Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
At a glance
Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise is a 1h 30m small-group experience in London, United Kingdom, operated by The Tour Guy. Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 497 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $101.95 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Thames River cruise voucher valid for a one-way, 30-minute journey (if selected), Expert, English-speaking guide, Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets.
Highlights
- Rated 4.5/5 by 497 travellers
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- 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
The Tower of London has guarded the Thames for almost 1,000 years, and its stones still hold the darkest stories in British history. With timed-entry tickets in hand, you step past the long ticket queues and head inside with a storytelling guide who unpacks royal scandals, executions, and the unsolved mystery of the missing princes. Stand at Traitor's Gate, walk Tower Green, and pause at the Bloody Tower before heading on your own to see the dazzling Crown Jewels and the medieval White Tower.
Cap it all off with a flexible 30-minute Thames River cruise ticket you can use whenever fits your London plans.
Pick the version of the day that fits you best: stick with a focused Tower of London visit without the cruise, add a flexible Thames cruise to the main combo tour, or upgrade to an extended half-day that pairs the Tower with a guided river cruise and Westminster Abbey entry.
What's included
What's included
- Thames River cruise voucher valid for a one-way, 30-minute journey (if selected)
- Expert, English-speaking guide
- Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets
- Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower
- Guided storytelling tour of the Tower of London
Not included
- Guide tips
- Guided tour of the Crown Jewels
- Guide for the Thames River cruise
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 5m
Meet your guide outside the Tower of London Gift Shop, near the main entrance area for Tower visitors. Look for your guide and check in with your group, then get a quick orientation on how the tour will unfold before heading inside with timed-entry tickets in hand.
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Stop 2 · 45m
Walk through ancient gateways and into nearly 1,000 years of royal drama, military might, and political intrigue. Pause at Traitor's Gate for the chilling story of those who passed through and never returned, including Anne Boleyn, then continue to the Bloody Tower for the unsolved mystery of the missing princes and the imprisonment of Sir Walter Raleigh. Stand on Tower Green, where some of England's most famous figures met their tragic ends, before your guide leads you toward the Jewel House.
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Stop 3 · 30m
Your guide hands you off at the entrance to the Jewel House and shares fascinating stories about what awaits inside before saying goodbye. Step inside independently to see coronation crowns, royal scepters, and the dazzling Cullinan diamonds up close, all still used in British royal ceremony today.
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Stop 4 · 5m
Climb the medieval keep that William the Conqueror built in 1078 to display royal armor, swords, and the chapel of St. John. Explore on your own and take in centuries-old medieval weaponry at your own pace before heading toward the Thames.
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Stop 5 · 5m
Walk a short distance from the Tower of London to Tower Pier and board your boat for a relaxing 30-minute cruise along the Thames. Glide past Tower Bridge, the Shard, Shakespeare's Globe, and London's iconic skyline before disembarking at one of the central piers to continue your London day from there. Your flexible ticket is typically valid for one month, so you can use it the same day or save it for later (the Thames River cruise is only included if the cruise option is selected)
Meeting point
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Meet one of our representatives in front of the Tower of London Shop, Tower of London side. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it!
Good to know
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- For minors, please select the correct age category when booking. Children under 4 don’t need a ticket to enter the Tower of London, so the cost is lower, but entry tickets are required for the youth (5+) category. Incorrect selections will result in denied entry from the premises.
- This tour involves walking, stairs, and uneven terrain at the Tower of London. It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
- Your boat ticket is valid for a single journey only. You can board at any City Cruises departure point, but onward or return travel is not included and may require public transportation. We recommend checking the City Cruises website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $101.95 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Thames River cruise voucher valid for a one-way, 30-minute journey (if selected); Expert, English-speaking guide; Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets; Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower; Guided storytelling tour of the Tower of London.
Where does it start?
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Meet one of our representatives in front of the Tower of London Shop, Tower of London side. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it!
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 497 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in London.