Tower of London VIP Tour: Crown Jewels & Opening Ceremony

See the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive

A VIP early-access tour of Tower of London in London combines the Opening Ceremony military ritual, skip-the-line entry to the Crown Jewels, and a guided walk through the Bloody Tower, White Tower and Tower Walls, finishing with a flexible one-way river cruise pass you can use any day. The small group size and Blue Badge guide mean you move at your own pace through one of the world's most famous monuments. A private option for up to 6 guests removes the ceremony and cruise but keeps the early Crown Jewels access and dedicated guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

VIP Tower of London and River Cruise

• Watch Opening Ceremony
• Visit Crown Jewels in Jewel House
• Walk Tower Walls and see ravens
• Tour White Tower medieval castle
• Receive flexible river cruise pass

The experience

The day starts with the Opening Ceremony, a storied military ritual that officially opens the Tower of London each morning. After a quick introduction from the Yeoman Warders who guard the palace, you walk straight into the Jewel House while it's still quiet: no queues, no crowds pressing around the cases. Your guide points out what to look for, then you take your time with the Crown Jewels, one of the world's most dazzling collections of riches, without the usual crush of visitors.

From there you stroll the famous Tower Walls, peek inside Edward I's refurbored bedroom, and say hello to the tower's resident ravens. The White Tower (a refurbished medieval castle at the heart of the complex) gets a full tour before the experience ends. Throughout, a Blue Badge guide handles the history and context. The small group size means the pace stays comfortable and you're not herded between stops.

At the end you receive a flexible one-way pass for London's best sightseeing river cruises. You choose the day and time that suits your schedule, and depart from Tower, London Eye, Westminster or Greenwich piers: no need to book it in advance or commit to a fixed time. The tour itself runs 2.5 to 3 hours and is a walking tour, so you'll need a moderate level of fitness and the ability to walk at a steady pace. If you choose the private option instead, you get the same early Crown Jewels access and a dedicated guide for up to 6 guests, but the Opening Ceremony and river cruise pass don't come with it.

What’s included

• Blue Badge guide in English.
• early entry to the Crown Jewels before the Tower opens to the public.
• Opening Ceremony (VIP option only).
• access to the Bloody Tower, Tower Walls, White Tower and Edward I's bedroom.
• flexible one-way London river cruise pass valid on any day at your chosen time (VIP option only).

Options for this experience

2 options

Opening Ceremony option for VIPsGuide in English · 08:15 and 09:15Lasting 3 hours, this VIP access upgrade and cruise lets you watch the famous opening ceremony and see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. It includes a full tour of the Tower and a one-way river cruise.

Tower of London tour, privateGuide in English · 09:00 and 10:00This private early-access tour of the Tower of London, which includes the Crown Jewels, runs without the cruise. The river cruise and opening ceremony are not included. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes.

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, 09:00, 09:15 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (2 to 14 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Walks - UK

Is this one for you?Choose the VIP Opening Ceremony option if you want to see the Crown Jewels in near-silence and catch the military ritual that opens the Tower each day, plus a river cruise pass to use later. Pick the private tour if you're traveling with a small group and want a dedicated guide focused entirely on your party, though you'll skip the ceremony and the cruise.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What exactly are the Crown Jewels, and why is early access worth it?

The Crown Jewels are the glittering regalia and ceremonial objects used in British coronations and state occasions: crowns, scepters, orbs, and other treasures on display in the Jewel House. Early access means you see them before the Tower opens to the general public, so there are no crowds around the cases and you can spend as long as you want looking at each piece without people pressing past you.

Do I have to watch the Opening Ceremony, or can I skip it?

The Opening Ceremony is part of the VIP option, but if you choose the private tour instead, you skip the ceremony and get a 2.5-hour private guide for up to 6 guests focused on the Crown Jewels, Tower Walls, and White Tower. The private option does not include the river cruise pass.

When can I use the river cruise pass, and do I have to book it ahead of time?

The river cruise pass is flexible. You choose the day and time that works for you and pick your departure pier from Tower, London Eye, Westminster or Greenwich. You don't have to book it in advance. You can use it whenever you want after your tour ends.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility challenges?

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the tour (it's a walking tour with stairs, uneven surfaces, and narrow passages through medieval buildings). It is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers. You'll need to be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

What language is the guide in, and what if the Tower is closed on the day I book?

The guide speaks English. Sites on the tour are occasionally subject to closures. If changes are needed and there's time, the operator will contact you before your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated when you arrive.