

• The Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 105-carat gem with a storied past
• The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, containing the world’s largest flawless diamond
• The Coronation Spoon, used in the sacred anointing ceremony of British sovereigns
• The magnificent Imperial State Crown, worn by the Queen during the State Opening of Parliament

Witnessing these breathtaking treasures up-close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

Thames River Cruise

Included with the early access Tower of London tour is a flexible one-way ticket for a Thames river cruise, providing guests with the opportunity to further enjoy London’s iconic sights and rich history.

Departing from the Tower Millennium Pier, the cruise offers unparalleled views of the city’s breathtaking riverfront landmarks, including the iconic Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.

Travelers can sit back, relax, and witness the majesty of London unfold before their eyes as they sail along the serene waters of the Thames.

This relaxing river cruise perfectly complements the immersive Tower of London experience, allowing guests to fully embrace the beauty and grandeur of this remarkable city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tour?

The tour does not allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks. Guests must purchase refreshments from the on-site cafes and shops during the experience. Consuming outside food and beverages is not permitted on the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is only offered in English. No other languages are available. The local English-speaking guide leads the walking tour and provides all commentary in English exclusively.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for children and seniors. Children under 16 receive reduced admission, while seniors 65 and older qualify for a discounted rate. These discounts are available for both the Tower of London and Thames river cruise components.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Tower of London?

Yes, photography is generally permitted inside the Tower of London. Visitors can take photos during the tour, except in the Jewel House where photography is prohibited to protect the valuable Crown Jewels on display. Reasonable precautions should be taken to avoid disrupting other visitors.

How Long Does the Entire Tour Typically Last?

The entire Tower of London tour typically lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed landmark, its exhibits, and attend the opening ceremony before the crowds arrive. The experience includes skip-the-line access and a flexible one-way Thames river cruise.

Recap

This exclusive early access tour offers an unparalleled experience at the iconic Tower of London.

Guests bypass the crowds and witness a captivating opening ceremony before exploring the historic site and admiring the Crown Jewels.

The flexibility of the included Thames river cruise adds to the comprehensive nature of this authoritative experience, providing a truly immersive and unforgettable journey through London’s rich history and stunning riverfront landmarks.