Tower of London: Crown Jewels & Beefeater Opening Ceremony
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Embark on a captivating journey through London's royal history and iconic landmarks. Begin with an early access visit to the infamous Tower of London, where you’ll see the opening ceremony and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels.
Cruise the Thames River aboard a relaxing boat and either attend the Changing of the Guards or explore the heart of London on the Westminster City Walking Tour.
Please note: The Changing of the Guard and River Cruise are available only until the end of 2025. From January 2026, the experience will include the Opening Ceremony and a self-guided Tower of London visit via our multilingual app
Available options
Upgrade with Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace Tickets: Upgrade your tour including guaranteed access with no waiting lines to Buckingham Palace, home of the King Charles III<br/>Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes<br/>Opening Ceremony: This option includes the Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London, performed by the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters)
Tower of London & Horse Guards
Changing of the Horse Guards: Witness the Changing of the Horse Guards.<br/>Opening Ceremony not included: Tower of London only, this option does not include the opening ceremony
Tower of London & Foot Guards
Changing of the Foot Guards : Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards.<br/>Tower of London only: This option does not include the opening ceremony at the Tower of London.
Upgrade with Foot Guards
With Changing of Foot Guards: Witness the Changing of the Foot Guards.<br/>River Thames Boat Ride : Cruise the River Thames on a shuttle boat and discover its iconic landmarks with your local guide
Tower & London Highlights Tour
London Highlights tour: This option includes a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant area of Westminster<br/>Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes<br/>Opening Ceremony not included: This option does not include the opening ceremony at the Tower of London.
Private: Tower, boat &CityTour
Tower of London, Boat & City : Private tour guide exclusively for you and your group for a more personalized experience.<br/>Private Tour without Ceremony: This option includes a visit to the Tower of London, Thames River Boat Ride & and Changing of the Guard.<br/>Changing of the Guard: Depending on the day you will see either the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards
Tower of London with Beefeater
Tower of London with Beefeater: VIP Early Access Tower of London, Opening Ceremony with a Beefeater<br/>Duration: 1 hour<br/>With Self-guided App : Explore the Tower of London at your own pace with our self-guided App
Upgrade with London Highlights
London Highlights tour: This option includes a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant area of Westminster<br/>River Thames Boat Ride: Cruise the River Thames on a shuttle boat and discover its iconic landmarks with your local guide
Upgrade with Horse Guards
With Changing of Horse Guards : Witness the Changing of the Horse Guards.<br/>River Thames Boat Ride: Cruise the River Thames on a shuttle boat and discover its iconic landmarks with your local guide
What's included
VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
Expert, English-speaking guide
Opening Ceremony at the Tower of London by the Beefeaters
Headsets when appropriate, so you always hear your guide
Boat ride on the River Thames (if any Upgrade Option is selected)
Self-guided app for the Tower of London (from January 2026)
Guided Walking tour of Central London (if 'Upgrade with London Highlights' option is selected)
Changing of the Guards (Foot or Horse Guards depending on the day - if Upgrade Option is selected)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Begin your day with exclusive access to the historic Tower of London, a former fortress, prison, and execution site.
This early-morning tour guarantees a crowd-free experience and gives you the option to visit the infamous Tower of London, where you can watch the opening ceremony with a Beefeater.
By avoiding the crowds, our tour allows you to be among the first to see the Crown Jewels.
*From January 2026*
This tour will include the Opening Ceremony and a self-guided visit to the Tower of London using our app, available in multiple languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and German.
2
Stop 2
*Until December 2025*
If the 'Upgrade Option' is selected, you’ll step aboard a relaxing River Thames boat while your expert English-speaking guide points out the major landmarks along the banks.
Disembark your boat ride and depending on the day, either attend the Changing of the Guards or a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant city of Westminster
3
Stop 3
*Until December 2025*
If the 'Changing of the Guards' option is chosen, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards in London, depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry. These events are renowned for showcasing British tradition and military precision, adding to London's fame.
4
Stop 4
*Until December 2025*
Alternatively, you can choose 'Royal Walking Tour' option and discover the Heart of London with a fully guided walking tour through the vibrant city of Westminster. Here, you'll immerse yourself in centuries of history and the very foundations of the British monarchy. Westminster City is steeped in stories, with each corner revealing tales of kings and queens, political intrigue, and cultural milestones. You'll have the opportunity to admire famous sights such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. However, it's not just about the well-known attractions – our guides will lead you to lesser-known spots that hide fascinating stories and intricate details, ensuring you have a well-rounded experience.
5
Stop 5
*Until December 2025*
Your tour ends outside Buckingham Palace. Here, you have plenty of time to capture the moment through photographs, adding the perfect finishing touch to your experience.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
777 reviews
5★
614
4★
80
3★
28
2★
23
1★
32
Tripadvisor
4.6
188 reviews
5★
156
4★
13
3★
9
2★
4
1★
6
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please note that there will be no guiding inside the Jewel House and White Tower at the Tower of London as this is forbidden by the venue.
The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. Cancellation due to bad weather or other circumstances is not announced before the morning of the ceremony. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.
Please note that the changing of the guard schedule may change and on different dates we will see either Foot Guards or Horse Guards.
Please note that the Changing of the Guards ceremony is not included if your tour departs from 9am onwards. On these days, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead.Due to increased security measures at many attractions some lines may form on tours with 'Skip the Line' access.
Please note: The Changing of the Guard and River Cruise are available only until the end of 2025. From January 2026, the experience will include the Opening Ceremony and a self-guided Tower of London visit via our multilingual app.
Meeting point
Meeting Point - Walking Tour: Directly in front of the Ticket Office at Tower of London, look for the City Wonders sign.
Arriving by tube: Tower Hill Tube Station: Head west turn right towards Trinity Square, turn left onto Trinity Square, Tower of London - 3 min walk
Important notes
• Check-in 15 minutes before departure
• Your guide will have a City Wonders sign with the name of the tour at the meeting point for easy recognition
• May experience delays in clearing security checks when entering the venue
• Only very small bags are allowed
• Please note that there will be no guiding inside the Jewel House and White Tower at the Tower of London as this is forbidden by the venue
*** When 'Changing of the Guards' is selected ***
• The Changing of the Guard is subject to changes in date, time and cancellation at the discretion of British authorities. When this occurs, you will be provided with a walking tour of Westminster city instead
• Depending on the schedule of the Household Cavalry, you may experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Changing of the Horse Guards:
- Changing of the Foot Guards involves foot soldiers from the Household Division and occurs Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
- Changing of the Horse Guards features mounted cavalry from the Household Cavalry and takes place daily, this is what you will see if you book a tour on Tuesday and Thursday
- On Saturday, the show that takes place is known as the "Guard Mounting" or "Inspection of the New Guard" at House Guards Parade.
- On Sundays, clients will have a Royal Walk instead of Changing of the Guards.
*** From January 2026 ***
• In order to download your self-guided app, please search for "Pop Guide" on Google store or Apple store. You can also access the app from this link https://unlockmy.guide/wsUBNYMbsqDPjK8o8
• Download the "Pop Guide" app and login using the following credentials:
Username: YRP-000375
Password: 22184
• PLEASE ENSURE TO DOWNLOAD THE APP BEFORE THE TOUR. Once downloaded, the app can be used offline.
• Please ensure that you bring earphones and have enough battery on your phone to enjoy all the content of the self-guided app once inside the Tower of London
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
