Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
Travel the River Thames by boat then dive into British history at London's famous fortress
The Tower of London’s maze-like layout and endless crowds can leave you lost, missing key sights and powerful stories. Our guides ensure you won’t miss a thing. Begin with a Thames boat ride to the Tower, then follow your expert guide through its historic walls to see the dazzling Crown Jewels. From chilling tales of betrayal to towers where history’s most infamous figures met their end, this tour unlocks the secrets of London’s iconic fortress.
- Meeting point at Parliament Square
- Meet your guide
- Thames river cruise
- Tower of London
- Traitor's Gate
- Bloody Tower
- Tower Green
- Crown Jewels
- End at White Tower
You'll meet your knowledgeable London guide near Parliament Square, and along with your small group, you'll board a local Thames Clipper for a ride along the river to the Tower of London. Along the way, you'll see Tower Bridge, the Shard, and many other iconic sights that make up the London skyline.
Once you reach the Tower of London, your guide will show you around this historic castle and share stories of the famous prisoners held or executed here, including Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and Sir Walter Raleigh. You'll also be able to see the famous tower guards, known as Beefeaters, and take a look at the impressive crown jewels. All under the watchful eye of the castle's resident ravens!
Tower of London Tour Description
This 3-hour small-group tour includes:
Boat ride down the River Thames
Skip-the-line Tower of London admission
Access to the crown jewels, White Tower, and more
Expert, local storytelling guide
Maximum group size of 20
London by Boat
Your tour starts with a ride along the Thames by the local service. These boats are comfortable and air-conditioned, so you can relax as your authorized Blue Badge guide points out the famous sites you'll pass along the way. You'll see some of London's beautiful old bridges, including London Bridge and Tower Bridge, as well as the stunning architecture of London's City Hall and the Shard—the tallest building in western Europe. Your destination, of course, is the Tower of London, and there's no better way to travel there!
Tower of London
Established by William the Conqueror in 1066 after his conquest of England, the castle represented the shift in power after the Saxons were defeated. By the turn of the 12th century, the tower became a prison—a role it would keep all the way until after World War II. As the most fortified structure in London, the Tower has played a massive role in English history.
Your local guide is a true Tower of London expert, and they'll tell you all about the often bloody history of the castle. It has come under attack many times throughout its history, and, in its role as a prison, it housed (or usually executed) princes, queens, and enemies of the state such as Guy Fawkes. The execution room was particularly busy during the infamous reign of Henry VIII, who sent sent two of his six wives and a number of other notable people to their deaths here. Off with their heads!
Since those days, things have become a lot less bloody, but you'll still see the traditional (and impossible to distract!) Beefeater guards here, along with the resident ravens, whose presence are rooted in a belief that the Tower would fall if the ravens ever left, and many important artifacts from British history.
The Crown Jewels
The Tower of London houses the remarkable crown jewels, safeguarded here for centuries. Secured in the Jewel House, these items include the ornate symbols and coronation regalia of the English Monarchy, consisting of 140 royal objects adorned with over 23,000 stones.
Despite many original items being destroyed during the English Civil War by Oliver Cromwell, the collection was restored after the monarchy's reinstatement in 1660, with a few pieces dating back to the 12th century. Access to the Jewel House is highly sought after, but your guide will plan the tour to minimize waiting time.
The tour concludes near the iconic White Tower, which you can explore independently, while your guide offers local tips for the rest of your day in London.
What you get with this tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
A bottle of water and some comfortable shoes, since you'll be on your feet once you reach the Tower of London.
What to bring?
A bottle of water and some comfortable shoes, since you'll be on your feet once you reach the Tower of London.
Can I take photos at the Tower of London?
Photography is allowed in most areas, with the exception of the Jewel House and the Chapel of St. John.
How strenuous is this tour?
It's not especially strenuous, although you will be walking around for most of your time at the Tower of London. There are some uneven surfaces and old stone stairways to navigate.
Will the tour guide be with me the whole time?
It's possible that your group won't be seated together on the boat, but your guide will check on each of you during the ride. At the Tower of London, guides are not allowed inside the White Tower or the Jewel House, but they will accompany you to each location and share everything you need to know. They will escort you to the Beefeater's Quarters, Traitor's Gate, and several other key areas in the fortress.
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