London: Tower of London Early Access & Westminster Tour

Summary

Early morning at the Tower, river breezes, royal stories and a city waking up

You’ll slip into the Tower of London before anyone else, watch Beefeaters open ancient gates, see Crown Jewels without crowds, cruise down the Thames with stories from your guide, and finish among Westminster’s icons. It’s not just history — you’ll feel London waking up around you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous walking up to the Tower of London before sunrise — maybe it was just being there before the crowds, or maybe it was the Beefeater’s voice echoing off those old stones. Our group shuffled in behind him for the opening ceremony (he called it “the Ceremony of the Keys,” but I was too busy gawking at his hat to remember all the details). The air smelled faintly metallic, like rain on iron, and someone’s coffee. We were first through those doors — no lines, just us and that slightly chilly hush you get in big old places. I got way too close to one of those ravens; they’re bigger than you think.

Seeing the Crown Jewels without a crowd around me felt odd — like I’d wandered into a secret room by mistake. Our guide, Sarah, pointed out tiny details on one crown (I can’t remember which monarch now) and told us about Anne Boleyn’s last walk. I half expected her ghost to appear in the White Tower. After that we had some time to wander alone; I ended up tracing my fingers over rough stone walls near Traitor’s Gate. You can almost hear old footsteps if you stand still long enough. Maybe that’s dramatic, but it stuck with me.

We regrouped for a boat ride down the Thames — honestly, I thought it’d be cheesy but it was perfect after all that history. The wind whipped my hair around as we passed under Tower Bridge and Sarah pointed out Shakespeare’s Globe (she made a joke about bad weather and English actors). The river smells different from land: briny and cold, mixed with diesel from passing boats. When we landed in Westminster it felt like another city entirely — Parliament looming above us, Big Ben chiming somewhere out of sight.

The last stretch was a walk through royal London: St James’s Palace (never knew it was built on an old leper hospital), then Buckingham Palace where everyone stopped for photos with the Horse Guards. We caught part of Changing of the Guard — lots of shiny boots and tourists craning for a shot. My feet hurt by then but honestly? Worth it for that early moment inside the Tower. Still thinking about how quiet it felt before London woke up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tower of London and Royal Westminster Tour

• Attend Tower of London opening ceremony
• Explore the Tower of London at leisure
• See the Crown Jewels first
• Enjoy boat ride on River Thames
• Arrive at Westminster
• View Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
• Visit Westminster Abbey area
• See Buckingham Palace exterior
• View St. James's Palace

Top questions

What time does this Tower of London early access tour start?

The tour starts early in the morning before regular public opening hours for exclusive access.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included; there is free time during which you can purchase food nearby.

Do we enter Buckingham Palace on this tour?

No, you visit outside only; entry is not included.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide at a designated location near the Tower of London.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Does this include tickets to see the Crown Jewels?

Yes, VIP early-access tickets include entry to see the Crown Jewels without crowds.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to both starting and ending points.

What’s included

Your day includes VIP early-access tickets to the Tower of London with an opening ceremony led by a Chief Beefeater, entry to see the Crown Jewels before crowds arrive, a guided Thames river boat ride past iconic landmarks like Shakespeare’s Globe and St Paul’s Cathedral, plus a walking tour through Westminster with stops at Big Ben, Parliament, St James’s Palace and outside Buckingham Palace—all led by an English-speaking local guide.