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

Travel Flexibly

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· 2.50h · England, United Kingdom

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.

Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London

A group of tourists walking into the Tower of London with Tower Bridge in the background behind their guide from The Tour Guy.

A man taking a picture of a woman while inside the London Tower.

An image of the Tower Ravens cages inside the London Tower.

An image of a royal bedroom inside the London Tower.

A man standing in front of the entrance to the Crown Jewels in the London Tower while speaking to his guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists inside the London Tower with their guide from The Tour Guy.

Meeting point at Tower of London Shop
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.

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What you get with this tour

Expert English-speaking guide
Tower of London tickets
Crown Jewels
Thames River cruise
Traitor's Gate, Bloody Tower, and more!
Max 20 pax
Wheelchair accessible
Guide gratuity
Meals

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5.0/5 (based on 467 reviews)

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Absolutely wonderful

19 September 2025

Reviewed by
Lori Ciesla

Dan was a fantastic guide for our Tower of London tour. He was friendly, funny and so knowledgeable. Highly recommended Dan and the Tower of London tour!

16 September 2025

Reviewed by
Dale Ann Grigas

river cruise and tower of London tour

02 September 2025

Reviewed by
Valerie Zareno

we had so much fun!. it was very informative and our lady tour guide was very knowledgeable.

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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.