
Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 235 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London worth booking?
Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London is a 4-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $142 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 235 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (235)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $142 per person
You’re invited to the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, to be first in to explore the Crown Jewels, to join us on an adventure from the old City to the regal city of Westminster. Welcome to the Ultimate Royal London experience. Why join the queue when you can be first into the Tower of London to enjoy the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels without the crowds? We’re about to read you the story of London, a tale of two cities where you’ll be exploring from crowns to confessions. After benefiting from early access and a special ceremony with the Beefeaters, you’ll explore the Tower that has been keeping a watchful eye over the city and the river Thames since its founding in the 11th-century. Rejoin your guide for a relaxing boat ride on the River Thames, alighting in the royal city of Westminster to take a walking tour of the iconic landmarks that dot these streets like jewels - Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace.
What you get
About this experience
You’re invited to the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, to be first in to explore the Crown Jewels, to join us on an adventure from the old City to the regal city of Westminster. Welcome to the Ultimate Royal London experience. Why join the queue when you can be first into the Tower of London to enjoy the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels without the crowds? We’re about to read you the story of London, a tale of two cities where you’ll be exploring from crowns to confessions. After benefiting from early access and a special ceremony with the Beefeaters, you’ll explore the Tower that has been keeping a watchful eye over the city and the river Thames since its founding in the 11th-century. Rejoin your guide for a relaxing boat ride on the River Thames, alighting in the royal city of Westminster to take a walking tour of the iconic landmarks that dot these streets like jewels - Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace.
What's included
Included
- VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
- Local English-speaking guide
- Thames River Boat Ride
- A guided walking tour of Royal Westminster
- Meet the Chief Beefeater for a private welcome to the Tower of London & Opening Ceremony
Not included
- Food & drink
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Tower of London
Welcome to your tour and one of the most iconic buildings in London. Discover the iconic sites on the outer walls such as Traitor’s Gate and Tower Hill with your guide before entering the complex to explore one of Britain’s most historic buildings at your own pace. You will see Britain’s most treasured royal artefacts, walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn, see the armour of Henry VIII, visit William the Conqueror’s White Tower and meet the ravens at your own pace.
120 minutes here · Admission included
The Crown Jewels
You’re invited to the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, to be first in to explore the Crown Jewels, to join us on an adventure from the old City to the regal city of Westminster.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Thames River
Enjoy a river boat ride on the river Thames. Learn about the landmarks from your guide as you pass: Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, London Bridge and so much more.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Houses of Parliament
Welcome to Westminster. Marvel at Big Ben, a London icon and hear all about the centuries that took this majestic building from palace to centre of British democracy.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Westminster Abbey
Dream of the last Anglo-Saxon king and a flagship of the Church of England, your guide will give you the lowdown on this most important of places.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall
The prime spot to get your photo with the mounted cavalry of the Queen’s Horse Guards and official entrance to Buckingham Palace itself. Visiting outside only.
15 minutes here
St. James's Palace
Built on the site of an old leper hospital, did you know that St James’s Palace is the oldest royal palace in the whole of the UK? Take in this beauty, still the official royal residence today.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Buckingham Palace
The most famous of King Charles III's palaces and housing a whopping 775 rooms, the stories attached to this icon have to be heard to be believed.
20 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
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 you off on Petty Wales. Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will end around Buckingham Palace
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Urban Saunters
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour involves a fair amount of walking, including over uneven surfaces, cobblestones, hills, inclines, declines and stairs
- The total tour details includes the travel time.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 235 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
235 verified traveler reviews for Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Stories, Lots of Walking, and Those Crown Jewels! 🇬🇧
Our guide, Nathan, was friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor! I especially enjoyed his stories about London's rather gruesome history and how some familiar sayings we still use today may have originated from the strange (and sometimes downright crazy) things people did centuries ago. Who knew?! 😂 One thing to know: Be prepared to WALK! There's quite a bit of distance to cover, along with cobblestone paths, steps, and some short, narrow spiral staircases inside the castle. Nothing that kept us from enjoying the experience, but comfortable, supportive shoes are a MUST. If you have mobility concerns, definitely take this into consideration. After the guided portion, we explored the Tower of London on our own. The Crown Jewels were definitely a highlight. Absolutely beautiful! Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed inside the Jewel House. So you'll just have to admire all that sparkle with your own two eyes! 😂 **My advice:** If you enjoy history, storytelling, and learning little things you might otherwise miss, having a guide like Nathan adds to the experience. However, if you're mainly interested in exploring the Tower and seeing the Crown Jewels, I think this is one attraction you could comfortably do on your own. Overall, an enjoyable experience, and Nathan's stories made the history come alive!
via Viator
Informative tour
We were lucky to have David as our tour guide. He was respectful and full of knowledge underpinned by a sense of humour.
via Tripadvisor
Nathan was the best guide!
Our guide, Nathan, was a fantastic resource and historian on the Tower of London and the Royal Family. He was friendly, engaging, and made the tour fantastic!
via Tripadvisor
Nathan was an excellent...
Nathan was an excellent guide. We ended up with a detour because the wharf was blocked, but took the time to point out some interesting things along the way, including the Queen's yacht. Viewing the crown jewels was wonderful.
via Viator
Excellent tour! Don’t miss this opportunity to get into the tower early! Got head of the line to see the Crown Jewels!
Nathalie, our tour guide was knowledgeable, entertaining and made our tour very special. She was very engaging and I learned a lot!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 82
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Urban Saunters, who run 13 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.4 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Urban Saunters runsWhy this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London cost?
+
Prices start at $142 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London take?
+
Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 235 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
Around 82 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
+
London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
+
May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
Included: VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London; Local English-speaking guide; Thames River Boat Ride; A guided walking tour of Royal Westminster; and Meet the Chief Beefeater for a private welcome to the Tower of London & Opening Ceremony. Not included: Food & drink; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
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 you off on Petty Wales. Nearest Tube station: Tower Hill Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London?
+
Across 235 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Tower of London Early Access, Opening Ceremony and Royal London.
Pick your date




