Early Access: Tower of London Opening Ceremony and Royal London

Exploring London becomes a truly special experience with the Early Access: Tower of London Opening Ceremony and Royal London tour. Priced at $124.22 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and scenic views. It includes VIP early access to the Tower of London, allowing guests to beat the crowds and witness the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater. The tour also features a guided walking tour of Westminster, covering landmarks like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and more, complemented by a relaxing Thames river cruise.

This tour is ideal for those who want an efficient, in-depth introduction to London’s most famous sites. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a personal experience, and the tour is highly rated, with 74 reviews and a perfect 5.0/5 score. However, it’s important to wear comfortable walking shoes due to a fair amount of walking over uneven surfaces, hills, and stairs. Food and drink are not included, so planning ahead for meals is recommended.

Key Points

• Early access to the Tower of London allows for exclusive, crowd-free viewing of the Crown Jewels and historic artifacts.
• Attend the Tower of London opening ceremony with a private introduction from a Chief Beefeater.
• Includes a guided walking tour of Westminster, featuring sights like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and St. James’s Palace.
• A Thames River cruise offers scenic views of London’s key landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• The tour meets at the Tower of London and ends at Buckingham Palace, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.
• Highly rated for guides and overall experience, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary.

Starting at the Iconic Tower of London with VIP Early Access

The tour begins at the Official Ticket Office near Tower Hill, London. Guests gain VIP early access to the Tower of London, providing a rare opportunity to explore this historic fortress before the crowds arrive. The highlight here is witnessing the opening ceremony, led by a Chief Beefeater, which adds a memorable touch to the visit. The early entry means you get to see the Crown Jewels and other treasures with minimal crowds, which many reviews commend as a significant advantage.

Inside, visitors can explore Traitors Gate, the White Tower, and see the armour of Henry VIII. The White Tower is the oldest part of the complex, and visitors are encouraged to walk at their own pace after the guided introduction. Most reviews highlight that the early start makes the experience more relaxed and enjoyable, especially for viewing the Crown Jewels and historic artifacts.

The Unmissable Tower of London Opening Ceremony Experience

A key feature of this tour is the official opening ceremony at the Tower of London. This ceremony is a rare event that sets this tour apart, offering guests a chance to witness a traditional welcoming led by a Beefeater. The ceremony is described as “magical” in reviews, with a “clever” and “fun” performance. It’s a lively introduction that adds a palpable sense of history and pageantry to the experience.

After the ceremony, guests are invited to explore the Crown Jewels exhibit with priority access, avoiding the usual crowds. Many guests emphasize how this early access allows for a more intimate view of the jewels, which are often crowded during regular hours. The tour’s focus on this ceremony and early entry makes it a standout, especially for history buffs and those wanting a more exclusive experience.

Highlights of the Westminster Guided Walking Tour

Following the Tower of London visit, the tour guides guests through Westminster’s most famous landmarks. The walk includes stops at Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey—a site where many historic and royal events take place. The guide provides insights into each location’s significance, with many reviews noting knowledgeable and engaging narration.

Guests also get a quick view of Horse Guards Parade, where the mounted cavalry stands ready, and the exterior of St. James’s Palace, which is the oldest royal residence still in use. These sights are ideal for photos and learning about royal history, and are conveniently included in the walking segment.

The guided tour offers a perfect balance between structured commentary and free time for personal exploration, with many reviewers praising the friendly and humorous guides who make history come alive.

Thames River Cruise: Scenic Views of London’s Landmarks

To unwind after the walking tour, guests board a 30-minute Thames River cruise. The boat passes under Tower Bridge, offers views of Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Bridge. The cruise provides a relaxing perspective of the city, with the guide sharing stories about the sights along the way.

Many reviews highlight how the cruise enhances the overall experience by offering a different angle of London’s iconic skyline. The cruise is a favorite for its scenic views and relaxed pace, making it a great way to wind down while soaking in London’s beauty.

Exploring Buckingham Palace and Surrounding Sites

The tour concludes near Buckingham Palace, the London residence of King Charles III. Although entrance to the palace is not included, the exterior view and stories about its 775 rooms are well worth hearing. Guests can take additional time to photograph the palace, stroll through nearby St. James’s Park, or explore other attractions in the vicinity.

The tour’s endpoint at the palace allows flexibility for guests to continue their exploration or head for lunch. Many reviewers appreciate the well-planned finish, which makes it easy to access other parts of central London.

Practical Details and Group Size

This tour operates with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. The meeting point is at the Official Ticket Office near Tower Hill, with the tour ending at Buckingham Palace. It is suitable for individuals with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking over uneven surfaces, stairs, and hills. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Since the tour does not include food or drink, visitors should plan for meals before or after the scheduled activities. The mobile ticket system simplifies check-in, and confirmation is provided immediately upon booking. The tour departs around 4 hours after the start, including travel time between sites.

The Value of an Early Morning Experience in London

Many reviews concur that the early start significantly enhances the experience. Arriving before the crowds, especially at the Tower of London, ensures better views of the Crown Jewels and historic artifacts. The guides consistently receive praise for their knowledge and entertaining style, making the tour both informative and fun.

While some reviews note that a few guides could be more engaging, most guests find the overall experience well worth the cost. The tour combines priority access, scenic views, and expert narration, making it a practical choice for visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to London’s highlights.

Final Thoughts on the Early Access Tower of London Tour

This tour offers a well-organized, memorable glimpse of London with a focus on exclusive access and famous landmarks. The VIP early access to the Tower of London, combined with the opening ceremony, is a standout feature that appeals to history enthusiasts and those seeking a less crowded experience. The guided walking tour of Westminster and the Thames cruise further enrich the day, providing both educational insights and scenic relaxation.

The group size limit and professional guides contribute to a personalized and informative environment. The overall 5-star reviews reflect high satisfaction, especially for guides like Jo, Amber, and Babs, who are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach.

This tour is especially suited for those who appreciate history, iconic sights, and scenic views within a manageable time frame. It’s an excellent choice for first-time visitors or anyone looking to maximize their London experience with priority access and a mix of experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the data doesn’t specify age restrictions, the tour involves walking over uneven surfaces and some stairs, so children should be prepared for a moderate physical effort.

Does the tour include transportation between sites?
No, guests walk between the Westminster landmarks and take a Thames river cruise, but there is no mention of additional transportation.

Can I skip certain stops?
The tour is designed as a guided experience with a set itinerary, but guests can spend more or less time at each stop during free exploration segments.

Is the entrance to Buckingham Palace included?
No, the tour does not include entrance to Buckingham Palace; it only offers views from the outside.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to walking over cobblestones, hills, and stairs.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drink are not included in the tour price.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made around 72 days in advance, indicating high demand for this experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the tour accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed.

What is the group size limit?
The maximum group size is 20 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with ample guidance.

Can I join this tour if I have mobility issues?
Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level; the tour involves walking over uneven surfaces and stairs, so mobility considerations are advised.

Who is the provider of this tour?
The experience is provided by Urban Saunters.