Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What's the best Tower of London tour?

Accepted Answer

This one covers the most ground. You get early entry for the Opening Ceremony, first access to the Crown Jewels before the 9 AM public opening, a full guided tour of the Tower grounds with a Blue Badge guide, and a Thames river cruise after. If you want an even more exclusive experience, our VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour with Beefeater & Ceremony of the Keys takes you inside the Tower in the evening with a Yeoman Warder as your personal guide.

Question 2

Will we see the Crown Jewels before the general public?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your early access Tower of London tour gets you into the Jewel House before the main gates open at 9 AM. You'll be among the first inside, which means you can take your time on the moving walkway and study the collection without the queues that build later in the day.

Question 3

What are the benefits of an early access Tower of London tour?

Accepted Answer

You see the Opening Ceremony, which only happens once each morning. You get first entry to the Crown Jewels, avoiding queues that can stretch to an hour or more by midday. And you start your guided tour of the grounds before the site fills up, which means more space, less noise, and a better experience with your Blue Badge guide.

Question 4

What parts of the Tower are included on this Tower of London guided tour?

Accepted Answer

The guided portion covers the Opening Ceremony, Bloody Tower, execution site on Tower Green, Torture Chamber, castle walls, and Edward I's restored bedroom. The Crown Jewels are self-guided inside the Jewel House. Your guide will brief you on the most significant pieces before you enter, and you'll explore at your own pace (guides are not permitted inside by the Tower's own rules). The tour ends at the White Tower, which you explore on your own. You're welcome to stay inside the Tower grounds for as long as you'd like after the guided tour.

Question 5

Will I see Beefeaters on this tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Beefeaters perform the Opening Ceremony that starts your tour, and you'll see them on the grounds throughout your visit. Beefeaters are former military personnel with distinguished service records who have been invited to live and serve at the Tower of London. They are among the most recognizable figures in British ceremonial life, and they're usually happy to chat if you catch them between duties.

Question 6

How long does this Tower of London small group tour take?

Accepted Answer

About three hours for the guided portion, from the Opening Ceremony through the Tower grounds tour. You can stay longer to explore the White Tower on your own, and your Thames river cruise pass is flexible for the rest of the day.

Question 7

Can I take photos inside the exhibits, especially the Crown Jewels?

Accepted Answer

You can take photos throughout the Tower grounds, but photography is not permitted inside the Jewel House.

Question 8

Can I bring luggage or large bags into the Tower of London?

Accepted Answer

Large bags and luggage are not permitted, and there is no luggage storage at the Tower. Small bags and backpacks are fine and will be checked at security. Travel light.

Question 9

What's the dress code and what should I bring?

Accepted Answer

There's no formal dress code, but the Tower grounds are large and mostly outdoors. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bring a waterproof layer if rain is forecast. The river cruise has a heated indoor saloon if you need to warm up afterward.

Question 10

Is this Tower of London tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Children are welcome and those under 2 join free. The Crown Jewels, the ravens, and the armory tend to be highlights for younger visitors. The guided portion is about three hours with plenty of stops, so it's manageable for most ages.

Complete Tower of London tour

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The Opening Ceremony: 700 years, every single morning

The Crown Jewels: see every crown, before the crowds

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