Tower of London: Beefeater Ceremony & Crown Jewels Early Access

The gates open at dawn. You're already inside watching the Yeoman Warders

You arrive before opening, hear a local guide explain the Tower's history and layout, watch the Beefeater Opening Ceremony with the Yeoman Warders, then spend the rest of your time exploring the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and exhibitions independently: no crowds, no fixed pace, no photography in the Jewel House.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tower of London45m · entry included
2. The Crown Jewels30m · entry included

Early access and Tower exploration

• Meet local expert guide
• See Traitors’ Gate and Tower Hill
• Attend Beefeater Opening Ceremony
• Explore Crown Jewels collection
• Visit the White Tower
• Discover the Bloody Tower
• Explore Tower independently

The Experience

The Tower of London's outer walls rise in front of you, and your guide is already pointing out Traitor's Gate, the riverside entrance where prisoners once arrived by boat along the Thames. Before the general public even thinks about queuing, you're getting an expert introduction to the Tower's layout and nine centuries of history: the White Tower built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Bloody Tower with its darker stories, the whole geography of the place mapped out so you know where you're going. It takes maybe fifteen minutes, but it saves you hours of wandering and wondering what you're actually looking at.

Then comes the thing most visitors never see: the Beefeater Opening Ceremony. The Yeoman Warders lead it, and you're there as one of the first people inside the gates. After that formal moment, the Tower of London is yours to move through at whatever speed you want. The Crown Jewels (crowns, sceptres, orbs still used in actual royal ceremonies) are there without the crush of afternoon crowds pressing behind you. You can stand in front of the Imperial State Crown as long as you need to. The White Tower, the exhibitions, the ravens: you pick the order, you pick how long you stay in each room. No rushing, no guide talking over a loudspeaker, no group waiting for stragglers.

Wear comfortable shoes. The ground is mostly flat but there are cobblestones, and you'll cover quite a bit of it. Bring water. Leave the large luggage at your hotel. It's not allowed in. And know that you can't photograph inside the Jewel House, so if you want pictures of the Crown Jewels, you'll need to rely on memory and the official postcards they sell at the exit.

What’s included

• Expert introduction and orientation from a local guide.
• Beefeater Opening Ceremony with the Yeoman Warders.
• entrance tickets to the Tower of London and the ceremony.
• early access entry before general admission.
• independent exploration of the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and all exhibitions at your own pace.

Days and timesMon · Tue · Wed · Thu · Sun · 08:15 and 09:15 · season until 27 Feb 2027

Ages18 to 64 years · Seniors (65+) · 16 to 17 years · 5 to 15 years · Under 5 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “The meeting point is at the Tower of London Ticket Office. The guide will be holding Urban Saunters sign. If you are traveling by taxi, tell the driver to drop …”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Urban Saunters

Is this one for you?Right for anyone who wants to see the Crown Jewels and the Tower's main sights without the afternoon crowds and the stress of timing yourself. The early access and ceremony are what make that possible in a single morning.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

16 to 17 years; 5 to 15 years; under 5, free.

What time does the opening ceremony start?

The ceremony happens at the official opening time, before general admission. Your guide meets you beforehand for the introduction, so arrive a few minutes early.

Can I take photos of the Crown Jewels?

No, photography is not allowed inside the Jewel House. You can photograph other areas of the Tower.

Is there a time limit for exploring after the ceremony?

No. After the opening ceremony and introduction, you explore at your own pace for as long as you want during the Tower's opening hours.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The ground is mostly flat with some cobblestones. Comfortable shoes are essential. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it.

Can I bring a large suitcase or backpack?

Large luggage is not allowed into the Tower of London. Travel light or leave bags at your hotel.

Is the guide with me the whole time?

The guide gives you an introduction and orients you before the ceremony. After that, you explore independently.

What's included in the ticket?

Expert introduction by a local guide, entry to the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, entrance to the Tower of London, and early access before the general public.

Can I visit the Crown Jewels without waiting in a long queue?

Yes. Early access means you reach the Crown Jewels before the crowds build up during the day.