You know the Tower of London as the grim prison of legends like Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh, but it’s so much more. With 18 acres and multiple buildings, it’s a history buff’s dream—or a potential maze if you don’t know where to look. Don’t waste your time wandering aimlessly; a guided tour is the only way to experience this iconic site. Check out the top Tower of London tours and make sure you’re seeing it all the right way.
Should You Take a Tower of London Tour?
Short answer: Absolutely. With 1,000 years of history crammed into 18 acres, the Tower of London can be overwhelming without a guide to bring it to life.
Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it’s been a fortress, prison, palace, arsenal, zoo, and museum. The legends are just as fascinating—think ravens, Beefeaters, and even Roman walls. A guide will help you make sense of it all, and our clients can’t stop raving about the best Tower of London tours.
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Not ready to book a tour? Learn more about How to Visit the Tower of London.
5 of the Best Tower of London Tours
There are 18 acres of grounds here at the Tower of London, though you won’t be able to explore them all. Among the many sites to see are Traitor’s Gate, King James I’s bedroom, Bloody Tower, White Tower, Beefeater’s Quarters, the Crown Jewels, and much more.
If you’re ready to book a tour, click the links below. To learn more, scroll down for our top 5 tours.
- Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
- Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
- Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
- London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
- Tower of London Exclusive After Hours Tour
1. Legends and Lore Tour of the Tower of London
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Tower of London
After meeting your group near the Tower of London Shop, you’ll head to the Tower to uncover its pivotal role in England’s history. Walk the original walls where soldiers defended the empire, see the canal where prisoners arrived, and visit the bedroom of an ancient king.
Did you know there’s a supposedly haunted apartment in the Beefeater’s Quarters? Your guide will share the fascinating stories behind it. And, of course, you’ll visit the Jewel House, home to the British crown jewels and extravagant treasures like massive punch bowls and serving platters.
River Thames Cruise
After your tour, enjoy a flexible ticket for a Thames River Cruise. Relax on a spacious boat as you take in London’s skyline, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and more before disembarking.
Highlights:
- 2.5 hours
- Special group entrance to Tower of London
- Guided tour of the walls, grounds, and many buildings
- Entry to the Jewel House for the crown jewels
- Free time to explore the grounds or nearby Tower Bridge
- Thames River Cruise
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Tower of London Guide for more resources.
2. Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
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Open the Gates
Few get to witness the ancient tradition of opening the gates at the Tower of London, but this tour gives you that exclusive opportunity! The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, make your visit both entertaining and educational as they perform their official duties.
Tower of London
Arriving at opening time means you’ll beat the crowds, giving you a quieter chance to admire the coronation jewels and royal treasures in the Jewel House.
With 18 acres to explore, your guide will lead you through highlights like Wakefield Tower, St. Thomas’ Tower (featuring a re-created royal bedroom), the Bloody Tower, and Tower Green. At the memorial for executed prisoners, hear the real stories of Anne Boleyn and others.
Highlights:
- 1 hr 15 mins
- Early entry to Tower of London
- Exclusive opening ceremony with Beefeater guards
- Guided tour of the walls, grounds, and many buildings
- Entry to the Jewel House for the crown jewels
- Free time to explore the grounds or nearby Tower Bridge
Not ready to book a tour? Learn more about How to Visit the Tower of London.
3. Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
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Private Meeting with a Yeoman Warder
For the most exclusive tour at the Tower of London, this is your best bet. The famed Beefeaters are practically a national treasure. With 20+ years of military service, and a great sense of humor, Yeoman Warders are the top of the class. And they’ll have fascinating stories to tell as you meet with one in a private group inside the Bloody Tower.
Tower of London
Now that you’re totally amped to explore the rest of the Tower of London, follow your expert guide on a journey back through time. You’ll easily navigate places like the Causeway, Beefeater’s Quarters, St. Thomas’ Tower, Wakefield Tower, and more with them at your side. Their stories of tragedy and falsely accused prisoners will make these stone walls come alive.
And of course, you’ll have entry to the famous crown jewels at the Jewel House. Though guides are not allowed inside, they know all about the treasures found inside and will tell you what to watch for. For instance, the oldest piece dates back to the 1600s and you’d easily miss it without their tip as you walk through the displays. This Tower of London tour will be one to remember!
Highlights:
- 2 hours
- Private meet & greet with a Beefeater
- Guided tour of the walls, grounds, and many buildings
- Entry to the Jewel House for the crown jewels
- Free time to explore the grounds or nearby Tower Bridge
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a tour in London is worth it.
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4. London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
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London is a great city to explore, but many of the sites are spread across long distances. That’s why we created this epic London in a Day tour. You’ll be amazed at just how much you’re able to see as you follow the steps of your licensed, local guide. We hire the best guides in London to make sure you have an incredible experience as you explore London’s most historic attractions.
Westminster Abbey
Your day starts at Westminster Abbey with skip-the-line tickets and a guided tour of this ancient church. It’s the site of famous churches, funerals, and every British coronation ceremony since 1066 AD! There’s a lot to discover so you’ll appreciate having a guide who knows exactly where to spend your valuable time here.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Next you’ll head over to the Mall to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days) or the Horse Guard. You’ll get more than a moment’s view of this famous event, since your guide will lead you through the entire process at Buckingham Palace.
You’ll likely have time to see Downing Street, the famous home of Britain’s Prime Ministers before heading to Trafalgar square to choose where to eat lunch. (And get off your feet for a bit!)
River Thames Boat Ride
Next, a ride down the River Thames is the perfect way to see London from a new angle. Pass by several cool landmarks as you float the same route that ancient merchants used for thousands of years. You’ll travel to your next stop: the Tower of London.
Tower of London
Here your guide will unveil the deep history of Britain’s oldest fortress that has Roman origins! Get to know the real history of Thomas Moore, Anne Boleyn, Henry the VIII, Walter Raleigh and more. Plus, step into the museum where the ostentatious crown jewels are kept. This tour makes all of this easy to do and incredibly rewarding too.
Highlights:
- 7 hours
- See the best of London’s top attractions in a single day
- Skip-the-line entry at Westminster Abbey
- Changing of the Guard ceremony (certain days)
- Pictures of Buckingham Palace
- Free time for lunch
- Transportation to Tower of London included
- Quicker entry and guided tour of Tower of London
- Entry to see Crown Jewels
- Free time to walk across Tower Bridge at the end of your tour
Not ready to book a tour? Learn more about How to Visit the Tower of London.
5. Tower of London Exclusive “Closing Ceremony” After Hours Tour
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Step into the Tower of London after hours for a rare, exclusive experience: the Ceremony of the Keys. This centuries-old tradition, dating back to the 14th century, involves the Beefeaters—guardians of the Tower—securing the fortress gates for the night. During this one-hour guided tour, you’ll explore the Tower in its quiet, after-dark state, with a Beefeater sharing fascinating stories of its royal history, famous prisoners, and legendary events.
Witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys firsthand is a truly unique opportunity. As the Chief Yeoman Warder locks the gates in a precise, symbolic ritual, you’re transported into a living piece of history. This exclusive, after-hours experience offers a rare glimpse into the Tower’s secrets, making it an unforgettable way to discover one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Highlights:
- 1 hr 45 mins
- Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
- Expert Beefeater guide
- Witness the official closing of the Tower of London
- Walking tour of the Tower’s grounds
- Max group size of 50
Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it.
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