Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 480 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise worth booking?
Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise is a 1.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $76 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 480 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (480)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $76 per person
The Tower of London has guarded the Thames for almost 1,000 years, and its stones still hold the darkest stories in British history. With timed-entry tickets in hand, you step past the long ticket queues and head inside
What you get
- Expert, English-speaking guide
- Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets
- Thames River cruise voucher valid for a one-way, 30-minute journey (not included with Basic options)
- Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower
- Guided storytelling tour of the Tower of London
About this experience
The Tower of London has guarded the Thames for almost 1,000 years, and its stones still hold the darkest stories in British history. With timed-entry tickets in hand, you step past the long ticket queues and head inside with a storytelling guide who unpacks royal scandals, executions, and the unsolved mystery of the missing princes. Stand at Traitor's Gate, walk Tower Green, and pause at the Bloody Tower before heading on your own to see the dazzling Crown Jewels and the medieval White Tower. Cap it all off with a flexible 30-minute Thames River cruise ticket you can use whenever fits your London plans. Pick the version of the day that fits you best: stick with a focused Tower of London visit without the cruise, add a flexible Thames cruise to the main combo tour, or upgrade to an extended half-day that pairs the Tower with a guided river cruise and Westminster Abbey entry.
What's included
Included
- Expert, English-speaking guide
- Pre-reserved Tower of London tickets
- Thames River cruise voucher valid for a one-way, 30-minute journey (not included with Basic options)
- Access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower
- Guided storytelling tour of the Tower of London
Not included
- Guide tips
- Guided tour of the Crown Jewels
- Guide for the Thames River cruise
What you'll see and do
Tower Bridge Official Gift Shop
Meet your guide outside the Tower of London Gift Shop, near the main entrance area for Tower visitors. Look for your guide and check in with your group, then get a quick orientation on how the tour will unfold before heading inside with timed-entry tickets in hand.
5 minutes here
Tower of London
Walk through ancient gateways and into nearly 1,000 years of royal drama, military might, and political intrigue. Pause at Traitor's Gate for the chilling story of those who passed through and never returned, including Anne Boleyn, then continue to the Bloody Tower for the unsolved mystery of the missing princes and the imprisonment of Sir Walter Raleigh. Stand on Tower Green, where some of England's most famous figures met their tragic ends, before your guide leads you toward the Jewel House.
45 minutes here · Admission included
The Crown Jewels
Your guide hands you off at the entrance to the Jewel House and shares fascinating stories about what awaits inside before saying goodbye. Step inside independently to see coronation crowns, royal scepters, and the dazzling Cullinan diamonds up close, all still used in British royal ceremony today.
30 minutes here · Admission included
White Tower
Climb the medieval keep that William the Conqueror built in 1078 to display royal armor, swords, and the chapel of St. John. Explore on your own and take in centuries-old medieval weaponry at your own pace before heading toward the Thames.
Pass by without stopping
Thames River
Walk a short distance from the Tower of London to Tower Pier and board your boat for a relaxing 30-minute cruise along the Thames. Glide past Tower Bridge, the Shard, Shakespeare's Globe, and London's iconic skyline before disembarking at one of the central piers to continue your London day from there. Your flexible ticket is typically valid for one month, so you can use it the same day or save it for later (the Thames River cruise is not included with the Basic option).
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Please arrive 15 minutes early. Meet one of our representatives in front of the Tower of London Shop, Tower of London side. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour will conclude inside of the Tower of London, where you'll be free to explore at your own place.
Options you can book
Basic Option (NO Cruise)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Does NOT include: Thames River cruise Basic Option: Includes: Timed-entry Tower of London tickets, guide, and access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower.
Combo Option (Max 10)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Combo Semi Private Group: Includes: Timed-entry Tower of London tickets, guide, Crown Jewels access, and a flexible Thames River cruise ticket.
Basic Option Max 10 (No Boat)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Does NOT include: Thames River cruise Basic Semi-Private Option: Includes: Timed-entry Tower of London tickets, guide, and access to the Crown Jewels and White Tower.
Extended Tour with Westminster
Includes Westminster Abbey Duration: 5 hours Extended Small Group Option: Includes: Guided Tower of London tour, Crown Jewels access, guided Thames cruise, Parliament Square walk, and Westminster Abb
Combo Option (Max 20)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Combo Small Group Option: Includes: Timed-entry Tower of London tickets, guide, Crown Jewels access, and a flexible Thames River cruise ticket.
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Tour Guy
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- For minors, please select the correct age category when booking. Children under 4 don’t need a ticket to enter the Tower of London, so the cost is lower, but entry tickets are required for the youth (5+) category. Incorrect selections will result in denied entry from the premises.
- This tour involves walking, stairs, and uneven terrain at the Tower of London. It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
- Your boat ticket is valid for a single journey only. You can board at any City Cruises departure point, but onward or return travel is not included and may require public transportation. We recommend checking the City Cruises website for the most up-to-date schedule before your visit.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 481 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
481 verified traveler reviews for Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Tour exerience
Nick was an excellent, engaging and knowledgeable guide. Much fun!
Response from the operator: Hi Duffdivot, thank you! We’re thrilled Nick’s knowledge and engaging personality made your Tower of London tour so much fun. Having a passionate guide brings all that incredible history to life! We'd love to explore with you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
Tower of London tour
Nick was awesome!! Very knowledgeable and very very entertaining!!! Really enjoyed our time
Response from the operator: Hi Marina, thank you so much! We are thrilled to hear that Nick made your Tower of London tour so engaging with his deep knowledge and entertaining stories. Bringing royal history to life is what we love to do. We’d love to welcome you on another adventure with us soon!
via Tripadvisor
Nick was a great guide
Nick was a great guide and made the tour fun!
Response from the operator: Hi Sydn, thank you! We’re so glad Nick made your Tower of London tour such a fun experience. Having an engaging guide bring history to life makes all the difference. We’d love to explore with you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Fun enthusiastic
Enthusiastic guide! Super fun and entertaining! Book nick for all tours!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the awesome shoutout! We are thrilled Nick’s enthusiasm and energy made your Tower of London tour so entertaining. He really is top-tier! Hope to welcome you back on another tour soon.
via Tripadvisor
Interesting
Interesting tour great guide
Response from the operator: Hi Sarah, thank you! We are so glad you had an interesting tour with a great guide. Bringing the history of the Tower of London to life is what we love to do! We would love to welcome you back on another adventure soon.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $76 to $209
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 168
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $76 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 Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 480 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise?
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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 Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise?
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Around 168 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?
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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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tower of London Guided Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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