Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels
London, United Kingdom

Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels

Outty Ranking 64 4.6 · 142 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $105
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

64/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 142 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels worth booking?

Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels is a 1-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $105 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 142 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
64 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (142)
Duration
1 hours
From
$105 per person

Most visitors arrive at the Tower of London to find crowded rooms and long queues at the Jewel House. This tour puts you inside before any of that happens. You join a group of up to 20 guests and begin with a guided walk along the Tower's medieval outer walls, covering stories of Traitors' Gate, royal prisoners, and Thames-side ramparts. Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group inside for the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, where Yeoman Warders march in full dress uniform and unlock the fortress with military precision. It is a living ritual that most visitors never see. Straight after the ceremony, you head to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app then let you explore the White Tower, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and more at your own pace.

What you get

    About this experience

    Most visitors arrive at the Tower of London to find crowded rooms and long queues at the Jewel House. This tour puts you inside before any of that happens. You join a group of up to 20 guests and begin with a guided walk along the Tower's medieval outer walls, covering stories of Traitors' Gate, royal prisoners, and Thames-side ramparts. Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group inside for the Beefeater Opening Ceremony, where Yeoman Warders march in full dress uniform and unlock the fortress with military precision. It is a living ritual that most visitors never see. Straight after the ceremony, you head to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app then let you explore the White Tower, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and more at your own pace.

    What's included

    Included

    • All-day Tower of London entry ticket
    • Tower of London map and audio guide app
    • Guided walking tour of the Tower of London external grounds
    • Self-guided exploration after the ceremony
    • First-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels and Jewel House
    • Pre-opening access to the Tower of London with a Yeoman Warder
    • Beefeater Opening Ceremony viewing
    • Expert English-speaking tour host

    Not included

    • Guided interior tour of the Tower of London

    What you'll see and do

    1. Meet your guide outside the Tower of London Gift Shop for check-in and a welcome briefing. From here, follow your guide along the medieval outer walls, passing the ancient moat, Traitors' Gate, and the Thames-facing ramparts while hearing stories of royal prisoners, ravens, and centuries of intrigue.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Before the Tower opens to the public, a Yeoman Warder leads your group through a side entrance and into the empty fortress. Watch as Yeoman Warders in full dress uniform march through the courtyard and unlock the Tower of London gates with military precision, a living royal ritual that most visitors never witness.

      20 minutes here · Admission included

    3. The Crown Jewels

      Head straight to the Jewel House for first-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels before the queues form. Marvel at the Imperial State Crown, set with over 2,800 diamonds, and the Sovereign's Sceptre, topped with the world's largest colorless cut diamond.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Tower of London

      With the guided portion complete, your all-day entry ticket and included map and audio guide app let you explore every corner of the fortress at your own pace. Seek out the White Tower armories, Bloody Tower, Tower Green, and the Chapel Royal across the rest of the day.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    We highly recommend that you arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time of your tour to ensure a prompt start. You will find the guide in front of the Tower of London shop directly across from the Tower of London entrance.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    We highly recommend that you arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time of your tour to ensure a prompt start. You will find the guide in front of the Tower of London shop directly across from the Tower of London entrance.

    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 20 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    The Tour Guy

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and historic surfaces. Please contact us in advance if you have any questions or concerns about your mobility.
    • A smartphone and headphones are required to access the included audio guide app. Please ensure you bring both on the day of your tour.

    Photos

    Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 2Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 3Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 4Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 5Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 6Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 141 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    141 verified traveler reviews for Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    114
    4 star
    11
    3 star
    7
    2 star
    4
    1 star
    5
    Sort
    Mary_B · October 2026

    Opening Key Ceremony with a Beefeater

    The opening key ceremony with the Beefeater was amazing!!! It was an incredible experience and seeing the Crown Jewels without the crowds was great!

    via Viator

    Cliffysue · October 2026

    Tower and Jewels

    Very informative , Warren obviously loves his job

    via Tripadvisor

    derekhP1323SX · September 2026

    Must do in London!

    Fantastic. Brad was an absolutely great guide and experienced. Perfect amount of time for tour and solo experience after.

    via Tripadvisor

    WayneE380 · September 2026

    Wonderful experience!

    Excellent Guide! Very informative and clear information on what to do after the tour. I think her name was Mina.

    via Tripadvisor

    KansasTraveler500 · September 2026

    Get in early to London tower before the crowds

    This tour is short, but it gets you in the door quick and you get to see the opening from the inside and you get to be the first ones into the crown Jules before it gets busy. The tour guide was very funny and entertaining, and did what he was supposed to do.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for taking the time to write a review! Getting ahead of the afternoon crowds to see the Opening Ceremony and the Crown Jewels first is definitely the best way to experience the Tower of London. We're glad your guide kept things fun and entertaining! Best regards,

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $105 to $147
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    50
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by The Tour Guy, who run 40 experiences we rank across 5 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything The Tour Guy runs

    Why this scores 64

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
    Review evidence (18% weight)66
    Booking momentum (14% weight)60
    Value for money (12% weight)19
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)43
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels cost?

    +

    Prices start at $105 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels take?

    +

    Plan for about 1 hour 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 142 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 Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    Around 50 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 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    Included: All-day Tower of London entry ticket; Tower of London map and audio guide app; Guided walking tour of the Tower of London external grounds; Self-guided exploration after the ceremony; and First-of-the-day access to the Crown Jewels and Jewel House. Not included: Guided interior tour of the Tower of London. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    We highly recommend that you arrive 10 - 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time of your tour to ensure a prompt start. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    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.

    Is Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and historic surfaces. Please. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Tower of London Early Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels?

    +

    Across 142 reviews averaging 4.6 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 Entry: Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels.

    Pick your date