Early Access:Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Royal London

If you’re planning a trip to London and want to see the city’s most iconic sights without battling crowds, this tour deserves a serious look. It combines exclusive early entry to the Tower of London—getting you face-to-face with the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive—with a scenic boat ride and a walking tour through Westminster’s historic streets. It’s a well-paced way to soak up London’s royal charm in just a few hours.

What really caught our eye are the early access to the Tower of London with a Beefeater-led opening ceremony, and the guided walk around Westminster, both of which promise a more personal, insider experience. Plus, the boat ride along the Thames offers a lovely perspective of the city from the water. One thing to keep in mind is that at around 4 hours, this tour packs a lot in—so it’s best for those who enjoy a structured but immersive experience. It’s especially good if you’re after a taste of London’s royal history without the long lines or crowds.

A possible consideration? The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or meals, so you’ll need to plan for your transportation to and from the meeting point. Also, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues, which is worth noting if that’s you. This tour suits curious travelers who want a mix of history, scenic views, and a peek behind the scenes at London’s crown jewels.

Key Points

• Early access means you get to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds—worth the extra effort for that exclusive peek.
• Expert guides provide context, stories, and anecdotes that bring the history alive.
• A scenic Thames cruise offers a unique view of London’s landmarks from the water.
• Thorough itinerary combines historic sights with beautiful vistas, making it a well-balanced tour.
• Good value for the price when you consider the skip-the-line access, guided tours, and boat ride included.
• Limited inside Tower time—you’ll get about 2 hours inside the Tower, which might feel a bit rushed if you love exploring every nook.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Tour Step-by-Step

Starting Point & First Impressions

The tour begins at the Official Ticket Office at the Tower of London, where your guide will be holding an orange sign. This is a central and convenient spot near Tower Hill station. It’s a straightforward meet-up, and from there, you’re in for a packed 4-hour journey.

VIP Early Access & the Opening Ceremony

What sets this experience apart is the early-access tickets to the Tower of London, which let you bypass typical lines. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a Beefeater—that iconic Yeoman Warder—who leads a special opening ceremony. It’s engaging and informative, giving you a peek into the Tower’s storied past. Plus, you get a private welcome to the Tower, making the experience feel exclusive.

This early access allows you to visit the Crown Jewels before the general crowds arrive. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated the chance to marvel at the jewels without hoards of other travelers. One reviewer said, “Nathan was our guide and very informative about royal history and very pleasurable experience. The beefeater was funny and told great stories and to be able to go early to see the Crown Jewels before the public was amazing.”

Inside the Tower of London

Once inside, you have about 2.25 hours to explore at your own pace. Key sights include the White Tower, which is full of historical armor and artifacts, and the Jewel House—the home of the Crown Jewels. Visitors can enjoy some free time here, which is great for snapping photos, soaking in the atmosphere, or taking a closer look at the priceless jewels.

However, some reviews suggest the inside time might be a tad tight for those who love exploring thoroughly. One traveler mentioned, “the time at the tower was a little short,” which is worth considering if you’re a history buff eager for a deep dive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Thames River Boat Ride

Following your Tower visit, you’ll hop on a 30-minute boat cruise along the Thames. This is a highlight for many—offering a fresh perspective of London’s skyline. Passing landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the South Bank, this part is relaxed and scenic. The boat trip also serves as a connecting point to your walking tour of Westminster.

Walking Tour of Westminster

Disembarking at Westminster, your guide will take you on a 75-minute walk through one of London’s most historic districts. Expect to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. It’s a great way to hear stories and fun facts about these iconic sites, bringing them to life beyond just photos.

One reviewer commented, “Rosie was excellent! She’s a great storyteller,” describing how the guide adapted the route to show different sights and keep everyone engaged. Watching the mounted cavalry and snapping photos at the palace are added perks.

The Sum Up at Buckingham Palace

The tour wraps up near the Queen’s residence, giving you a sense of closure while still leaving plenty of time to explore on your own or grab a meal nearby.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour offers VIP early-access tickets, a private Beefeater welcome, a scenic boat ride, and a guided walk through Westminster. It’s priced at around $148.17 per person, which, considering the skip-the-line access and guided experience, is quite reasonable.

What’s missing? Hotel pickup and meals aren’t included, so budget for transportation to the starting point and perhaps a snack or drink afterward. No large bags or luggage are allowed, and the tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility or heart issues, so plan accordingly.

Overall Value & Who It’s Best For

For those eager to see London’s royal symbols and avoid long lines, this tour hits a sweet spot. The early access combined with a knowledgeable guide makes a difference—many reviews praise guides like Nathan and Rosie for their storytelling and insights. The boat ride adds a relaxing vibe, and the walking tour of Westminster helps piece together London’s royal narrative.

It’s particularly suited for history lovers, first-time visitors wanting a broad overview, or anyone who appreciates a mix of indoor and outdoor sights with a touch of exclusivity. If you’re traveling with kids, the shorter inside Tower time and engaging storytelling might appeal, but keep in mind the tour isn’t designed as a family-focused experience.

The price is justified by the unique access and guided elements, making it a worthwhile option if you want a comprehensive, yet manageable, introduction to London’s royal history. Expect to leave with a good story and some beautiful photos—plus a new appreciation for London’s blend of tradition and modernity.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t specifically geared toward kids, the engaging guide and the chance to see the Crown Jewels can appeal to families. However, the walking and standing may not suit very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long inside the Tower of London do I get?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of free time inside the Tower, which includes visiting key sites like the Jewel House and White Tower.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You’ll need to meet at the Tower of London Official Ticket Office, near Tower Hill station.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Remember, large bags are not permitted inside the Tower.

Is this tour available rain or shine?
Yes, it takes place regardless of the weather, so dress accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Absolutely—full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, with the starting times varying, so check availability when booking.

Is the tour good value for money?
Given the skip-the-line access, guided commentary, boat ride, and exclusive early entry, most travelers find it to be a good deal, especially compared to paying separately for each component.

Whether you’re after a quick but rich taste of London’s royal history or want to skip the crowds while seeing the best sights, this tour offers a balanced, memorable experience. Just be ready for a busy but rewarding few hours, and you’ll come away with plenty of stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: