Tower of London Early Access Tour: Beefeater ceremony before crowds

Watch the Beefeater ceremony at dawn, then explore the Tower at your own pace

You’ll slip into the Tower of London before crowds arrive, watch Beefeaters open ancient gates, and see royal jewels up close. Cruise along the Thames while your guide shares city secrets, then catch either the Changing of the Guard or explore Westminster on foot. This day feels both grand and personal: moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left those old stones behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tower of London30m · entry included
2. The Crown Jewels15m · entry included

Tower of London and London landmarks

• Early access Tower of London visit
• Watch Tower opening ceremony with Beefeater
• See the Crown Jewels
• Optional Thames River boat cruise
• Attend Changing of the Guards or Westminster walking tour
• Tour ends outside Buckingham Palace

The experience

I never thought I’d feel almost alone inside the Tower of London. We shuffled in just after sunrise (still chilly, air kind of sharp), and our Beefeater guide was already cracking dry jokes about ravens and royal secrets. The stone felt cold under my hand. I could smell wet grass from the moat. When they unlocked those ancient doors for us, it was weirdly quiet for a place with such heavy history. I caught myself whispering near the Crown Jewels (they really do sparkle, but not in a cartoon way, more like old light through glass). Honestly, I didn’t expect to care that much about royal stuff, but standing there with no crowds made it hit different.

Afterwards, we hopped onto a Thames river boat: the city looked softer from the water somehow. Our guide pointed out all these odd details you’d miss on your own (like why some bridges are painted blue). The wind off the river made me zip my jacket all the way up. Depending on your day, you get either the Changing of the Guard or a walking tour through Westminster. We got lucky with Horse Guards. Those boots on cobblestone echo louder than you’d think. There was this little kid next to me who saluted back at one of them and nearly fell over laughing when he got a wink.

The tour wraps outside Buckingham Palace. People lingered for photos. I just stood there for a minute watching everyone’s faces tilt up towards those gates. It’s funny how places you’ve seen in movies or textbooks can suddenly feel real and close when you’re actually there. I still think about that hush inside the Tower before London woke up. It sticks with you more than any postcard ever could.

What’s included

Your day includes VIP early-access tickets to the Tower of London with Beefeater-led opening ceremony, expert English-speaking guide throughout most stops (with headsets as needed), an optional Thames river cruise if selected before 2026, plus either attendance at Changing of the Guard or a fully guided walking tour through Westminster: depending on schedule and weather. From January 2026 onward, you'll use a multilingual app for your self-guided visit inside the Tower itself.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tower of London and BeefeaterGuide in English · 08:15 and 09:15Includes VIP early entry to the Tower of London, the Beefeater Opening Ceremony and the Crown Jewels. Duration: 1 hour. Audio guide: Move through the Tower of London at your own pace with our audio guide app.

Private Tower and City TourGuide in English · Available from 6 Nov · 08:30 and 09:30Private guide: An exclusive guide for you and your group for a more personalized experience. Duration: 4 hours. Includes a visit to the Tower of London, a Thames River boat ride and the Changing of the Guard. Please note: the Opening Ceremony is not included. Changing of the Guard: Depending on the day, you will see either the Foot Guards at Buckingham Palace or the Horse Guards at Horse Guards Parade.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:15, 08:30, 09:15 and 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by City Wonders UK

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

Is early access to the Tower of London included?

Yes, this tour includes VIP early-access tickets so you enter before regular visitors.

Can I see the Crown Jewels without crowds?

Yes, early entry means you'll be among the first to view them that day.

Does this tour include a Thames River cruise?

The river cruise is included if you select an upgrade option and book before January 2026.

What happens if Changing of the Guard is cancelled?

If cancelled due to weather or scheduling, you'll get a guided walking tour of Westminster instead.

Are guides allowed inside every part of the Tower?

No guiding is allowed inside Jewel House or White Tower due to venue rules. Those parts are self-guided.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No meals are included. Only guided experiences and entry fees are covered.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is provided. You'll meet at a central location near public transport.

Are headsets provided during guided portions?

Yes, headsets are provided when needed so you can always hear your guide clearly.