London: VIP Tower Opening Ceremony, Crown Jewels & Cruise

Visiting the Tower of London is a must for anyone wanting a taste of England’s royal past, but this tour takes it a step further by giving you early access, expert guidance, and a scenic cruise. We’ve taken a close look at this experience to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your London adventure.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the early access to the Crown Jewels means no crowds jostling for a glimpse — a real bonus if you love getting an up-close look. Second, the expert guided tour makes sure you don’t miss the key stories behind the castle’s notorious history. Third, the river cruise adds a relaxing element to finish your day with views of London’s skyline. All this for an experience that combines history, exclusivity, and scenic charm.

However, a word of caution: this is a walking tour that involves some fast-paced sections and limited accessibility, so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable on their feet. Overall, if you’re a history lover, a fan of unique experiences, or someone wanting to beat the crowds, this tour could be your perfect morning.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers eager for a comprehensive, VIP experience of the Tower of London, especially those who appreciate guided insights and early access. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, photo lovers wanting the best shots without crowds, and anyone with a few hours to spare in the morning.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Early Crown Jewels Access: Beat the crowds and get a quiet, close-up view of the priceless collection.
• Expert Guided Tour: Knowledgeable guides like Charlotte, Gina, and Dominic bring history alive.
• VIP Opening Ceremony: Witness the ceremonial unlocking, a military tradition with a theatrical flair.
• Flexible River Cruise: Enjoy a one-way cruise that you can use any day, adding scenic value to your trip.
• In-Depth Exploration: Including sites like the Tower Green, Bloody Tower, and the White Tower.
• Small Group Feel: Personalized experience with attentive guides, often praised for their friendliness and insights.

Booking and Meeting Point

Your adventure begins at 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT, where you check in 15 minutes early. Meeting your guide holding a green Walks sign ensures stress-free start. The check-in spot is conveniently located opposite a Starbucks and in front of the Tower gift shop, making it easy to find even in the bustling surroundings.

The tour is operated by Walks – UK, known for their well-organized and engaging experiences. You can reserve your spot with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, adding peace of mind to your plans.

Why Choose the VIP Experience?

This tour’s main draw is the early access to the Tower, particularly the Jewel House. Instead of fighting the crowds later in the day, you’ll walk into the Crown Jewels exhibit in the quiet of the morning, providing a more intimate view. One reviewer described it as “beating all the crowds,” which enhances the overall experience, especially for photography or appreciating the intricate crowns and regalia.

The Opening Ceremony

A highlight for many is the ceremony of the keys, a 700-year-old military ritual that signifies the Tower’s security. The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, perform this tradition with a formal, almost theatrical style. Watching this in the early hours feels quite special, offering a window into centuries-old customs.

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Guided Tour Highlights

Once inside, your guide — whether Gina, Charlotte, or Dominic — will lead you on a comprehensive tour that touches on the Tower’s darker past and its royal connections. This includes sites like:

• Tower Green: The site of many notable executions, including Anne Boleyn’s.
• Bloody Tower: Known for imprisonment and mysterious events, also where Sir Walter Raleigh was held.
• Torture Chambers: Offering a stark reminder of medieval justice.
• Refurbished Bedroom of Edward I: Giving a glimpse into royal life centuries ago.
• The Tower Walls and Ravens: With some guides noting the “conspiracy of the Tower’s ravens,” believed to protect the crown.

The guide’s detailed narration brings history alive, often peppered with anecdotes and insights only a seasoned storyteller can provide. As one reviewer put it, “Our guide Charlotte was an excellent presenter,” making the stories engaging and memorable.

The White Tower

The tour culminates inside the White Tower, the central stronghold that houses armor, weapons, and historic exhibits. You’ll be left here to explore on your own, with suggestions to visit the Beauchamp Tower, the Fusilier Museum, and the Bestiary.

Guests have appreciated the freedom to explore after the guided portion. One reviewer mentioned that “there was plenty of time to wander and take photos,” which adds value to the overall experience.

Additional Areas and Personal Exploration

Beyond the guided tour, you can explore the refurbished royal chambers and other historic sites independently. This flexible approach lets you tailor your visit — perfect for photography, soaking in details, or revisiting favorite spots.

The River Cruise

At the end of your tour, you’ll receive a flexible one-way river cruise pass. This can be used on any day, from any pier, giving you a scenic and relaxing way to see London’s skyline. Reviewers have found this to be an excellent addition, especially since it’s a “no rush” experience that complements the historical exploration.

How Does the Price Match Up?

While the tour isn’t cheap, the value is evident in the combination of early access, guided insights, and the scenic cruise. Many reviewers highlighted how the small group size and knowledgeable guides made the experience worth every penny, especially since they avoided the usual crowds and long lines.

Accessibility and Practicalities

Since this is a walking tour, it’s best suited for travelers who don’t have mobility issues. Strollers and wheelchair users might find it challenging due to the uneven surfaces and walking distances involved. The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, so comfortable footwear and moderate pace are recommended.

This experience is perfect for those who want a deep, guided understanding of the Tower’s history without the hassle of long queues or crowds. It appeals to travelers seeking an authentic and VIP-like tour, with the added bonus of a scenic cruise. History buffs, early risers, and photography enthusiasts will especially appreciate the quiet, intimate moments this tour offers.

This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience at one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The combination of VIP early access, a knowledgeable guide, and the scenic river cruise creates a memorable day that’s worth the investment for those interested in British history and cultural traditions.

The guides, praised for their professionalism and enthusiasm, elevate the experience to more than just a sightseeing trip. The early access to the Crown Jewels and the ceremony of the keys are rare, special moments that make this tour stand out. While the price might seem high compared to general admission, the value of skipping lines, expert commentary, and a peaceful viewing environment makes it worthwhile.

If you want a comprehensive, culturally enriching, and VIP-style visit to the Tower of London, this tour checks all those boxes. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair bit of walking — but that’s part of the adventure.

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?
No, due to the walking involved and uneven surfaces, it’s not recommended for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I join the tour if I don’t want to do the river cruise?
The cruise pass is flexible and can be used on any day, so you can enjoy it separately if preferred. However, the tour itself is a package with the cruise included.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary; check availability when booking. Arrive 15 minutes early at 3 Tower Place to meet your guide.

Is there an option for a shorter tour?
Yes, there’s a Regular Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels that lasts around 2.5 hours and excludes the Opening Ceremony.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Since part of the tour involves outdoor walking, check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Can I take photos inside the Crown Jewels?
While the tour allows a quiet, early viewing, photography policies inside the Jewel House are usually restricted; check locally for specific rules.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for many, it involves a lot of walking and some intense historical stories. Not recommended for very young children or strollers.

How long is the guided portion of the tour?
Approximately 40 minutes inside the Tower, with additional time for exploration afterward.

What’s the most memorable part of the tour?
Many find the early access to the Crown Jewels and witnessing the ceremony of the keys the most memorable highlights.

This tour offers a compelling blend of history, exclusivity, and scenic beauty. It’s an excellent choice if you’re after a detailed, guided experience of the Tower of London with a VIP touch. The knowledgeable guides and quiet viewing times elevate what could be an overcrowded visitor spot into a personal, immersive experience.

Ideal for travelers wanting value, comfort, and insider access, this experience turns a classic London visit into something truly special. Just be ready for some walking and early mornings — but the payoff in memorable moments makes it all worthwhile.

You can check if your dates are available here: