Tower of London Early Access & Beefeater Opening Ceremony

Visiting the Tower of London can be a highlight of any trip to London, and this particular tour promises a chance to see it from a unique perspective — before the crowds. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or someone who just wants to maximize their time at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this tour offers some compelling advantages.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience are the VIP early access that lets you beat the rush to see the Crown Jewels and the authentic Beefeater Opening Ceremony, a slice of royal tradition that’s rarely seen by the public. On top of that, the tour offers flexible options like a river cruise and guided walks, which can make the day feel more complete.

That said, a potential consideration is the amount of walking involved—the tour can be quite brisk, and it isn’t designed for those with mobility limitations or who prefer a more leisurely pace. Also, while the tour is packed with highlights, it is somewhat scripted, so if you’re craving deep, unhurried exploration, you might want to add extra time on your own.

This tour suits travelers who want a structured, informative experience with a good dose of exclusivity and scenic views. It’s particularly great for first-timers or those eager to see the key sights efficiently, but it’s not ideal if you prefer a slow, freeform day.

Key Points

• VIP early access allows you to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive.
• The Beefeater Opening Ceremony is a rare, traditional glimpse into royal customs.
• Flexible options include a river cruise and guided walks, enhancing your London experience.
• Knowledgeable guides make the history come alive and keep the pace engaging.
• The tour is best suited for those who don’t mind walking and want a curated visit.
• Self-exploration feature available from 2026 with an audio guide for a more relaxed experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

How the Tour Unfolds: A Step-by-Step Look

Starting Point: Introducing the Tower of London

Your adventure kicks off outside the Tower, where you’ll meet your guide in front of the Ticket Office. This initial moment sets the tone — expect a lively, engaging overview of the Tower’s 1,000-year past. The guide, usually a local expert, shares highlights about its functions as a royal palace, prison, and armory, giving you context that makes everything inside more meaningful.

The Inside Scoop: Early Access & Opening Ceremony

What makes this tour special is the VIP early access. Arriving before the usual crowds means you get to see the Crown Jewels at Jewel House with minimal fuss. During the peak hours, this part can become a madhouse, so getting in early offers a real advantage. Multiple reviews praise the quiet, almost private viewing, with some highlighting how they managed great photos with little congestion.

The Opening Ceremony performed by the Beefeaters is another highlight. It’s a deep-rooted tradition — a formal unlocking of the gates filled with military precision and history. Many reviews commend guides for explaining the ceremony’s significance, making it more than just a photo op. Neal mentions Sophie, one of the guides, as very knowledgeable and humorous, which adds a friendly touch to the formal ritual.

A Guided Tour of the Tower

Following the ceremony, you’ll embark on a guided tour lasting around 75 minutes. This includes key sights like the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and the Fusilier Museum. Guides often share fascinating anecdotes and secret stories, adding depth that you won’t get from just wandering around alone. Several reviews note how guides like Nathalie and Lee go out of their way to keep everyone engaged and informed, making the experience more enjoyable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional: River Thames Cruise

From 2026, you can upgrade your experience with a scenic boat cruise down the Thames. This 30-minute ride offers views of London’s bridges and waterfront, giving a different perspective of the city’s skyline. Many travelers find it a peaceful and beautiful way to transition between sights. Some reviews mention the boat as a surprising highlight, combining urban scenery with relaxing water views.

The Changing of the Guard (or Westminster Walk)

Next, your tour can include either the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or a Westminster highlights walk, depending on the schedule. The Changing of the Guard is an iconic ceremony, and many visitors find it a moving experience, especially with a knowledgeable guide to narrate the history and significance. However, note that this part may be canceled or rescheduled, especially if weather or security issues arise.

Reviews rave about the guides’ ability to position guests for the best photos and views. Jessica, for instance, mentions how guide Nathalie made the tour interesting and how they managed to get close-up photos of the guards.

Drop-off Options & Flexibility

The tour concludes with drop-offs at either Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London, giving you flexibility to plan your day afterward. The entire experience ranges from 1 to 4 hours, making it manageable even for a busy schedule.

Deep Dive into the Experience: What You’ll Love

Early Access & Crowds: This is a standout feature. As several reviews highlight, beating the crowds to see the Crown Jewels makes the experience much more relaxed and enjoyable. Knowing you’re among the first in line really elevates the visit, and guides are experts at making sure you’re in the right spot to see everything.

The Beefeater Ceremony: Watching a Beefeater perform the Opening Ceremony is a rare treat. It’s a glimpse into centuries-old traditions performed with military discipline and pride. Several guests have said this is a highlight, especially when combined with explanations about its significance.

Knowledgeable Guides: The reviews consistently praise guides like Michael, Nathalie, and Lee. They’re described as engaging, humorous, and incredibly helpful in pointing out interesting details, making the tour feel personalized despite the group size.

Flexible & Scenic Add-ons: The river cruise adds a scenic element that complements the historic sites perfectly. The option to incorporate Westminster walking tours or the Changing of the Guard means you can tailor the experience to your interests.

Self-Guided Exploration (from 2026): With the introduction of a multilingual audio guide, those who prefer to take their time can explore the Tower at their own pace afterward. This is perfect if you love in-depth exploration without feeling rushed.

What Could Be Better?

Walking Intensity: Several reviews mention how much walking there is — sometimes over 10,000 steps. For travelers with mobility concerns or small children, this might be a bit much. The tour isn’t designed for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.

Timing & Schedule Flexibility: Since some parts, like the Changing of the Guard, depend on scheduling, there’s a chance it could be canceled or rescheduled. If that’s a key part of your plan, stay flexible or prepare for alternate options.

Pace of the Tour: The tour has a fairly brisk rhythm, which some might find slightly rushed. If you prefer a more leisurely approach, consider extending your time independently at the Tower or other sites.

Pricing & Value

The tour’s price is competitive, especially considering the VIP early access, guided insights, and optional extras like the river cruise. Many reviews note it’s excellent value for money, given the depth of experience packed into a few hours. The ability to skip the lines at the Crown Jewels alone can save hours of waiting, making it a smart choice for those on tight schedules.

The tour is also flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, which adds peace of mind for spontaneous planners.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors eager for a comprehensive, well-organized introduction to the Tower of London and Westminster. It’s also ideal for travelers who value guided insights and prefer to maximize their sightseeing in a short amount of time.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the authentic Beefeater ceremony and the chance to see the Crown Jewels early. Families with older children can also enjoy the engaging stories and scenic boat ride, though younger kids should be prepared for a lot of walking.

If you want a more relaxed, self-paced visit, the upcoming audio guide option from 2026 makes this a good choice. However, those with mobility issues or those seeking a slower-paced tour might want to consider other options or extra time on their own.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is included in this tour?
  The tour includes VIP early access to the Tower of London, a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide, and the option to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds. Extras like river cruises and Westminster walks are available as upgrades.

• How early do I need to arrive?
  You’re scheduled to meet directly in front of the Ticket Office at the Tower of London, and the tour begins from there. The early access begins as soon as the gates open, which is before general visitor hours.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  The tour is engaging for all ages, especially with lively guides and interesting sights. However, it involves quite a bit of walking, which might be tiring for younger kids. The itinerary is not specifically tailored for very young children or mobility-impaired travelers.

• Can I see the Crown Jewels without the crowds?
  Yes, the early access means you get to see the Crown Jewels with minimal visitors around, often in a more relaxed setting than during peak hours.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as there’s a good amount of walking involved. Check the weather forecast too, as parts of the tour involve outdoor exposure.

• Are large bags or baby strollers allowed?
  No, large bags, luggage, or baby strollers are not permitted inside the Tower, so plan accordingly.

• What happens if the Changing of the Guard is canceled?
  If rescheduled or canceled, you’ll be offered an alternative, such as a Westminster highlights walk, ensuring your schedule stays full.

• What’s the duration of the tour?
  The experience can last from 1 to 4 hours depending on the options chosen and your pace.

• When will the self-guided audio option be available?
  Starting in 2026, you’ll be able to explore the Tower at your own pace using a multilingual audio guide, giving more flexibility.

Final Thoughts

This tour strikes a nice balance between guided storytelling and exclusive access. The early entry into the Tower and Crown Jewels alone make it a worthwhile choice for those eager to beat the crowds and see iconic sights comfortably. The knowledgeable guides add a layer of personality and insight that makes history more engaging, not just a list of facts.

If you’re after a well-organized, efficient way to see some of London’s most famous landmarks with added scenic moments on the river, this experience is likely to meet your expectations. Just be prepared for a fair amount of walking and a schedule that moves at a lively pace.

For travelers who appreciate a good mix of tradition, scenic views, and expert commentary, this tour offers a memorable way to start or deepen your London adventure. It’s particularly suited for first-timers or those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the city’s royal and historical heartbeat.

You can check availability for your dates here: