Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
Dive into British history at London's famous fortress and enjoy a flexible ticket to a Thames Cruise
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. Follow your expert guide through the Tower of London's 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 Tower of London Shop
- Meet your guide
- Tower of London
- Traitor's Gate
- Bloody Tower
- Tower Green
- End at Crown Jewels
- Flexible Thames River Cruise ticket
Tower of London Tour Description
This 2.5-hour small-group tour includes:
Tower of London tickets
Access to the crown jewels, White Tower, and more
Expert, local storytelling guide
Flexible ticket for a Thames River Cruise
Maximum group size of 20
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.
London by Boat
At the end of your tour, your guide will present you with a flexible ticket for a Thames River Cruise. These boats are comfortable and air-conditioned, so you can relax as you pass by the city's famous sites. 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.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
460 total reviews
Leave a reviewExcellent tour
Carl Hader
Nick is the perfect guide. He is so knowledgeable and has great insight and stories to share. You won't be disappointed
Terrific Tour!
Tricia LaLonde
Loved every minute. Organized and great information .
John Houghton
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.
Is the Thames River Cruise a part of the tour?
This tour include a flexible ticket for a Thames River Cruise, able to taken at your leisure.
Will the guide be with me the whole time?
During the Tower of London portion, yes. The boat cruise will be at leisure and will have access to a river boat guide or audio guide.
You may also like
Skip the Line
London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
Explore Buckingham Palace, see the Crown Jewels, take a river cruise on the Thames, and more!
Skip the Line
London Walking Tour with Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard
Explore royal history at London's famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace's iconic ceremony
New Tour
Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Witness a centuries-old tradition before seeing the crown jewels with fewer crowds
New Tour
Small Group Day Tour of Bath, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge from London
Visit Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath from London in just one day
New Tour
Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
Hear legends from the Guardians of the Tower of London before your full tour of the fortress
Exclusive Churchill War Rooms and Westminster World War II Tour
Skip the Line Churchill's War Rooms and Westminster Small Group Tour
Explore the preserved Secret Bunkers in London, where D-Day and the fall of Hitler were planned
New Tour
Kensington Gardens tour with Royal High Tea
Enjoy an intimate tour of Kensington Palace Gardens that ends with traditional English High Tea
From London: The Enchanting Cotswolds Village Tour with Lunch
Explore Idyllic Burford and Stow-on-the-Wold and enjoy a two-course lunch in Bibury
From London: Cotswolds Day trip to Bibury, Burford, and Burton-on-the-Water
Explore the timeless charm of the English countryside in a small group
New Tour
The Buckingham Palace Royalty Tour
Get rare summer access to the royal State Rooms, only open a few weeks each year!
New Tour
British Museum Guided Tour in London
Admire this world-famous historic collection with the help of an expert guide
Changing of the Guard
Changing of the Guard Small Group Walking Tour in London
Witness the world-famous ceremony while learning about the orgins of this iconic routine
Exclusive Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Guided Tour
Touch the historic stones at sunrise or sunset and explore the charm of Windsor town
Exclusive Inner Circle Stonehenge Access, Lacock Village, and Bath
Enjoy transportation to and from London and a chance to eat at a 13th century Inn in Lacock
Water Activity
London: Ultimate Speedboat Adventure
Experience Big Ben, Tower Bridge & More in Thrilling Fashion with a Small Group
Private Tour
Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour
Dive deep into London's history at the famous church before seeing Buckingham Palace
Private Tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Delve into the church's architectural brilliance and sacred stories with your personal guide
New tour
Private London Highlights Black Cab Sightseeing Tour
Zip through London’s captivating streets as you admire Westminster, Big Ben, Hide Park and more
Private Tour of the National Gallery in London
Admire masterpieces like Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Monet's Water Lilies with a dedicated guide
Tower of London Historic "Closing Ceremony" After Hours Tour
Join this exclusive tour after the crowds have left and witness the Tower's rare closing ceremony
Windsor, Stonehenge, & Bath Full-Day Tour with Lacock Pub Lunch from London
Enjoy coach travel, early entry to Windsor Castle, and a pub lunch on this action-packed day trip
New Tour
London: East End Food Tour in a Small Group
Check Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Spitalfields off your bucket list with local food tastings
Private Victoria and Albert Museum Highlights Tour
Marvel at Raphael’s Cartoons, historic fashion trends, and treasures of the Jewellery Gallery
Exclusive Borough Market Food Tour + Viral Donut Workshop
Make London’s famed crème brûlée donut in a private class at Borough Market—only with The Tour Guy!
Private Tour of the Tate Modern in London
Immerse yourself in world-class modern art, from Picasso to Warhol, with a dedicated private guide
Essential London Sights by E-Bike Small Group Tour
Cycle through classic landmarks, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace
New Tour
Harry Potter Studio & Oxford from London: Magic Behind the Scenes
Roam the streets of Oxford, visit Hogwarts Castle, and hop aboard the Hogwarts Express!
New Tour
Morning Food Tour Through Borough Market and London
Taste local delicacies, explore the neighborhood near the iconic Bridge, and end with a cold pint
New Tour
Royal Hampton Court Palace Tour with Afternoon Tea
Immerse yourself in regal history as you tour the palace grounds and experience afternoon tea
New Tour
Full-Day Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London
Journey back in time to experience the mysteries of ancient stones and historic Roman baths
Royal London Bike Tour with Thames River Cruise
Ride by Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and more in the heart of the city
Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & White Cliffs Full Day Tour From London
Experience England’s Royal History, Spiritual Heritage, and Iconic Landscapes in One Day
Premium Westminster Abbey Tour with Breakfast and London Eye
Avoid lines and witness the storied sites of royal ceremonies, then soar above the London skyline
Private Black Cab Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
See London’s landmarks in comfort with skip-the-line entry and a private black cab experience
New tour
From London: Full-Day Stonehenge and Avebury Small Group Tour
Experience mysterious stone circles and quaint villages with an expert guide
New Tour
From London: Harry Potter Studios Tour in a Small Group with Pickup
Join us to experience the official movie sets and props that brought the beloved film saga to life!
New Tour
Private Harry Potter Black Cab Tour Through London
See where the magic of Harry Potter came to life as you drive to Gringotts Wizarding Bank and stroll
Private Tour
Private London in a Day Tour
Discover London's deep history at Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and the Changing of the Guard
From London: Cotswolds and Oxford Small Group Day-trip with Lunch
Visit two unforgettable English destinations that have captivated poets and artists
New tour
Soho Eats: A Delicious Evening Walking Tour
Uncover the history of rock-n-roll in London while sampling delicious local food
Private Windsor Castle Tour from London
Experience royal splendor and visit Eton College on this day trip from London
British Museum Private Guided Tour
Admire the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian Mummies, and the Parthenon Sculptures with a passionate guide
London by Bike Tour: River Thames and Borough Market
Cycle through iconic landmarks like The Globe Theatre and Tower Bridge
VIP Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Castle Tour
Visit the monument at sunset and tour the royal heritage of Windsor Castle with an audio guide
