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

At a glance

Early Access Tower of London, Crown Jewels & Thames River Cruise is a 4h 45m small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by Walks - UK. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 300 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $106.32 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Guided walk past Buckingham Palace, Big Ben & Westminster Abbey, Cruise on the River Thames with views of Tower Bridge, St Pauls Catherdral & Shakespeare's Globe, Entrance to Tower of London with first access to Crown Jewels.

Quick facts

Duration

4h 45m

Group

Small group, up to 20 travellers

Languages

English

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 45m

   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.

2. Stop 2 · 1h

   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.

3. Stop 3

   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.

4. Stop 4

   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.

5. Stop 5 · 1h 5m

   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.

6. Stop 6

   An observation wheel and fixture on the London skyline popularized in movies and TV shows.

7. Stop 7

   A 19th century drawbridge still in use today and one of London's most recognizable landmarks.

8. Stop 8

   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.

9. Stop 9 · 20m

   The river cruise ends in Westminster, where your tour leader will take you on a walking tour of England's royal history. Pause outside Westminster Abbey, where Coronations and royal weddings have been held for centuries.

10. Stop 10 · 10m

    Gaze up at the clock tower standing next to the Houses of Parliament and an iconic symbol of the capital city.

11. Stop 11 · 20m

    The center of political life in the UK for centuries, with the current building dating back to the 1860s and 1870s.

12. Stop 12 · 20m

    Continue past Buckingham Palace to see the official residence of King Charles III and many other British monarchs before him.

13. Stop 13 · 20m

    Finally, finish with a peaceful stroll through St. James' Park, the oldest Royal Park in London.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
• This tour is in English.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests. Depending on the option you select, your itinerary may vary slightly.
• Note: the Opening Ceremony option does not include a royal history walking tour of Westminster.
• Note: If the Opening Ceremony option is selected the tour will end at the Tower of London.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions