Tower of London Early Access & Beefeater Opening Ceremony

Key Points

• VIP early access allows visitors to explore the Tower of London before crowds arrive, including the Crown Jewels.
• The Opening Ceremony with a Beefeater is a highlight, showcasing a historic royal tradition with military precision.
• Tour options include shuttle boat rides on the Thames and changing of the guard or Westminster walks for an extended experience.
• Starting at the Ticket Office outside the Tower, the tour features a live English-speaking guide and skip-the-line access.
• From 2026, guests can explore the Tower independently with a multilingual audio guide app, covering White Tower, Bloody Tower, and more.
• The overall rating of 4.6 from 138 reviews reflects high satisfaction, especially for guides and exclusive early access benefits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Unique Experience of VIP Early Entry at the Tower of London

This tour offers a chance to step inside the Tower of London before the crowds arrive, making it an ideal choice for those eager to see the Crown Jewels with minimal waiting. It starts outside the Tower at the Ticket Office, where a guide holding a “City Wonders” sign greets the group.

The experience begins with a brief, engaging introduction to the Tower’s 1,000-year history. The guide covers its roles as a royal palace, prison, armory, and site of executions, sharing stories of notable figures associated with this iconic fortress. The focus on small group sizes and priority entry means visitors can enjoy a more personal and less hurried visit.

Once inside, guests witness the Opening Ceremony performed by Beefeaters, a centuries-old tradition that involves the gates being officially unlocked with military precision. This moment, performed by the Yeoman Warders, offers a rare glimpse into royal customs that have been maintained over generations. It’s a highlight praised across reviews for its authenticity and atmosphere.

Early Access to the Crown Jewels at Jewel House

Thanks to early entry, visitors are among the first to view the Crown Jewels collection, before the usual crowds swell. This quiet viewing provides an opportunity to admire the dazzling regalia and learn about their significance without the hustle of larger crowds.

The Crown Jewels are displayed at the Jewel House, and the early access ensures a more leisurely experience, with better photo opportunities and more time to appreciate the collection’s intricate craftsmanship. Visitors often remark on how much more enjoyable it is to see this iconic collection in a less crowded setting.

From December 2025, the tour can be upgraded to include a scenic boat ride on the Thames, offering a panoramic view of London’s skyline and bridges. This additional experience enhances the day with beautiful river scenery and a relaxing transport option between sights.

Optional River Thames Boat Transfer and Westminster Walks

In the upgraded package, travelers enjoy a 30-minute boat cruise down the River Thames, guided by a knowledgeable host. The boat ride offers views of famous London bridges, the London Eye, and historical buildings along the water.

Plus, the Changing of the Guard can be experienced as part of the tour, with options to see either the Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade. The schedule varies—the Foot Guard change happens on specific days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), while the Horse Guard change occurs on Tuesday and Thursday. On Saturday, the “Guard Mounting” or “Inspection of the New Guard” takes place at the House Guards Parade.

The Westminster Highlights Walk is another upgrade option, allowing more time to explore important landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament Square. This extension is ideal for visitors wanting a broader sense of London’s political and royal history.

Exploring the Tower at Your Own Pace with Audio Guides

Starting from 2026, the tour transitions to self-guided exploration with a multilingual audio guide app. This allows visitors to wander freely through the Tower’s key sites, including the White Tower, the Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and the Fusilier Museum.

The app provides detailed narration, historical insights, and secret stories, offering a rich, personalized experience. This flexibility appeals to those who prefer to spend more time at specific locations or revisit favorites without the constraints of a guided group.

It’s important to note that guided commentary inside the Jewel House and White Tower is not permitted, but the audio guides compensate by delivering comprehensive context throughout the site.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Duration

The meeting point is directly in front of the Ticket Office at the Tower of London, where a guide with the “City Wonders” sign makes check-in straightforward. The tour lasts between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the selected options and pace.

The group size is kept small, ensuring a more personal experience and easier access to vantage points for photography. The standard duration includes the guided tour of 75 minutes, a boat cruise of 30 minutes, and possibly the Changing of the Guard or Westminster walk, which can last up to 1.5 hours.

Travellers should bring comfortable shoes as the tour involves considerable walking. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Guides Known for Knowledge and Personality

Multiple reviews emphasize guides like Michael, Natalie, Jo, Sophie, and Louise for their expertise, humor, and engaging storytelling. One reviewer mentions Michael as “incredibly knowledgeable and very funny,” while others praise guides for making history lively and accessible.

Guides are praised for their ability to guide guests to the best vantage points and maximize the sightseeing experience within the scheduled time. They also help ensure everyone stays together and on schedule, especially during the changing of the guard and boat rides.

Review Highlights and Practical Tips

The tour earns a high rating of 4.6 out of 5, with 138 reviews praising the professional guides, early access, and well-organized itinerary. Many mention the value of skip-the-line entry and the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels in peace.

Several reviewers highlight the scenic boat ride as a pleasant surprise and note the pace can be somewhat brisk, especially when fitting multiple sights into a short time frame. Walking is considerable, about 10,000 steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

The Changing of the Guard may be rescheduled or canceled by authorities, in which case a Westminster walking tour will be substituted. This flexibility ensures the tour remains engaging, even if plans shift slightly.

Final Thoughts on the Tour’s Value

This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of London’s most famous landmarks with VIP early access to the Tower of London. The combination of guided narration, exclusive early entry, and optional river and Westminster extensions makes it a compelling choice for history buffs and first-time visitors.

The small group size and expert guides foster a more personalized atmosphere, while the audio guide option from 2026 provides independent exploration at each site. The high review scores reflect consistent satisfaction, especially regarding guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge.

While not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, this tour appeals to those who enjoy active, informative sightseeing with added exclusivity and flexibility. Overall, it delivers a comprehensive, engaging, and convenient way to experience London’s historic core.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes VIP early access to the Tower of London, witnessing the Opening Ceremony, viewing the Crown Jewels before crowds, and a guided tour. Upgrades may add boat rides and Westminster walks.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the chosen options and pace. The core guided tour lasts about 75 minutes, with additional time for other activities.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is outside the Tower of London Ticket Office, where a guide will be waiting with a “City Wonders” sign.

Can I explore the Tower at my own pace?
Yes, from 2026, the tour offers full access with a multilingual audio guide app to explore the Tower independently, including major sites like the White Tower and Tower Green.

Are there any age or mobility restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. It involves considerable walking, so comfortable shoes are advised.

What should I bring?
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring any personal items needed for walking. Large bags or baby strollers are not allowed inside the Tower.

What if the Changing of the Guard is canceled?
If scheduled for that day, the Changing of the Guard may be rescheduled or replaced with a Westminster walking tour by British authorities, ensuring the experience remains engaging.

Is there an option to book and pay later?
Yes, reservations can be made with a pay later option—you can reserve your spot and pay nothing upfront.

How do I know if the tour is available on my preferred date?
Check the availability calendar and select your preferred starting time; the tour duration varies, so plan accordingly.

Can I bring large bags or luggage?
Large bags, luggage, and baby strollers are not permitted inside the Tower, so please plan accordingly.

What makes this tour stand out from other Tower visits?
The VIP early access, the historic Opening Ceremony with a Beefeater, and the option for scenic river and Westminster extensions make this tour a comprehensive, personalized experience of London’s most iconic sights.

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