London: Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
The Tower of London, founded in 1078 by William the Conqueror, stands as one of Britain’s most iconic fortresses, with a history spanning nearly a millennium. Originally a royal palace and fortress, it has served as a prison, treasury, and home to the Crown Jewels, witnessing dramatic events from royal executions to wartime defenses.
This guided tour brings the Tower’s rich past to life, offering exclusive access to a Beefeater and the priceless Crown Jewels. From the grim tales of Traitors’ Gate to the legend of the ravens, the tour uncovers the Tower’s role as a symbol of royal power and intrigue.
Highlights
- Enjoy a 15-minute meet and greet with a Beefeater, the Tower’s iconic guardians.
- Take a guided tour of the Tower of London’s key highlights, including Traitors’ Gate.
- Marvel at the British Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of 140 ceremonial pieces.
- Learn about the Tower’s grim history, including the executions of three English queens.
- Explore the White Tower and Medieval Palace at your own pace after the guided tour.
Full Description
Embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the Tower of London, starting at the Tower of London Gift Shop, where you’ll meet your local English-speaking guide. Skip the line and begin with an exclusive 15-minute meet and greet with a Beefeater, one of the Tower’s ceremonial guards, who shares insider stories and poses for photos, bringing the fortress’s history to life.
Your guide leads you through the Tower’s highlights, including the Green Tower, where three English queens were executed, and Traitors’ Gate, the infamous entry for prisoners like Anne Boleyn. Learn about the Tower’s ravens, believed to protect the kingdom, and hear tales of its royal and grim past. The tour includes a detailed introduction to the Crown Jewels before entering the Jewel House, where you’ll marvel at 140 ceremonial pieces adorned with over 23,000 precious stones.
After the guided portion, enjoy free time to explore the White Tower, home to historic armor, and the Medieval Palace at your own pace. With headsets for groups of 10 or more, this tour offers an immersive and informative journey through one of London’s most storied landmarks.
Why Choose This Experience?
The Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters offers a unique blend of history, royal splendor, and exclusive access, perfect for history buffs and first-time visitors. The Beefeater meet and greet and expert-guided tour provide insider insights into the Tower’s dramatic past, while the Crown Jewels showcase unmatched opulence.
With skip-the-line entry and a local guide, this tour ensures a seamless and engaging experience. The chance to explore independently afterward allows you to delve deeper into areas like the White Tower, making this a comprehensive and memorable way to discover one of London’s most iconic sites.
What’s Included
- 2-hour guided tour of the Tower of London.
- Exclusive 15-minute meet and greet with a Beefeater.
- Prebooked skip-the-line entry ticket to the Tower of London.
- Access to the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House.
- Local English-speaking guide.
- Headsets for groups of 10 or more.
Itinerary
- Meet at the Tower of London Gift Shop for check-in.
- Enjoy a 15-minute meet and greet with a Beefeater, including a photo opportunity.
- Take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Tower, visiting the Green Tower and Traitors’ Gate.
- Receive an introduction to the Crown Jewels before a 10-minute visit to the Jewel House.
- Explore the Inner and Outer Wards with your guide for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy free time to visit the White Tower and Medieval Palace independently.
Pricing
From $80 per person
Meeting Point
- Tower of London Gift Shop: Directly across from the Tower of London entrance, London EC3N 4AB. Look for a representative with a “The Tour Guy” sign; arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in.
How to Get There
- By Public Transport: Take the London Underground to Tower Hill (Circle, District lines), a 5-minute walk to the Tower of London Gift Shop.
- By Foot: From Tower Hill station, follow signs to the Tower of London; the Gift Shop is opposite the entrance.
- By Taxi or Rideshare: Request a drop-off at Tower of London, EC3N 4AB, near the Gift Shop.
- By Car: Limited parking is available; public transport is recommended due to central London’s congestion.
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for walking through the Tower’s grounds.
- Weather-appropriate clothing, as parts of the tour are outdoors.
- Your tour voucher, either printed or on your mobile device.
- A camera or smartphone for photos, especially with the Beefeater.
Know Before You Go
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not suit those with limited mobility.
- Bring your voucher (printed or digital) for check-in at the Gift Shop.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a prompt start, as the tour departs on time.
- Luggage or large bags are not permitted for safety and space reasons.
- Check tour times in advance, as schedules vary daily.
Reviews
- The Beefeater meet and greet was fantastic, and the Crown Jewels were breathtaking. Our guide made the history so engaging!
- Loved the tour and the stories about the Tower’s past. The Beefeater was hilarious, and the Jewels were a highlight.
- An amazing experience with a knowledgeable guide. The skip-the-line access and free time to explore were perfect.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
How long is the Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Beefeaters?
The tour lasts 2 hours, including a 15-minute Beefeater meet and greet, a 1.5-hour guided tour of the Tower’s highlights, and visits to the Crown Jewels and Inner/Outer Wards. After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore the White Tower and Medieval Palace. The skip-the-line entry ensures a smooth start. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in. The tour is packed with history and royal splendor. It’s a perfect way to experience the Tower. Check the schedule for your preferred time slot.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, the tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility due to uneven surfaces and steps within the Tower. Contact the provider in advance to discuss any specific needs or alternative options. The staff is happy to assist where possible, but the historic site limits full accessibility. Consider other accessible London attractions for mobility needs. The tour involves walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. Check with the operator for detailed accessibility information. Always inform the provider when booking.
What makes the Beefeater meet and greet special?
The 15-minute Beefeater meet and greet is a highlight, offering exclusive insights from one of the Tower’s ceremonial guardians, who share stories about its history and their role. You’ll also get a photo opportunity, adding a personal touch to the experience. The Beefeaters’ knowledge and humor make the tour memorable. This interaction sets the tone for the guided tour. It’s a rare chance to connect with the Tower’s living history. The experience is included in the ticket price. Expect engaging tales of prisoners and royalty.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, captivating kids with stories of the Tower’s grim past, ravens, and the dazzling Crown Jewels. The Beefeater meet and greet is especially engaging, though younger children should be supervised due to the walking involved. The tour’s 2-hour duration is manageable for most kids. It’s a great way to introduce children to London’s history. Free time afterward allows families to explore at their own pace. Check age recommendations when booking. The experience sparks curiosity in young history fans.
Where is the meeting point for the Tower of London Tour?
The meeting point is in front of the Tower of London Gift Shop, directly across from the Tower’s entrance, London EC3N 4AB. Look for a representative holding a “The Tour Guy” sign. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for check-in to ensure a prompt start. The location is a short walk from Tower Hill station. Taxis or public transport are convenient options. The Gift Shop is easily visible and well-marked. Contact the provider for directions if needed. Bring your voucher for smooth check-in.
