London: Tower of London Guided Tour with Boat Ride
The East End, London
Discover the Tower of London on a small-group guided tour. Soak up the history of this 11th-century castle & admire the Crown Jewels up close, before hopping on a Thames River Cruise at your leisure.
The Tower of London tour offers timed-entry tickets and expert guides, suitable for history lovers, families, and first-time visitors interested in British royal history.
Highlights
- Explore the Tower of London with a timed-entry ticket
- Hear royal scandals and executions from an expert storytelling guide
- Marvel at the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House
- Step inside the medieval White Tower to view royal armor
- Flexible ticket for a 30-minute Thames River cruise (not included with Basic option)
Description
The Tower of London has guarded the Thames for nearly 1,000 years and contains some of Britain's darkest historical stories. Enter with a storytelling guide and timed-entry tickets, then explore the Crown Jewels and White Tower independently.
Your tour begins outside the Tower, where your guide distributes pre-reserved tickets and provides an orientation. Walk through ancient gateways into centuries of royal drama, military strength, and political intrigue.
Stop at Traitor's Gate to learn about prisoners like Anne Boleyn who never returned, then visit the Bloody Tower, where your guide shares the mystery of two young princes and the imprisonment of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Stand on Tower Green, the site of several historic executions, before your guide escorts you to the Jewel House entrance. Explore coronation crowns, royal scepters, and the Cullinan diamonds at your own pace, then climb the White Tower to see royal armor and weapons from the medieval era.
If selected, use your flexible Thames River cruise ticket anytime during your visit for a 30-minute boat ride past Tower Bridge and London’s skyline. Note that the cruise is not included with the Basic option.
Upgrade options include a guided Thames cruise, Westminster Abbey with an audio guide, or the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
This tour suits travelers on a tight schedule who want to visit the fortress and Crown Jewels, with the option to customize additional London experiences. Choose from Basic, Group, Extended day, Private, or Full-Day London tours based on your interests.
Includes
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets
- Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower
- Flexible 30-minute Thames River cruise ticket (not included with Basic option)
Excludes
- Guide tips
- Guided tour inside the Crown Jewels
- Guide for Thames River cruise
Important Information
- Guides are not allowed inside the White Tower or Jewel House but provide detailed information beforehand.
- All visitors undergo bag and security screening, which may cause a short wait.
- Your Thames River cruise ticket is usually valid for one month; the expiry date is printed on the ticket. Guides do not accompany the cruise.
- Select the correct age category when booking minors; children under 4 enter free, youth (5+) require tickets. Incorrect selections may result in denied entry.
- Group tours cannot accommodate guests using wheelchairs, those requiring special assistance, or strollers/baby carriages.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
For the best experience, arrive early and wear comfortable shoes. Book in advance to secure your preferred tour version and time slot.