London Express Tour with Tower of London, Thames Cruise & Westminster Abbey
Follow an expert through the notorious prison, see the crown jewels, then explore Parliament Square
Step inside the Tower of London to hear tales of royal prisoners and daring escapes from your expert guide. After admiring the dazzling Crown Jewels, you will board a boat for a relaxing guided cruise along the Thames toward the spires of Westminster. The day concludes with a walking tour in Parliament Square, to see Big Ben up close, and an immersive audio-guided visit to Westminster Abbey, the site of every coronation since 1066. Join us for the best, most comprehensive express tour in London.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert English-speaking Blue Badge guide
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Tower of London guided tour
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Free time to explore Crown Jewels
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Guided Thames River boat ride
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Parliament Square walking tour
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Westminster Abbey entry ticket
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Westminster Abbey audio guide
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Connect fortress walls to coronation aisles
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide at the Tower of London shop
Your tour begins outside the Tower of London shop. Check in with your Blue Badge certified guide, join your group, and get a quick overview of how the tour will unfold. -
2
Guided tour inside the Tower of London
Step through the fortress walls as your guide brings royal dramas, executions, and prison escapes to life. Explore areas like the White Tower, Traitors’ Gate, and Tower Green while learning how this riverside stronghold defended London for centuries. -
3
Free time to explore the Crown Jewels
Next, enjoy free time for independent exploration at the Tower. Most guests head straight for the Crown Jewels to admire coronation regalia and state treasures, but you can also wander the battlements or revisit areas that caught your eye. -
4
Rejoin your guide at the Tower of London shop
At the agreed time, meet your guide back at the Tower of London shop, where your tour began. Have a chance to ask last questions about the fortress and get ready for the next stop, an exciting river journey ahead. -
5
Thames boat ride from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier
Follow your guide down to the nearby Tower Pier and board a boat for a cruise along the Thames. As you sail toward Westminster, your guide will explain what you’re seeing. Pass sights like Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Eye. -
6
Walk through Parliament Square to Westminster Abbey
Exit the boat at Westminster Pier and continue on foot with your guide into Parliament Square. Along the way, take in close-up views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament while hearing how this riverside neighborhood became the heart of British political life. -
7
Your tour finishes at Westminster Abbey with audio guide
Finally, your guide escorts you to Westminster Abbey, helps with entry, and ensures your audio guide is set before saying goodbye. From here, explore Westminster Abbey at your own pace, tracing royal coronations, poets’ memorials, and centuries of history before stepping back into central London.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves extended walking over uneven stone surfaces, steps, and cobbled areas at the Tower of London and around Westminster. It is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or guests with significant mobility concerns
Weather Advisory: Tours run rain or shine, so please bring layers and a waterproof jacket for London’s changeable weather
The Tower of London: Please note, guides are not allowed inside the White Tower or the Jewel House, but they will accompany you to each location and explain their significance
Please Note: Your guide stays with the group from the Tower of London through the Thames boat ride and Parliament Square, then you explore Westminster Abbey independently with an audio guide
Your 5 hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking Blue Badge guide
Guided tour of the Tower of London outer grounds and key sites
Free time to explore the Crown Jewels and Tower exhibits
Guided Thames boat ride from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier
Guided walk through Parliament Square with views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Westminster Abbey general entry ticket
Westminster Abbey audio guide for self-paced exploration
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate layers and waterproof jacket
Government-issued ID
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, families are welcome on this tour, especially those with older kids or teens who enjoy history. However, there is a good amount of walking over uneven ground and stone steps.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This experience includes several hours on your feet over cobblestones, stone steps, and uneven ground at the Tower of London and around Parliament Square. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or guests with significant mobility concerns.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
This tour runs rain or shine, as both the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are open in most conditions. London weather can change quickly, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket. In cases of severe weather affecting the river, the Thames boat schedule or route may be adjusted by the operator.
Is lunch or any food included?
No, food and drinks are not included in this tour. However, feel free to bring a snack and a bottle of water if you like.
Will I skip the line at the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey?
Your group uses reserved entry times at the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, but standard security checks still apply. You’ll usually move more efficiently with your guide than visiting entirely on your own, yet brief waits at security or ticket checks are still possible during busy periods.
Does Westminster Abbey have a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but Westminster Abbey is an active place of worship, so respectful attire is recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing and please consider covering shoulders and knees.
