Early Access Tower of London, Crown Jewels & Thames River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Skip the line and start your morning inside the Tower of London, a former royal residence, and experience history brought to life. You’ll admire the precious Crown Jewels and then enjoy an hour to explore at your own pace. Next, soak in views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and more on a relaxing river cruise down the River Thames. You'll disembark in Westminster, where you'll set off on a walking tour. Learn why each stop earned its spot in England's royal and political history as you pass Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and end with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park. This walking tour covers London's main sites in under 5 hours.
Unlock even more Tower of London secrets and watch the storied Opening Ceremony by selecting the Opening Ceremony option when booking. After the Opening Ceremony, you'll enjoy a complete tour of the Tower of London with a certified Blue Badge Guide and finish with a relaxing river cruise down the River Thames.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
Please note: base on your the option you select your itinerary might change slightly.
Note: For the Opening Ceremony, select Complete Tower option
Note: the Opening Ceremony option does not include a royal history walking tour of Westminster.
Note: If the Opening Ceremony option is selected the tour will end at the Tower of London.
What To Expect
Jewel House
Meet your local tour leader and head into the tower. You'll head straight to the Jewel House, which means you’ll be able to grab a prime spot to view the Crown Jewels. If you want to start your Tower of London tour with a behind-the-scenes look of day-to-day life at the Tower, select the Opening Ceremony option when booking. The Opening Ceremony is a notable military ritual that officially opens the famous historical edifice. After the Opening Ceremony, your tour will continue to the Jewel House.
Tower of London
You'll have free time to explore the entire complex at your own pace. Your tour leader will share suggestions based on your interests. By the end of your visit, you'll be equipped with the complete story of the Tower and its importance as a symbol of royal, state and historic power.
Options
Best of London Tour Option
Duration: 4 hours 45 minutes Tower of London & River Cruise: Early entry to Crown Jewels, History walk, Tower of London & River Cruise. DOES NOT include Opening Ceremony
VIP Opening Ceremony Option
Duration: 3 hours VIP Access Upgrade & Cruise: See the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels before the crowds. Full tour of the Tower with & river cruise. NO history walk
What‘s Included
Guided walk past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey
Cruise on the River Thames with views of Tower Bridge, St Pauls Catherdral & Shakespeare's Globe
Early Access Entry to Tower of London
Crown Jewels Viewing
Explore the Tower viewing Blood Gates, the legendary ravens & the castle walls Ca
Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities
Entrance to other monuments
Guided tour of Tower of London
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
131 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The tour was fabulous! Phillip Scott was a wonderful guide! He knew so much history and background on the Royals!
Adventure574053,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Phillip made our tour great! We covered so much ground in London!
Excellent combination of...
Marilyn H,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent combination of walking, boat ride with an experienced, knowledgeable guide. Free time to explore the Tower of London.
Wonderful
640rosemariep,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sue was amazing! Very knowledgeable… be ready to do some walking 😉
Great guide, great tour
591sandil,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sue was a great guide. She gave us information, history, and made the experience fun.
Fun Day in London
Thomas G,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Becki was a fabulous tour guide! The 9am start was the perfect way to stay ahead of the crowds (beautiful sunny day). She provided helpful info with our time at the Tower of London & Crown Jewels, followed by a wonderful boat ride on the River Thames, and then the grand finale with the historic walking tour. Appreciate her passion, knowledge & humor on the walking tour by Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Clarence House and the Friary Court: Highly recommend!
This was a fantastic...
Shannon S,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a fantastic tour! We only had one day in London. We saw so many things on this tour. Never would have got to all of these on our own. Our guide George was THE BEST!
Thanks George
daveskiver,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00George was awesome. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Kept it upbeat and fun all day.
Superstar Sue walking tour
Elizabeth S,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a five out of five tour. The best part of it was the walking portion in my experience. I think that it would be good to have more time at the tower, and a little bit more time or explanation of the architecture during our boat, right but the best part was the walking portion. Thank you, Sue.
Excellent experience
Ross O,May 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour, great division of time on your own versus time with guide. Danny did a great job of informing and was helpful with suggestions based on individual interests. Meeting Coordination was smooth and effirtless
Amazing experience and tour!
Lyn L,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible time exploring the tower and touring the city! Our guide, Katie, was extremely knowledgeable answering all our questions…even some not related to the tour but about life in London, tourism, directions to the pub! Katie was great!! Wear good walking shoes!!
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