Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Witness a centuries-old opening ceremony before getting first access of the day to the crown jewels
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.
What You Get With This Tour
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Unlock the fortress to be first to the crown
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Tower of London opening ceremony access
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Early entry to the Crown Jewels
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Tour of the Tower of London external grounds
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See Traitor's Gate, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and more
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English-speaking tour leader
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Guided tour of Tower of London
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Expert guide
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your tour leader at the Tower of London
Your tour begins outside the main entrance of this legendary fortress along the River Thames. Look for your tour leader near the West Gate for a brief introduction before the tour begins. -
2
Walk the historic external grounds
Follow your tour leader on a guided orientation of the Tower of London from the outside. You’ll stand before the exterior of Traitor's Gate and hear stories about the medieval legends and the ravens that famously protect the monarchy within these walls. This walk provides essential historical context before the opening ceremony. -
3
Witness the Beefeater opening ceremony
Stand front and center for a ritual that has taken place for hundreds of years. You’ll watch the Yeoman Warders officially unlock the fortress gates with military precision and dry wit. It is a rare chance to see an active royal tradition up close. -
4
Enter the Jewel House first
Then follow your tour leader through The Tower of London straight to the Jewel House to see the crown jewels before the massive queues form. You will receive a specialized map and a link to an audio guide from your tour leader to help you navigate the remainder of your time in the Tower of London. -
5
Your tour finishes inside the Tower of London
Your tour leader departs as the group enters the Jewel House, allowing you to admire the gems at your own pace. With your all-day ticket, you are free to explore the White Tower armories or the chapel for the rest of your time in the Tower of London.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Please Note: After the walking tour of the Tower of London external grounds, guests will enter the monument from a side door, without waiting in line with the general public. Guests will be led directly to the Jewel house for the first access of the day. Guests will be given a map and information once the tour leader departs, as all time inside the Tower of London will be self-guided.
Tickets: Tower of London tickets are valid for the whole day, so guests may stay in the Tower of London as long as they like and explore at their leisure.
Accessibility: Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and old stone stairways.
Tour Changes: Itineraries are subject to change depending on ceremony timings or Tower of London operations.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Tower of London opening ceremony with the Beefeaters
Early access to the Crown Jewels
Guided tour of the Tower of London’s external grounds
Self-guided exploration of the Tower of London
Map & Audio guide link
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Smart phone & headphones (for audio guide)
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Customer Reviews
Let me first start off by stating our tour guide, Lee, was absolutely brilliant. We had a great time with him for the hour we had him, but it was only an hour. Once you get into the Tower of London, you are on your own. You either rent an audio guide or wander on your own. I mistakenly thought this tour was led by a Beefeater or Tour Guide the entire time. You certainly meet many Beefeaters inside the walls but are not your tour guide. This is worth the $ to get in early with Lee. You get to be the first in the gates, first to see the opening ceremony, and the Lee gets you in first to see the Crown Jewels. That itself was worth it as it was packed an hour later. Wish Lee was our full time tour guide as he was such a delight.
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.
