Express Early Access Tower of London Tour and Beefeater Experience

Afterward, continue on your own to the dazzling Jewel House before it's filled with curious observers for a superb look at crowns and other lavish gems used during the coronation of the British monarch. There’s also the somber Tower Green, once used for high-profile executions, the centuries-old White Tower, now filled with an array of historic artifacts, and many other storied corners to check out before biding farewell.

Early Access Tower of London Tour with Beefeater Experience Description

Your 1 hour and 15 minutes tour includes:

• Passionate, English speaking guide

• Early skip-the-line tickets to the Tower of London

• Exclusive Beefeater experience

• Early access to the Jewel House

• Time to explore on your own

• Maximum Group Size of 30

Meet Your Guide

Right from the start, you’ll meet your guide and fellow history enthusiasts near the entrance to the famous Tower of London. Here, under the formidable walls of this ancient fortress, your guide will start peeling back the layers of its storied past. Originally erected in 1066 by William the Conqueror to cement Norman rule over London, the Tower has transformed through the centuries from a royal residence to a high-security prison, an armory, and a treasury. And with your early access tickets, you're set to beat the crowds and step inside these historic grounds to discover its secrets for yourself.

Meet one of the Tower’s Beefeaters

As you enter, keep an eye out for a Beefeater—officially known as a Yeoman Warder—who awaits to welcome you deeper into the Tower. These celebrated guardians, who started as royal bodyguards under King Henry VII, now share the Tower's rich and colorful history with guests from across the globe. During your visit, not only will a Beefeater provide a glimpse into the lesser-known aspects of their roles, but you’ll also have a chance to snap a photo with them and ask any burning questions about their fascinating lives and duties.

Visit the Jewel House

While the guided portion of the tour ends after the Beefeaters experience, there’s still plenty more to discover on your own. You’ll likely want to head straight to the Jewel House, as long lines are known to form by mid-morning. In the quieter hours, the opulent Crown Jewels have an even greater majestic appeal. Seek out the Imperial State Crown and the historic St. Edward’s Crown, and ponder the stories behind other lesser-known crowns, scepters, orbs, and other regal artifacts.

Explore the Tower Green and the White Tower

As you continue your journey through the Tower of London, your next steps may lead you to the somber Tower Green. This site is famously known as the execution ground of two of Henry VIII's queens, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, as well as other royal and noble prisoners who required a more private and discreet execution. Nearby awaits White Tower, the oldest part of the complex which was constructed under the orders of William the Conqueror in 1066. While it’s been used for a range of purposes in the past, including as a royal residence and a records office, today it houses a collection of houses and artifacts that bring London’s turbulent history to life.

When you’ve explored it all, or your brain is decidedly overflowing with intriguing bits of history, it’s time to bid farewell to the Tower of London. There’s no hurry, though. The freedom is yours to explore as long as you please… or at least until the closing announcement. Thanks for joining!