Tower of London: Beefeater Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels

If you’re planning a trip to London, the Tower of London is an absolute must-see. This tour offers a special twist: VIP early access, watching the historic Beefeater Opening Ceremony, and getting a head start on viewing the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. It’s a unique way to experience one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, and chances are, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve uncovered some secrets of this centuries-old fortress.

What really sets this experience apart is the VIP early access, which means no long lines and a quieter, more personal view of the Crown Jewels. Plus, the guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and sense of humor — making the entire tour not just informative but genuinely enjoyable. You also have options to upgrade your experience with a river cruise or watch the Changing of the Guard from a prime spot, which adds extra layers of fun.

A possible consideration is that the tour can be quite tight time-wise. Some reviews mention wanting more time at certain sites or feeling rushed through parts of the Tower. Also, it’s not suitable for those with mobility challenges, as the tour involves walking and standing. If you’re someone who likes in-depth exploration at your own pace, the upcoming self-guided audio option from 2026 might be worth waiting for, but for now, it’s a guided experience with a schedule.

In short, this tour suits history buffs, first-time visitors eager to see the highlights early in the day, or anyone wanting a streamlined visit without the usual crowds. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or part of a small group, this experience offers a memorable peek into London’s royal and dark past.

Key Points

• Early VIP Access: Skip lines and see the Crown Jewels with minimal crowds.
• Historic Opening Ceremony: Watch the Yeoman Warders perform a centuries-old tradition.
• Expert Guides: Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and humor.
• Additional Upgrades: River cruise and Changing of the Guard viewing options.
• Flexible Options: From 2026, explore at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
• Time Considerations: The tour can be somewhat tight, so plan accordingly.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Ideal For: History lovers, first-timers, and visitors wanting a streamlined experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Arrival

The tour begins right outside the Tower of London ticket office, a spot that’s easy to find with clear signage. The guide will be holding a ‘City Wonders’ sign and will meet you about 15 minutes before departure. The proximity to Tower Hill Underground Station makes it convenient, and many reviews mention how easy it is to find the meeting point after leaving the station.

The Guided Introduction

Once you’re gathered, your guide kicks things off with a brief yet engaging overview of the Tower’s 1,000-year history. Expect to learn about its roles as a royal residence, prison, and even an execution site — stories that immediately pull you into the Tower’s complex past. Several reviews highlight how knowledgeable and entertaining guides like Louise, Insa, and Jo make these history lessons lively, ensuring you stay interested from start to finish.

VIP Early Access & Opening Ceremony

The main perk of this tour is entering early, before the crowds arrive. This means you get a near-private viewing of the Crown Jewels, which are normally packed during peak hours. We loved the way this quiet moment allowed us to appreciate the glittering displays without jostling for space. The Opening Ceremony, performed by the Yeoman Warders, is a highlight — a ritual that’s been performed for centuries and offers a glimpse into British tradition and military discipline.

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The Crown Jewels

Thanks to early access, you’ll be among the first to see the Crown Jewels — an impressive collection of regalia, crowns, and ornaments. Several reviewers remark how this private viewing feels special, almost like a personal tour through Britain’s royal symbols. It’s worth noting that the jewels are behind glass, but the viewing platform allows for good angles and photos.

Exploring the Tower

From here, the tour offers a guided 75-minute visit, which includes key sites like the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, the Tower Green, and the Fusilier Museum (access to the White Tower and Jewel House is restricted during guided tours). Many visitors wish for more time at these sites, but the schedule aims to balance the highlights with other activities. Still, in 2026, the introduction of a self-guided audio tour will let you explore at your leisure, which many look forward to.

Optional Upgrades

• River Thames Boat Ride: A 30-minute cruise down the Thames offers beautiful views of London’s skyline from the water, plus a relaxing break from walking.
• Changing of the Guard: Depending on the day, you might see the Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards Parade. Both are visually striking, with mounted cavalry or foot soldiers in ceremonial uniforms. Reviewers frequently praise the prime vantage points this upgrade provides.

Final Drop-Offs and Flexibility

The tour concludes with convenient drop-off points near Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, making it easy to continue exploring on your own or head to other attractions. The ability to reserve and pay later offers flexibility for last-minute plans, which many travelers appreciate.

The Experience in Review

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of early access, expert guides, and optional upgrades. Many reviews describe guides as knowledgeable and funny, which makes the learning experience more engaging. For example, one reviewer shared that “Louise was knowledgeable and so much fun,” while another appreciated a guide’s humor and enthusiasm.

The VIP early entry allows visitors to bypass what can be long lines, especially at the Crown Jewels. Several travelers mention how this made the experience feel more intimate and less rushed. As one person put it, “You literally avoid the long lines and have the private access,” which can be a real time-saver.

The Opening Ceremony is a unique feature — a centuries-old ritual performed by the Yeoman Warders that offers a rare glimpse into British tradition. Many reviews highlight how fascinating and well-presented this part of the tour is. Watching the gates open with military precision is a moment that sticks with visitors.

The Upgrades and Additional Activities

Adding on the river cruise is a smart choice if you want a quick, scenic break between sites. The boat ride is described as enjoyable and offers excellent views of London’s skyline, which many found well worth the extra cost. The Changing of the Guard is another crowd-pleaser — not every tour includes a good viewing spot, but with the upgrade, you’re assured a prime vantage point. Several reviews praise it as a memorable and colorful spectacle.

Flexibility and Future Options

Looking ahead, the release of the self-guided, multilingual audio app from 2026 will be a game-changer for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Right now, the guided approach keeps you on schedule but might leave some wishing for more personal exploration time.

Practical Details

• Duration: Most of the core activities last between 1 to 4 hours, making it a manageable excursion.
• Group Size: Small groups are typical, which helps guides give more personalized attention.
• Accessibility: Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges or wheelchair users.
• Price: Considering the VIP access, guided insights, and optional extras, many find the cost reasonable for what’s included.

What We Loved

The overall experience is highly rated, with many reviewers mentioning how knowledgeable and entertaining the guides are. The early access aspect really enhances the visit, creating a sense of intimacy and allowing for better photos and fewer crowds. The historic rituals, like the Opening Ceremony, add a layer of authenticity and tradition that’s hard to find elsewhere in London.

What Could Be Better

Some visitors mention that the tour can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger at certain sites. More time at the Tower or inside the White Tower might improve the experience. Others note that the boat cruise, while scenic, is brief and might not fully meet expectations if you’re hoping for a longer river tour.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is particularly suited to first-time visitors wanting a streamlined, comprehensive visit that hits all the major highlights early in the day. History enthusiasts will appreciate the insider stories and rituals, and those who love a good guide will find the narration lively and engaging. It’s also a good pick for travelers who want to avoid long lines and crowds, getting a more relaxed view of the Crown Jewels and Tower grounds.

However, if you prefer deep, unhurried explorations or have mobility issues, you might want to consider alternative options or wait for the self-guided, self-paced audio experience in 2026.

FAQs

What is included in this tour?
You get VIP early access to the Tower of London, the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, and an exclusive view of the Crown Jewels. Optional upgrades include a Thames river boat cruise and a prime spot to watch the Changing of the Guard.

How early should I arrive?
Plan to be at the meeting point about 15 minutes before the scheduled start, as late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
Yes, flash photography is not allowed inside the Jewel House and White Tower.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and standing, so it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues or very young children, but older kids interested in history should enjoy it.

Can I explore the Tower at my own pace after the guided tour?
From 2026, a self-guided audio option will allow you to explore at your own pace, but currently, the tour is guided and scheduled.

What are the drop-off points at the end?
You can choose to be dropped off near Buckingham Palace or back at the Tower of London.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there’s a fair bit of walking involved.

Are there any known schedule changes I should be aware of?
Yes, the Changing of the Guard may be canceled or rescheduled by authorities. If so, an alternative walking tour of Westminster will be offered.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience of the Tower of London that combines history, tradition, and convenience. The early VIP access means fewer crowds and more personal moments with iconic artifacts like the Crown Jewels. The knowledgeable guides and optional upgrades enhance the experience, making it a good value for those wanting a structured, informative visit.

While the schedule can feel a little tight, especially for those who want more time at each site, the overall experience appeals to first-time visitors and history lovers. If you’re after a stress-free, engaging way to see the Tower and its most famous symbols, this tour is definitely worth considering.

If you’re someone who enjoys guided experiences, appreciates historic rituals, and wants to avoid the lines, this tour hits many of the right notes. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a busy, but rewarding, day.

You can check availability for your dates here: