Tower of London & Thames River Cruise: Crown Jewels & Beefeater Tour

Options for this experience

2 options

Option 114 departure times, from 09:00 to 15:30

Option 212:45

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

A Thousand Years of History in One Afternoon: Tower of London & the Thames

You enter the Tower of London with a Beefeater guide who walks you through the White Tower, Traitors' Gate, and Tower Green while explaining the site's 1,000-year history; you view the Crown Jewels up close; then you board a Thames River sightseeing cruise departing at a time you choose, where a captain narrates landmarks from St. Paul's Cathedral to Tower Bridge. Entry, guide, cruise, and live commentary are all included. E-tickets arrive by email and work on your phone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Tower of London2h · entry included
2. River Thames1h · entry included

Tower of London and Thames Cruise

• Explore Tower of London history
• View Crown Jewels collection
• Visit White Tower and Traitors’ Gate
• Learn from Beefeater guard tour
• Take Thames River sightseeing cruise
• Listen to live captain commentary
• Admire London landmarks from river

The Experience

You've just landed in London, dropped your bags, and you've got the afternoon free. The Tower of London is waiting, and this time you're not queuing at the gate. Your e-ticket arrives by email the day before, and you walk straight in to meet your Beefeater guide, who's been leading people through these walls for years. They know which stories the guidebooks skip: the ones about the executions, the prisoners, the moment Anne Boleyn walked to Tower Green knowing she wouldn't walk back. The Crown Jewels sit behind glass, and they're heavier in your mind than they look: real gold, real rubies, real power that's survived almost 1,000 years.

After the Tower, you head down to the river. The Thames River Cruise departs from one of four piers (Westminster, London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich), and you pick the time that fits your day, anywhere from 10am to 8pm. The boat moves slowly enough that you can actually see what you're looking at: St. Paul's Cathedral with its dome still standing after the Blitz, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben across the water, Tower Bridge opening and closing for the occasional barge. Your captain talks you through it all, the history layered into every bend of the river, and you're not rushing. You're not checking your phone to see if you're at the right stop.

The whole thing (Tower entry, Beefeater tour, Crown Jewels, the cruise) lands in your pocket as one ticket. No separate bookings, no wondering if you've bought the right thing. The e-ticket works on your phone, which means no printing, no lost paper, no fumbling at the entrance. Bring your passport or photo ID (that's the one thing they'll ask for), and you're done planning.

What’s included

• Entrance ticket to the Tower of London.
• Beefeater-guided tour of the Tower including the White Tower, Traitors' Gate, and Tower Green.
• viewing of the Crown Jewels collection.
• Thames River sightseeing cruise with live captain commentary on landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
• e-ticket delivery via email.
• flexible cruise departure times between 10am and 8pm at your choice of four piers.

Days and timesDaily · 15 departure times, from 09:00 to 15:30

Ages17 to 59 years · Seniors (60+) · 3 to 16 years · Under 3 — Free

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it starts

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Royal Smart Tourism

Is this one for you?Right for anyone arriving in London with a free afternoon who wants to see the Tower's main sights without arranging separate tickets and timing: the Beefeater tour and included cruise mean you're not navigating entry queues or booking a second activity once you're done.

Traveler reviews

4.57★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

3 to 16 years; under 3, free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I choose what time the Thames River Cruise departs?

Yes. The cruise runs from 10am to 8pm, and you can board at any of four piers: Westminster, London Eye, Tower, or Greenwich. Pick the time and location that fit your schedule.

Do I need to print my ticket?

No. E-tickets arrive by email the day before your visit. You can show them directly from your phone at the Tower entrance, no printing needed.

What do I need to bring to enter the Tower of London?

A valid photo ID or passport. You'll be asked to show it at the entrance.

Is the Beefeater tour included in the ticket price?

Yes. The Beefeater-led tour of the Tower, including access to the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and Traitors' Gate, is included with your entry ticket.

Can I visit the Tower and take the cruise on different days?

Your tickets are valid for the specific date and time you select at booking. Plan both the Tower visit and cruise for the same day.

What if I arrive late and miss my time slot?

Tickets are valid for the date and time selected. If you don't arrive on time, the booking is marked a no-show and cannot be rescheduled or refunded.

Is public transportation available near the Tower of London?

Yes. Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the Tower and the river piers.