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: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests. Depending on the option you select, your itinerary may vary slightly.
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
Entrance to Tower of London with first access to Crown Jewels
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
150 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to spend an afternoon in London!
2hounddogs,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a fun tour!! We had a great time, learned a lot and Chado was super funny and friendly.
Fun in London
brettbD1101TZ,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shadow was very funny and educational. A fun time all around.
Ollie with Walks - 5 Stars
Passport31031916333,Jul 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ollie with Walks and Devour Tours was great - knowledgeable and patient with our questions. Highly recommend!
London Favorite
jennymR4088SK,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of my favorite parts of my time in London. Charo was an incredible guide - extremely knowledgeable, warm, funny and such a pro. It was a joy and I would recommend the tour to anyone.
terrific tour on our Family trip
mtbpozz,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00fabulous Store with lots of great information that we would not have gotten on on our own. Nice small group. Good headset so we could hearthe whole tour. Highly recommended.
Becki Was Amazing!
N6419BWkathrync,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Becki was amazing! She was knowledgeable, kind, and funny! She’d be an amazing person to show you around London!
Book this one!!
virginiatD3463EN,Jul 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour guide, amazing experience, so much seen in one tour!
Great historic tour with Angie
martiane2022,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Angie was absolutely amazing! She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and kind. From start to finish, she made sure we felt comfortable and included, taking the time to answer all of our questions without ever making us feel rushed. Her passion and deep expertise really brought the experience to life. If you get the chance to book a tour with Angie, do it—she is truly a wonderful guide!
Great tour for lovers of history
Geoff W,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Early access was excellent, beat the crowds. Our guide Andrew was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. A lack of information about transferring to the boat segment.
Tower of London, Crown Jewels experience
Margaret T,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a wonderful experience, learned a lot and guide, Sue, was amazing. She really knew how to entertain and always smiled.
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