London: Tower of London Early Access & Crown Jewels Tour

Summary

Witness the Tower of London open then cross Tower Bridge glass walkway

You’ll step inside the Tower of London before anyone else, watch the Beefeaters’ opening ceremony, stand inches from the Crown Jewels without fighting crowds, and cross Tower Bridge on its glass walkway with entry included. If you want real moments—quiet chapels, ancient armor, ravens underfoot—this day trip from central London sticks with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — boots on old stone, echoing in that chilly morning air outside the Tower of London. We were there before most people had even finished their tea, which felt odd for a city that never really sleeps. Our guide, Sarah (she’s lived here her whole life), handed out these little stories about past kings like she was sharing family gossip. I caught a whiff of wet grass and something metallic as the Chief Beefeater strode out for the opening ceremony — honestly, it’s more solemn than you’d expect, but somehow comforting too.

We shuffled into the Jewel House before anyone else got in. The guards barely blinked at us — I guess they’re used to sleepy-eyed tourists gawking at crowns worth more than I’ll ever make. The main keyword here is definitely “Crown Jewels”, but seeing them up close was… weirdly moving? The way the gems caught that early light made everything feel heavy with history. Sarah whispered that some pieces have been here since 1661; I tried to imagine all those coronations and hands passing them along. My shoes squeaked on the polished floor and for a second it was just me and those ridiculous diamonds.

Afterwards we wandered through the White Tower — cold walls, armor lined up like silent guards, Henry VIII’s suit looking way too big for any normal person. There’s this tiny Romanesque chapel tucked away inside (St John’s), where it suddenly went quiet except for someone’s coat zipper scraping against stone. Outside again, ravens strutted around like they owned the place (maybe they do?).

The walk to Tower Bridge was short but windy — London weather doing its thing. Crossing that glass walkway high above the Thames made my stomach drop a little, but seeing double-decker buses crawl below your feet is kind of addictive. You can poke around in the old engine rooms after if you want; smells like oil and iron down there. It’s not a tour that tries too hard to impress you — it just sort of lets London’s layers show through. I still think about those early morning echoes sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tower of London and Tower Bridge tour

• Attend Tower of London opening ceremony
• View the Crown Jewels early
• Explore the White Tower and Royal Armouries
• Visit Tower Bridge Exhibition

Top questions

How early does this Tower of London tour start?

You enter before public hours to see the opening ceremony—usually early morning.

Is entry to both Tower of London & Tower Bridge included?

Yes, timed entrance tickets are included for both attractions.

Do we get to see the Crown Jewels without crowds?

Yes, you’re among the first inside so it’s much quieter than usual.

Is there a local guide during this day trip?

Yes, a local guide leads your group throughout.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

You’ll walk quite a bit over cobblestones and stairs; comfy shoes are best.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, but anyone under 18 must be with an adult aged 18 or older.

Is this private or part of a group?

This is a small group tour with other travelers joining.

Does it include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup; you meet at or near the Tower of London entrance.

Can people with limited mobility join?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with limited mobility due to uneven ground and stairs.

What’s included

Your morning includes early access entry to the Tower of London before regular visitors arrive so you can witness the opening ceremony led by a Chief Beefeater. You’ll visit highlights like the Jewel House (with time alone among the Crown Jewels), St John’s Chapel in the White Tower, and then continue with your guide across to Tower Bridge—with timed tickets letting you explore both its high-level glass walkway and Victorian Engine Rooms at your own pace afterwards.