Tower of London: Opening Ceremony & Early Crown Jewels Access
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
Looking for a bonus to your early morning visit to the Tower of London? Arrive bright and early, and start your day with a guided walk around the iconic grounds. As you head in, hear captivating stories from the legendary Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), then enjoy the rare opportunity to witness them ceremoniously open the Tower’s gates while sharing their signature wit and humor.
You'll also have the chance to snap that perfect photo with the Beefeater guards, before heading straight to the Crown Jewels to see them before the crowds arrive. Afterward, take your time exploring this centuries-old fortress at your own pace, uncovering its hidden secrets across the vast grounds.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Maximum Group Size of 20
Access to the Traitor’s Gate, Bloody Tower, and more!
Fun stories and pictures with the Beefeaters
Early Access to the Crown Jewels
Friendly, Knowledgeable Tour Guide
Tower of London Gate Opening Ceremony
Hotel pick up/drop off
Food & Beverages
Gratuities
What To Expect
Tower of London
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure as you meet your expert guide bright and early near the Tower of London. Before stepping inside, wander the iconic exterior grounds around the tower, where tales of intrigue, betrayal, and royal splendor come to life. Imagine the secrets lurking behind the formidable Traitors' Gate or the legends whispered around the ancient White Tower. As you explore, your guide will weave together centuries of drama, from infamous prisoners to dazzling treasures. With the Crown Jewels glimmering ahead and the haunting Green Tower nearby, every corner holds a story waiting to be uncovered. Then, prepare for a rare treat—step inside to witness the Tower’s Opening Ceremony, a tradition steeped in history and grandeur. It’s the perfect prelude to the treasures that await within!
Tower of London
Before the grand gates swing open, step into the world of the Beefeaters—the legendary guardians of the Tower of London. These expert storytellers, clad in their iconic uniforms, will take you on a journey through centuries of history, sharing captivating tales of intrigue, betrayal, and royal drama. Step into history as you witness the Tower of London’s iconic Opening Ceremony—a tradition that has stood the test of time for centuries. Picture the grand gates creaking open as the Yeoman Warders, resplendent in their striking uniforms, perform this age-old ritual. Feel the anticipation build as the keys to the fortress are presented with ceremonial precision, marking the start of another day within these storied walls. You’ll be part of a moment few get to experience—standing where royalty, guards, and legends have stood before. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s a front-row seat to history in action, setting the perfect tone for the treasures and tales yet to unfold.
Options
Tower of London: Opening Ceremony & Early Crown Jewels Access
Reviews
60 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Key ceremony
Carrie E,
Oct 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is really just to get you in to see the Opening Key ceremony. You do get in before everyone else for the jewels, however. The Key Ceremony was really fantastic, although you don’t get to see it up close. They walk past you a little further and you can kind of see it, then walk past you again. Our guide Lee, was also very knowledgable and entertaining.
Disappointed reality did not live up to description!
Marion H,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
2.00Very disappointed that there was no opening ceremony or time with a Beefeater. NONE! That’s what we paid for. We saw other groups having discussions/time with Beefeaters but not our group. I shouldn’t have paid for something that we didn’t receive. We could have saved money by just buying our tickets at the ticket center rather than trying to buy “the experience “!
Tower of London
Jane R,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was thoroughly enjoyable. Early start to watch the handing over of keys. So much pageantry. And early to see the Crown Jewels.
Avoid crowds
Amanda B,
Sep 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was really informative and so worth the early pass before the crowds. Lee, our guide, was lots of fun and provided interesting facts. The tour with the guide was only 45 minutes so it was quite pricey, I feel, for the early entry and opening ceremony.
Don’t like crowds, don’t like too much lecture class, simple and like reading on your own…this is the one
Jamie D,
Sep 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00To be honest, everyone kept saying see the Tower of London and queens jewels and I personally was indifferent but my wife wanted to see everything, so I did a search and this tour came up. First things first, tour is super short, my speed but if your into learning history and Learning about the type of mud and stone used and who wrote a poem on this tower or that, this isn’t for you. This is get a quick rundown, no long stories, just a brief history. Lee our guide was like sitting at a pub or a bar, as and just chatting it up, gave some history some good jokes and mediocre jokes but he was great! This tour purpose is to see the jewels with no one really around you and to hear and Beefeater talk about their history. Number of people with tour, I’d say three tour groups each with around 15-20 people max per group and in our case three groups went. It never once felt crowded nor were you disappointed when you saw the jewels cause again, you are already ahead of the crowds and you have time to read and see everything with zero pressure Once you see the jewel you can walk the tower, see the beefeaters perform their duty or over the walls live their daily life. Walk the tower and self educate by reading the placards throughout. Good quick easy tour, hit the marina afterwards just to see the little boats of Dunkirk at least when we were there as it’s overall pretty little marina
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