Tower of London Early Access, Thames Cruise & Changing of Guard

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on a captivating journey through London's royal history and iconic landmarks. Begin with an early access visit to the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll see the opening ceremony and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Cruise the Thames River aboard a relaxing boat and either attend the Changing of the Guards or explore the heart of London on the Westminster City Walking Tour.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note that there will be no guiding inside the Jewel House and White Tower at the Tower of London as this is forbidden by the venue.

The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.

Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.

Please note that the Changing of the Guards ceremony is not included if your tour departs from 9am onwards. On these days, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London

Expert, English-speaking guide

Changing of the Guards (depending on the day)

Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London by the Beefeaters (if option selected)

Headsets when appropriate, so you always hear your guide

Guided Walking tour of Westminster City (depending on the day)

Boat ride on the River Thames

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

What To Expect

Tower of London

Begin your day with exclusive access to the historic Tower of London, a former fortress, prison, and execution site. This early morning tour guarantees a crowd-free experience and offers you the option to witness the captivating Opening Ceremony performed by the esteemed Yeoman Warders (if option is selected). By avoiding the crowds, our tour allows you to be among the first to see the Crown Jewels.

1 hour 15 minutes•Admission Included

Thames River

You’ll then step aboard a relaxing river boat up the Thames as your expert, English-speaking guide tells you all about the major landmarks along its banks Disembark your boat ride and depending on the day, either attend the Changing of the Guards or a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant city of Westminster.

15 minutes•Admission Included

Options

Ceremony&Changing Foot Guards

Opening Ceremony included: This option includes the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, performed by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
With Changing of Foot Guards: Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards.

Upgrade with Ceremony

Buckingham Palace Tickets: Upgrade your tour including guaranteed access with no waiting lines to Buckingham Palace, home of the King Charles III
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Opening Ceremony: This option includes the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, performed by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)

With Changing of Foot Guards

Changing of the Foot Guards : Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards.
Opening Ceremony not included: This option does not include the opening ceremony at the Tower of London.

With Changing of Horse Guards

Changing of the Horse Guards: Witness the Changing of the Horse Guards.
Opening Ceremony not included: This option does not include the opening ceremony at the Tower of London.

Ceremony & Westminster Walk

Opening Ceremony included: This option includes the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, performed by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
Westminster Walking Tour: This option includes a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant area of Westminster

Ceremony&Changing Horse Guards

Opening Ceremony included: This option includes the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, performed by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
With Changing of Horse Guards: Witness the Changing of the Horse Guards.

With Westminster Walking Tour

Westminster Walking Tour: This option includes a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant area of Westminster
Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Opening Ceremony not included: This option does not include the opening ceremony at the Tower of London.

Private Tour without Ceremony

This option includes a visit to the Tower of London, Thames River Boat Ride & a walking tour of Westminster City.
Private Tour without Ceremony: Private tour guide exclusively for you and your group for a more personalized experience.

Reviews

4.58

904 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

719

Lots of walking and standing in line.
Thomas J,
Jul 2, 2025
- Viator
3.00
We are in our 70s and there was too much walking and standing for us. It would be fine for others but the description did not adequately prepare us for moving as fast as we were expected to move. If we had known we would have scheduled something else. The guide was excellent and did what she could to accommodate but it was the wrong tour for us.
Wonderful and informative tour!
Marcie B,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had an amazing time with Michael. We had so much packed into a 4 hour tour and he handled it all perfectly!
Great tour!
Diana W,
Jun 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our guide Flora was with wonderful, knowledgeable and personable. Tour was great! Highly recommended it
The Tower of London and...
Nicholas L,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
The Tower of London and the Crown Jewels are both really interesting and worth seeing. Was a bit rushed in that we had to catch the boat to changing of the guard, would have liked more time at the Tower but all in all an amazing day. Our tour guide was funny and kept us engaged.
Missed it without assistance
Jennifer J,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
1.00
We could not find the tour, no one to contact, other tour guides from the company were not helpful. Thankfully the gate employees were very kind and let us in ahead of the crowds, but we completely missed the tour as there was no way to link up.