Early Access Tower Of London, Crown Jewels & Thames River Cruise

Guest Rating: 5

About Activity

Skip the line and start your morning inside the Tower of London, a former royal residence, and experience history brought to life. You’ll admire the precious Crown Jewels and then enjoy an hour to explore at your own pace. Next, soak in views of Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, The Shard, and more on a relaxing river cruise down the River Thames. You'll disembark in Westminster, where you'll set off on a walking tour. Learn why each stop earned its spot in England's royal and political history as you pass Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and end with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park. This walking tour covers London's main sites in under 5 hours. Unlock even more Tower of London secrets with this 3-hour experience by selecting the Opening Ceremony option when booking. Witness the historic Opening Ceremony, then enjoy an in-depth guided tour of the Tower of London led by a certified Blue Badge Guide, followed by a relaxing River Thames cruise.

What's Included

Includes

Entrance to the Tower of London with first access to the Crown Jewels
Royal history walking tour of Westminster (Tower of London & Royal Walk option only)
Guided tour of Tower of London (Opening Ceremony option only)
Cruise on the River Thames
Tower of London Opening Ceremony (Opening ceremony option only)

Excludes

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities
Entrance to other monuments

Departure & Return

Departure Point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and in front of the Tower of London giftshop.

Return

Ending point for the Opening Ceremony & Tower tour option

Itinerary

Stop At: Jewel House

Admission Ticket: Tickets are included

Duration: 45 minutes

Meet your local tour leader and head into the tower. You'll head straight to the Jewel House, which means you’ll be able to grab a prime spot to view the Crown Jewels. If you want to start your Tower of London tour with a behind-the-scenes look of day-to-day life at the Tower, select the Opening Ceremony option when booking. The Opening Ceremony is a notable military ritual that officially opens the famous historical edifice. After the Opening Ceremony, your tour will continue to the Jewel House.

Stop At: Tower Of London

Admission Ticket: Tickets are included

Duration: 1 hour

You'll have free time to explore the entire complex at your own pace. Your tour leader will share suggestions based on your interests. By the end of your visit, you'll be equipped with the complete story of the Tower and its importance as a symbol of royal, state and historic power.

Stop At: Bloody Tower

See the sites where famous prisoners were executed, and choose to venture into the Bloody Tower to hear the story of the two princes, which has become a legend in its own right. Various sources say their ghosts are among the specters that have been sighted at the Tower at night. From there, step into the Torture Tower and learn about this horrid practice in British history. Though it has never been officially been permitted in English law, torture was used to extract confessions from prisoners brought to the Tower of London.

Stop At: White Tower

White Tower is the heart of the Tower of London, and you’ll have the chance to explore the armory. See armor used by Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II on display.

Stop At: Thames River

Admission Ticket: Tickets are included

Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes

Reunite with your tour leader and board a sightseeing cruise down the River Thames, you'll see Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Shard—the tallest building in the UK—Shakespeare's Globe Theater and more.

Stop At: London Eye

An observation wheel and fixture on the London skyline popularized in movies and TV shows. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)

Stop At: Tower Bridge

A 19th century drawbridge still in use today and one of London's most recognizable landmarks. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)

Stop At: St. Paul's Cathedral

A symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt after the Great Fire and survived WWII bombings. The cathedral also hosted the state funeral for Sir Winston Churchill. (included in the Tower of London & Royal Walk option)

Stop At: Westminster Abbey