Tower of London: Early Access with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters

A Close-Up Look at the Tower of London: Early Access with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters

If you’re headed to London and want a front-row seat to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, this early access tour at the Tower of London might just be your best bet. For around $112 per person, you get about 75 minutes of guided exploration, including the chance to witness the centuries-old Opening Ceremony, meet the famous Beefeaters, and—best of all—be among the first to see the Crown Jewels without fighting the crowds.

What we love about this experience is the personal touch of a small group of no more than 20 people, which makes the tour lively and engaging. Plus, the expert guide adds a lot of value with stories, humor, and insider tips. On the flip side, you’ll want to plan for a quick pace and be comfortable walking, as it’s a fairly brisk tour with limited time at each stop. This experience works best for travelers who crave an authentic, intimate glimpse of London’s crown jewel, with enough time to explore some of the Tower’s other highlights on your own.

Key Points

Early Access: Beat the crowds for the Crown Jewels and the Opening Ceremony.
Expert Guides: Insightful commentary that mixes history, humor, and local tips.
Small Group: Up to 20 people for a more personalized experience.
Historic Highlights: Traitors Gate, Bloody Tower, Green Tower, and more.
Timing: About 75 minutes—perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit.
Value: Combines key sights with storytelling at a fair price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Tower of London Early Access Tour

Planning more time in London? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

Starting Off: The Meeting and First Impressions

The tour begins at the Tower of London Shop, where you’ll arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and meet your guide, who will usually carry a sign saying “The Tour Guy.” From here, the journey kicks off with a scenic walk around the exterior of the Tower, giving you your first glimpses of the White Tower and Traitors Gate.

This initial outdoor segment isn’t just a formality—it sets the tone for your visit. We loved the way our guide pointed out iconic landmarks from outside, sharing anecdotes about the Tower’s defenses, famous prisoners, and betrayals that took place here. This outdoor preview helps you understand the layout before heading inside, making subsequent visits feel more meaningful.

Witnessing the Historic Opening Ceremony

A highlight of this tour is witnessing the century-old Opening Ceremony, an age-old tradition that marks the start of the Tower’s day. Led by the Beefeaters, the ceremony is a lively mix of military precision and witty commentary—an experience that’s both theatrical and educational. The gates swing open behind you, and you feel a tangible sense of history alive in the moment.

Guests consistently praise this part, with reviews highlighting the witty Beefeaters and the authentic atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “the Beefeaters’ witty commentary made the ceremony lively, and it was fascinating to see such a tradition still alive today.” It’s a captivating way to see the Tower’s daily rhythm and get a sense of the longstanding pageantry.

Getting Early Access to the Crown Jewels

Post-ceremony, you’ll be among the first into the Jewel House, enabling you to see London’s crown jewels with minimal crowding. This is a big plus since the queue for the Crown Jewels can be quite long later in the day. Many travelers have expressed how much they appreciated this early access: “Within an hour of us leaving, the queue was over an hour long,” noted one reviewer, highlighting the value of beating the crowd.

You’ll get a close-up view of diamonds, crowns, and scepters, often with plenty of room to take photos. The white-gloved staff are available to answer questions, making the experience more interactive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Historic Grounds on Your Own

After the guided portion, your guide will point out must-see spots like the Green Tower, where two of Henry VIII’s wives met their demise, and Traitors Gate, infamous for imprisoning traitors. You then have free time to explore these sites at your own pace.

Many reviews mention how the smaller group size allows for more personalized attention and better photo opportunities. You might find yourself wandering into areas like the Bloody Tower, which offers a chilling reminder of the Tower’s brutal past. The guide’s insider tips often include how to best approach these sites for a comprehensive visit.

While you're exploring London, here are other experiences we've looked into

What About the Tour Itinerary?

The carefully planned itinerary balances guided commentary with free exploration:

Start at the Tower of London shop, then walk around Tower Hill with scenic views.
Photo stop at Tower Bridge—a classic shot of London’s skyline.
Pass by the Middle Tower and the White Tower—the oldest part of the fortress.
Spend about 10 minutes at the Tower for a guided overview, with an additional 15-minute visit to the Jewel House.
End back at the Tower, with options to explore further or enjoy nearby attractions.

This structure ensures you get the essence of the Tower’s history while allowing flexibility for personal exploration.

Guides and Guest Experiences

The tours are led by friendly, knowledgeable guides who bring a mix of humor and detail to the stories. Many reviewers, including those quoting “Lee” and “Ben,” praise guides for their enthusiasm and expertise, often describing them as “superb” or “the best.”

Multiple guests mention that guides provide interesting anecdotes that go beyond the usual facts, making history come alive. Others highlight how guides managed to keep the group engaged despite some delays or crowd challenges, emphasizing the importance of a skilled, personable guide.

The Value of Small-Group Tours

A key part of the appeal is the small group size. With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, which helps with questions and photo opportunities. Several reviews echo this, saying it’s a “great experience” because you don’t get lost in a sea of travelers.

This setup is especially valuable at a site as busy as the Tower of London, where large groups tend to get separated or miss details.

Practical Details: Price, Duration, and Logistics

At $111.79 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the early access, expert guide, and personal experience. It’s a 75-minute tour, making it manageable for most travelers, though it’s quite brisk—you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.

The tour does not include hotel transfers or food, so consider planning ahead if you want to grab breakfast or lunch nearby. The meeting point is conveniently located in front of the Tower shop, with clear instructions to arrive early.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Tower of London’s highlights without the crowds, especially early in the day. It’s perfect for history buffs, photo lovers, or those who appreciate a personalized, engaging guide. If you’re short on time but want to see the Crown Jewels with minimal wait, this is a particularly good option.

However, if you’re looking for a very comprehensive, hours-long exploration, or if mobility is an issue, this tour might feel a bit rushed. Also, it’s not suited for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, as it involves walking and standing.

Final Thoughts

This early access tour at the Tower of London offers a rare, intimate window into one of London’s most fascinating sites. The mix of guided storytelling, historic ceremonies, and free exploration makes for a memorable experience at a fair price. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the Tower’s role in Royal history, plus some great photos and stories.

It’s especially good for those who love to beat the crowds, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and want a taste of authentic London history. If you’re eager to see the Crown Jewels early and enjoy a lively, small-group environment, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally family-friendly, the brisk pace and walking involved might be tiring for very young children. It’s best suited for older kids who can handle the walking and are interested in history.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this tour is popular and fills up quickly. Booking in advance guarantees your spot and helps you plan your day better.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Does the tour include transportation to the Tower?
No, the tour starts directly at the Tower of London shop. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
No, this tour does not accommodate wheelchairs or participants with limited mobility, as it involves walking and some uneven surfaces.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with weather-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget your voucher—either printed or on your mobile device.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this early access tour of the Tower of London offers a meaningful way to experience the fortress’s secrets without the crowds. With expert guides, a small group, and a blend of tradition and storytelling, it’s a compelling choice for anyone wanting a deeper, less hectic look at this historic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: