Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Witness a centuries-old tradition before seeing the crown jewels with fewer crowds
By the time most arrive, the Tower of London is already bustling, its secrets diluted by the crowds. This exclusive early-morning self-guided tour grants you a front-row spot as the Beefeaters unlock the gates with ceremonial flair, a sight few ever witness. Capture an intimate photo with the guards, then be among the first to marvel at the Crown Jewels before exploring the Tower of London at your own pace.
- Meeting point at Tower of London shop
- Open Tower of London Gates
- Crown Jewels
- Beefeater's Quarters
- Crown Jewels
- Traitor's Gate
- Bloody Tower
- Tower Green
- Royal Bedrooms
- End inside Tower of London
Meet your engaging local tour leader near the entrance of the Tower of London where you'll gather with your small group to witness the traditional opening ceremony by the Beefeaters. It's a surprisingly fun experience despite how important it is too. Afterwards, enjoy early entry to the Crown Jewels before having a self-guided exploration of the Tower of London.
Early Access Tower of London Tour Description
Your 1.15-hour tour includes:
Knowledgeable guide
Tower of London opening ceremony
Fun stories and pictures with the Beefeaters
Early access to the crown jewels
Maximum group size of 20
Open the Tower of London Gates
Your early-access Tower of London tour starts with military precision—and more laughs than you might expect. The Beefeaters fulfill this opening ceremony tradition that dates back to the 15th century! It's a serious affair only because the fortress is actually considered an active palace that the reining monarch could live in, if needed.
Follow your tour leader for a great view of this unique event. You'll hear the guards perform as if it's a dramatic, royal proclamation. But the Beefeaters also know how to entertain you as you watch them prepare the fortress for visitors, so expect some interactions with you and your group.
Early Access to the Crown Jewels
With your early access, you have the option to head straight to the Jewel House and avoid what later becomes an hour-long line to get in. Enjoy your quieter viewing of the most valuable items in British history. On the way there from the gate, your tour leader will share fascinating details about the 140 valuables bedazzled by priceless stones and coronation regalia of the English monarchy.
Some older items were destroyed during the English Civil War when the monarchy was temporarily abolished, but the collection was rebuilt in 1660 and remains an incredible display of royal riches. Watch for the oldest piece in the collection!
The Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and More
Established in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, this imposing fortress on the River Thames has played prison, palace, armory, and execution house through its long history. The iconic resident ravens will be watching from the walls as you explore the Tower of London at your own pace.
You'll see where prisoners were brought in from the river at Traitor’s Gate, the royal chapel, the Bloody Tower, and Tower Green where two of Henry VIII’s wives were executed.
The White Tower
The castle keep at the center of the Tower of London grounds was established by William the Conqueror as a symbol of Britain’s new power. It holds nearly 1,000 years of history within its thick stone walls that you can explore. Tours are not allowed in this building, but they'll be happy to share what you should watch for if you want to explore it on your own after your tour ends.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
46 total reviews
Leave a reviewKelly Graham
Great Experience
catlin choate
Really enjoyed this experience. Ben was a fantastic and knowledgable guide and the tidbits he shared were fascinating. I also enjoyed that once inside the Crown Jewels area you could walk around at your leisure and didn't feel rushed. Overall a great experience.
Excellent tour
Bryan Kunitsky
Ben was a wealth of knowledge and we truly enjoyed the tour. I would highly recommend for anyone interested in seeing the Crown Jewels and beating the overwhelming crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes to suit the weather forecast.
What to bring?
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes to suit the weather forecast.
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.
Will the tour leader be with me the whole time?
The Tower of London does not allow guides to enter the Jewel House or the White Tower. Your tour leader will share tons of fascinating information about these sites to prepare you to visit on your own.
Do we enter the tower before the crowds?
Mostly, yes. There are limited tickets for the opening ceremony so the general public won't be inside yet.
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