Tower of London: Early Access with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters
Tower Hill, London
Enjoy a Guided Walk Around the Tower of London, Watch the Beefeaters’ Opening Ceremony, and Get Early Access to the Crown Jewels. Then, Explore the Bloody, Green Tower and more on Your Own.
This guided tour of the Tower of London offers early access before public opening, ideal for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Witness the Beefeater Opening Ceremony before the Tower opens to the public
- Enjoy first-of-the-day access to the Jewel House to admire the Crown Jewels
- Explore the Tower's medieval outer walls and Traitors' Gate with an expert guide
- All-day access to the Tower of London with a map and audio guide app
Description
Most visitors face long queues at the Jewel House, but this tour lets you enter the Tower of London before it opens. With a group capped at 20 guests, you will witness a rarely seen ceremony.
Your expert guide starts outside the fortress walls, leading you along the medieval outer perimeter of the 11th-century royal stronghold built by William the Conqueror. You will walk past Traitors' Gate, the former watergate for prisoners, and along the Thames-facing ramparts once guarded by royal sentries.
Before the Tower officially opens, a Yeoman Warder escorts your group through a side entrance to the empty inner courtyard for a briefing. Dressed in full Tudor uniform, Yeoman Warders will perform the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, unlocking the fortress gates using a centuries-old ritual.
After the ceremony, you head to the Jewel House while it is nearly empty. View the Imperial State Crown, set with over 2,800 diamonds, and the Sovereign's Sceptre, featuring the 530-carat Cullinan I diamond, without the usual crowds.
When the guided portion ends, your all-day entry ticket and included audio guide app allow continued exploration at your own pace. Your map points to key sites such as the White Tower's medieval armory, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.
This tour provides unhurried access to the Tower’s most significant sites and the unique experience of being inside before general admission crowds.
Includes
- Expert English-speaking tour leader
- Pre-opening access to the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder
- Beefeater Opening Ceremony viewing
- First access to the Crown Jewels and Jewel House
- Guided walking tour of the Tower’s external grounds
- All-day Tower of London entry ticket
- Tower of London map and audio guide app
- Self-guided exploration after the ceremony
Excludes
- Guide tips
- Guided tour inside the Tower of London
Important Information
- Your tour host will not accompany you inside the Tower. Instead, a Beefeater guides the opening ceremony, followed by independent exploration using the audio guide.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and historic stone stairways.
- A smartphone and headphones are required for the audio guide app. Please bring these with you.
- Your entry ticket is valid all day, allowing you to remain and explore after the guided part finishes. Keep your schedule flexible.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
