If you’re planning a visit to London and want to experience the Tower of London without the usual crowds, this VIP tour might just be your ticket. Marketed as a luxury, skip-the-line experience, it combines a special early access to the Crown Jewels with a comprehensive guided tour, topped off with a scenic Thames river cruise. Many travelers have praised it for its knowledgeable guides and the chance to see iconic sights in a relaxed setting — but it’s not for everyone.
What we really like about this tour is the early access to the Crown Jewels, which means you get a close-up look in the quiet before the crowds arrive. The expert guide provides engaging insights that make history come alive, and the included river cruise offers a flexible way to see London from the water. The main drawback? It’s a walking tour, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet and with moderate mobility. If you prefer a more leisurely or less structured experience, this might feel a bit brisk.
This tour is ideal for history buffs, photographers, or anyone who wants a concise yet rich overview of the Tower’s most famous sites while avoiding the rush of the general crowd. If you’re short on time but want a deep dive into the Tower’s past, it offers excellent value. It’s also a good choice if you’d like to combine your visit with a Thames cruise, adding a scenic element to your day.
Key Points
- Early access to the Crown Jewels means fewer crowds and better photos.
- Guided tour by knowledgeable Yeoman Warders provides in-depth context and stories.
- Flexibility of a Thames river cruise allows exploring London from a unique perspective.
- Tour duration varies from 2.5 to 3 hours, making it manageable for most schedules.
- Not suitable for strollers or guests with mobility issues due to walking requirements.
- A well-rated, highly praised experience with an average of 4.8 out of 5 from over 150 reviews.
A Closer Look at What the Tour Offers
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in London.
The Starting Point and Arrival
The tour begins outside the Tower of London, at a centrally located meeting point (3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT). Arrive about 15 minutes early to find your guide, who will be holding a green Walks sign. This early start is key to beating the crowds, especially for the opening ceremony and the Crown Jewels visit.
The Opening Ceremony: A Military Tradition
One of the most memorable parts of this experience is witnessing the ceremony of the keys, a centuries-old military ritual that signals the official opening of the Tower. According to reviews, this is a notable and atmospheric event, with many guests feeling lucky to be among the first to see it. It’s a respectful, almost theatrical scene that sets the tone for the day. For some, this alone justifies the premium price, as it’s a historical ritual not widely accessible to the general public.
Early Access to the Jewel House and Crown Jewels
After the ceremony, your group will get exclusive access to the Jewel House — home to the Crown Jewels. Being among the first visitors means you can enjoy these stunning displays with minimal crowds, allowing for better photos and a more intimate experience. Guests have described seeing the jewels in “peace and quiet,” contrasting sharply with the overwhelming crush that happens later in the day.
More Great Tours NearbyGuided Tour of the Tower Complex
Following the Jewel House visit, your expert guide—often a Yeoman Warder or a knowledgeable local—will lead you through various parts of the Tower, sharing stories that bring the stones and historical figures to life. The tour begins at the Execution Site on Tower Green, where many nobles lost their heads, and continues through sites like the Bloody Tower, where Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned, and the Torture Chambers.
Guests frequently comment on how engaging the guides are, with reviews highlighting guides like Paul, Charlotte, Gina, and Dominic for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. One reviewer noted that their guide “made the tour even better” with their personality and depth of knowledge.
Exploring the Tower Walls and Historic Rooms
As you walk along the Tower Walls, you’ll get glimpses of the Tower’s military and royal past. A quick look inside the refurbished Edward I bedroom offers a peek into royal living conditions centuries ago. The tour also includes a visit inside the White Tower, the core of the complex, which has been beautifully restored to showcase its medieval architecture and armory.
Free Time to Explore on Your Own
Once the guided portion concludes inside the White Tower, you’re free to explore other parts of the Tower complex at your own pace. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this flexibility, with some spending additional time at the Beauchamp Tower, Fusilier Museum, or simply wandering the grounds for photos. Since the guided tour ends inside the White Tower, you’ll have the chance to revisit favorite sites or explore less-visited areas like the Bestiary or Ravens’ Conspiracy.
The Thames River Cruise: A Scenic Finish
Your ticket also includes a flexible one-way river cruise pass. After leaving the Tower, you can hop on the boat at your convenience, taking in views of London’s skyline from the Thames. This is a highly praised aspect of the experience, offering a different perspective of London’s historic and modern landmarks. Guests have appreciated the flexibility—you can use the cruise any day and from various piers, making it a perfect add-on for a full day of sightseeing.
Tour Variations and Duration
For those with limited time, there’s a “Regular Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels” option that lasts around 2.5 hours and skips the opening ceremony. This might be appealing if you prefer a shorter, more focused visit. Still, the full VIP experience, with the early ceremony access, is often cited as well worth the extra time and cost.
How This Tour Stacks Up: What Travelers Say
The overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.8 out of 5 average rating from 155 participants. Many guests mention how guides like Gina, Charlotte, and Dominic made the experience memorable with their storytelling and enthusiasm. One reviewer remarked, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting—highly recommend this tour.” Others loved being the first in to see the Crown Jewels and the ceremony of the keys, describing it as “something you won’t forget.”
Some guests found the tour slightly pricey, but many agreed that the early access and guided insights provided good value, especially considering how crowded the Tower can get later in the day. A few mentioned that the walking pace might be a bit brisk for those with mobility challenges, as it’s primarily a walking tour.
Practical Tips
- Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point — the guide will be waiting with a green sign.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as this is a walking tour.
- The tour is in English, so some familiarity with the language is helpful for fully appreciating the guides’ stories.
- Strollers and guests with mobility issues may find it difficult to participate fully.
- If you’re short on time, opt for the shorter version of the tour or the afternoon tour without the opening ceremony.
Why Choose This Tour?
This experience truly offers a unique combination of history, ceremony, and scenic sightseeing. The early access to the Crown Jewels is the single best reason to choose this tour—it means a more relaxed viewing and better photos. The knowledgeable guides consistently receive praise, helping bring the Tower’s history alive with stories and context you won’t find in guidebooks.
The inclusion of the Thames river cruise is a smart touch, providing a scenic, flexible way to see London from the water. Plus, the small group sizes and the chance to explore independently after the guided tour provide a good balance of structure and freedom.
This tour is best suited for travelers who value authentic experiences, historical storytelling, and avoiding crowds. If you’re a history enthusiast or simply want a memorable, well-organized day at one of London’s most iconic sites, this tour delivers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a well-organized, insightful, and slightly luxe visit to the Tower of London, this VIP experience hits the mark. It balances the historic with the scenic, the guided with free time, offering a clear advantage over standard entry tickets.
The tour’s strength lies in the early access and knowledgeable guides, which turn a busy tourist site into a personal, immersive experience. The Thames cruise adds a relaxing touch, giving you a different view of London’s skyline.
While it’s a pricey option, many reviewers feel the added value and memorable moments make it worthwhile — especially if you’re eager to beat the crowds and see the Crown Jewels in peace.
For those who appreciate history, storytelling, and scenic city views, this tour is a smart choice. Just remember to pace yourself and arrive prepared for a fair amount of walking. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat guest, it’s an experience that’s likely to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
Is there hotel pick-up or drop-off included?
No, the tour does not include hotel transportation. You should meet at the designated location outside the Tower of London.
How early should I arrive?
Plan to arrive about 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to meet your guide and ensure a smooth check-in.
Can I visit the Crown Jewels without the tour?
Yes, but the early access provided by this tour means you see them before the crowds, which is a significant advantage.
Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?
No, due to the walking nature and site restrictions, it is not suitable for strollers or guests with mobility impairments.
How long does the guided tour last?
The full guided experience lasts approximately 40 to 115 minutes, depending on your chosen option.
Can I customize the itinerary?
The itinerary is set and based on the option selected; however, after the guided tour ends, you have free time to explore on your own.
What’s included in the ticket?
Your ticket includes the early access to the Jewel House, guided tour, and a flexible one-way river cruise pass.
What if I want to skip the opening ceremony?
There is a shorter, 2.5-hour option that skips the ceremony and focuses on the Tower’s grounds.
Is the tour conducted in other languages?
No, the tour is only available in English.
What if sites are closed on the day of my visit?
If closures occur, the tour provider will reach out with modifications, but this is rare and often only affects certain parts.
This tour offers a practical yet immersive way to experience one of London’s most emblematic landmarks. With careful planning, it delivers a memorable visit filled with stories, stunning sights, and a touch of VIP treatment.
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