Early Access:Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Royal London

London is a city packed with stories, history, and sights that evoke awe and fascination. If you’re after a way to experience its most iconic royal landmarks with a touch of exclusivity, this tour promises just that — early access to the Tower of London, a scenic Thames boat ride, and a guided walk through Westminster’s majestic streets.

What makes this experience stand out? First, being among the few to step inside the Tower before the crowds arrive offers an intimate view of the Crown Jewels and White Tower. Second, the boat ride along the Thames provides sensational views of landmarks like St. Paul’s and the South Bank. Third, the knowledgeable guides bring stories to life, making the entire journey both educational and entertaining.

Of course, a potential consideration is the schedule — the tour lasts around four hours, so it requires some walking and standing. Also, it’s not suitable for travelers with mobility issues or large luggage. This tour generally suits history buffs, Royal Family admirers, and those who want a well-organized, insightful day in London. If you’re looking for a blend of exclusive access, scenic transport, and expert storytelling, this experience is worth considering.

Good To Know

• Early Access: Skip the crowds with VIP tickets to view the Crown Jewels before the general public.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Nathan and Rosie deliver engaging, story-filled commentary.
• Scenic Transport: The Thames cruise offers excellent views of London’s skyline and landmarks.
• Comprehensive Tour: Combines inside visits, a boat ride, and a walking tour of Westminster.
• Good Value: For around $148, you gain exclusive access, guided insights, and a scenic experience.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or large luggage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting Point: The Tower of London

Your adventure begins at the Official Ticket Office of the Tower of London, where the guide—often holding an orange sign—welcomes you. The meeting point is conveniently near Tower Hill Tube station, making it accessible for most travelers.

VIP Early Access & the Opening Ceremony

The first highlight? The Beefeater-led Opening Ceremony, which you attend before the doors open to the general public. This private moment is more than just ceremonial; it’s a chance to witness the Tower’s history from a privileged perch. During this time, you’ll get to explore the Crown Jewels with minimal crowds, allowing for fantastic photos and a more relaxed viewing of these priceless treasures.

One reviewer, Kim, highlights the value here: “Nathan was very informative about royal history and very pleasurable experience. The beefeater was funny and told great stories and to be able to go early to see the Crown Jewels before the general public was amazing.” This early access ensures you avoid the usual crush, making your experience more intimate and leisurely.

Inside the Tower of London

Once inside, you’ll have approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore at your own pace, guided by your expert guide. The tour includes highlights like the White Tower, the historic core of the fortress, and the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels are displayed.

Reviewers like Leslie appreciated the storytelling: “Rosie was excellent! She’s a great storyteller,” adding that her insights made the royal sites come alive. The Tower’s impressive architecture, storied past, and the chance to see the Crown Jewels up close make this part of the tour a must.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Thames River Boat Ride

After the Tower, you’ll hop on a scenic 30-minute cruise down the Thames. This boat ride offers a different perspective of London’s skyline, passing landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the bustling South Bank. Several travelers, including one who called it “another memorable jaunt,” find that the boat ride adds a relaxing element to the day and excellent photo opportunities.

Walking Tour of Westminster

Disembarking at Westminster, the guide takes you on a 75-minute walking tour through London’s most iconic sites. Expect to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

The stories and anecdotes shared here, as one commenter noted, “made the water-taxi ride from the Tower Bridge to Westminster another memorable jaunt.” You’ll also have time to snap photos with the mounted cavalry and soak in the regal atmosphere of central London.

Ending Point: Buckingham Palace

The tour concludes near Buckingham Palace, a fitting final stop. From here, you can continue exploring independently or head back, with plenty of options to extend your day.

The Value of This Tour for Travelers

In terms of value, this experience is well worth the price of around $148. You get VIP early access—a rare opportunity to see the Crown Jewels minus the usual crowds—which many reviews say is the biggest perk. The boat ride and guided walks are included, providing a seamless, one-price way to cover diverse sights without extra hassle.

The guides, often praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling, turn what could be a standard sightseeing day into a lively, engaging experience. Rosie, for example, was lauded for her storytelling skills and her ability to adapt the tour when some Westminster sites were closed during special occasions like the coronation week.

Practical Considerations

• The tour lasts about 4 hours, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• It begins at the Tower of London and ends near Buckingham Palace, making it convenient for travelers staying in central London.
• It is suitable for most people, but not recommended for those with mobility impairments or carrying large luggage.
• Weather is a factor, as the tour takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately.

How the Tour Comes to Life

One of the most appreciated aspects is the guides’ storytelling. Nathan, the guide early on, received praise for sharing fun and informative stories, making even the inside of the Tower engaging. Rosie’s storytelling skills and her adaptability to changing circumstances (like site closures) kept the experience fresh and interesting.

The inside access to the Tower and Crown Jewels is a highlight, especially for those eager to see the monarchy’s symbols of power without jostling crowds. The boat cruise adds a relaxing, scenic component that breaks up the walking, giving a break and scenic views.

Authentic Experiences & Hidden Gems

Beyond the obvious landmarks, the tour offers insights into lesser-known aspects, like the history of London’s royal residences and anecdotes about the Beefeaters’ traditions. The stories shared by guides add depth that you can’t get from a guidebook, making this tour more than just a sightseeing checklist.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive glimpse into London’s royal history, with the added bonus of avoiding crowds at the Tower of London. It’s perfect for those who appreciate guided storytelling paired with scenic views along the Thames.

History enthusiasts will love the inside look at the Crown Jewels and White Tower, while scenic lovers will revel in the boat ride and walk through Westminster. If you’re after a well-organized, informative, and fun way to see London’s royal sites in just a few hours, this tour ticks all the boxes.

However, if you have mobility issues or carry large luggage, it might be worth considering other options. The tour’s pace and walking distances are manageable for most but could be challenging for some.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the walking and standing may be tiring for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids who can engage with the storytelling and walk comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must since there’s a fair amount of walking. Weather-appropriate clothing is advisable, as the tour takes place rain or shine.

Can I bring large luggage?
No, large bags or luggage are not allowed on the tour, as security passes through the Tower and other sites.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers VIP early access to the Tower of London, the opening ceremony, a Thames boat ride, and a guided walk through Westminster with a knowledgeable guide.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at the Tower of London and ending near Buckingham Palace.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to meet at the Tower of London Ticket Office and end near Buckingham Palace.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic way to enjoy London’s royals with the bonus of less crowding and scenic transport. It’s best suited for history lovers, photo enthusiasts, and those wanting a well-rounded, engaging day with expert guides. With excellent reviews praising the guides’ storytelling and the exclusive access, it’s a memorable way to see London’s most iconic sites in style.

You can check if your dates are available here: