Legends & Lore Tower of London Tour with Thames River Cruise
Dive into British history with an expert at the famous fortress, then admire glistening Crown Jewels
The stories inside the Tower of London are among the most gripping in all of British history, and if you visit without an expert, you’ll miss them entirely. Instead, join this tour, which includes timed entry tickets and a guide who brings the fortress to life. At Traitor's Gate, you'll hear who passed through and never returned; inside the Bloody Tower, a royal mystery that has never been solved. Explore the Crown Jewels after, then use your flexible Thames cruise ticket whenever it suits you.
What You Get With This Tour
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Hear England's darkest secrets
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Timed entry tickets to the Tower of London
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Access to the Crown Jewels
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Access to the White Tower
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Flexible 30-minute Thames River cruise ticket
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Guide tips
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Guided tour of Crown Jewels
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Guide for Thames cruise
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins outside the Tower of London
You’ll meet your guide outside the Tower of London. Look for the exact location on your booking voucher. Here, you’ll get a quick orientation before heading inside this legendary fortress. -
2
Enter the Tower of London with pre-reserved tickets
Step through the ancient gates and into nearly 1,000 years of history. You’ll meander along the fortress walkways as your guide shares stories of kings, queens, prisoners, and power struggles that shaped England. -
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Pause in front of Traitor's Gate
Learn about the infamous water entrance that once delivered prisoners straight into royal custody. Your guide recounts chilling tales of those, like Anne Boleyn, who entered with hope and left only as legends. -
4
Ponder the dark history of the Bloody Tower
Next, uncover the dark and mysterious history of the infamous Bloody Tower. Your guide will share chilling accounts, including the unexplained demise of two young princes and the imprisonment of Sir Walter Raleigh, who used his time here to plan his global expeditions. -
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Learn about Tower Green
After that, you’ll witness the somber place where some of England’s royalty met their tragic ends, right on Tower Green. Your guide will offer insights into the dangerous political climate of Tudor England, explaining why figures like Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were executed here. -
6
Your tour ends at the Crown Jewels
Your guided portion wraps up at the entrance to the Jewel House, where you’ll continue inside independently. Marvel at the coronation regalia, glittering crowns, and ceremonial treasures that still play a role in British royal tradition today. -
7
Enjoy a Thames River Cruise with your flexible ticket
Cap off your experience with a relaxing 30-minute cruise along the Thames whenever it suits your schedule. Drift past London’s iconic bridges and skyline for a perfect finale to your historic adventure. Your ticket is typically valid for one month (often longer), with the exact expiry date noted on the ticket you’ll receive during your tour.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Guide Duration: The guided portion of this tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Your guide will lead you through the Tower grounds, but is not permitted inside the White Tower or the Jewel House.
Tour Changes: Certain areas of the Tower of London may close without notice due to special events, bank holidays, or unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, your guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly.
Thames River Cruise: A flexible ticket for a 30-minute Thames River Cruise is included and can be used at your leisure. Tickets are typically valid for one month (and sometimes longer), with the exact expiry date noted on the ticket you’ll receive during your tour. Please note your guide does not accompany you on the cruise.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and old stone stairways. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance. Or, for a tour fully catered to your needs and interests, consider joining our Private Tower of London Tour.
Bag Policy: Large bags, backpacks, and wheeled luggage are not permitted inside the Tower of London.
Security Line: For the safety of all visitors, a security check is required before entering the Tower of London. While this process is typically quick, there may be a wait at busy times.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1.5-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets
Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower
Flexible ticket for a 30-minute Thames River Cruise
What to bring:
Valid ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Camera
Water bottle
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Customer Reviews
Great tour, and our guide was amazing!
We organized a group tour for our conference attendees and they had a great time! Definitely recommend working with The Tour Guy!
Thank you Arianna for a great tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and old stone stairways. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance.
Will the tour guide be with me the whole time?
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 includes a flexible ticket for a Thames River Cruise, able to taken at your leisure.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, this tour is suitable for all ages. However, strollers and pushchairs are not permitted in the White Tower.
When can I use the Thames River Cruise ticket?
The Thames River Cruise ticket is flexible and can be used at your leisure. It’s typically valid for one month (sometimes longer), with the exact expiry date noted on your ticket. Please note your guide does not accompany you on the cruise.
