The 5 Best Tours of the Tower of London To Take in 2025 and Why
Brie Greenhalgh
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 truly experience this iconic site. Check out the top tours and make sure you’re seeing it all the right way.
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Should You Take a Tour of the Tower of London?
Short answer: For sure. With 1,000 years of stories packed into those 18 acres, it’ll leave your head spinning if you’re not with someone who knows what they’re talking about.
Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it’s been a fortress, a prison, a palace, an arsenal, a zoo (yep, a zoo) and a museum—basically, it’s done it all. And the legends? They’re everywhere, from ravens to Beefeaters in their fancy uniforms.
Oh, and did I mention there are Roman walls here? Ancient history layered on top of more ancient history. Trust me, you want a guide to make sense of this place. Don’t just take my word for it—see why our clients rave about 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 bedroom, Bloody Tower, White Tower, Beefeater’s Quarters, the crown jewels, and much more. Sound like a lot? Don’t worry, there are ice cream carts inside to refuel yourself!
Most importantly, it means you’ll want to plan your visit carefully since lines can be long to enter the Tower and the Jewel House. Your local guide will watch for the best time to jump in the line to see the crown jewels to maximize your time here. Find out which Tower of London tour is right for you!
After starting in the famous Trafalgar Square, you’ll head to the River Thames for a river cruise on a large boat that gently glides through the river. It makes a few stops on the way, but you’ll have plenty of time to see London’s modern skyline with St. Paul’s Cathedral standing proud among the skyscrapers. And you get an up-close view of the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and so much more before disembarking at the Tower.
Tower of London
Now it’s time to step back in time at the Tower where England’s history is deeply entwined. Decisions that affected the path of the empire were made and executed here (literally). You’ll walk the original walls where soldiers fought off invaders, the canal where prisoners were floated in, the bedroom of an ancient king, and much more.
In fact, did you know there’s a supposedly haunted apartment here in the Beefeater’s Quarters? Listen to your guide explain the crazy stories behind it. But what you might really be interested in is the Jewel House. This is where hundreds of years of British crown jewels are found along with many other extravagant items like massive punch bowls and serving platters.
Highlights:
3 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
2. Early Entry Tower of London Tour with the Beefeaters
Open the Gates
Few get to experience the chance to see the ancient tradition of opening the gates at the Tower of London, but you can on this tour! The Yeoman Warders, affectionately known as Beefeaters, make your exclusive visit fun and educational as they entertain you while still completing their official duties.
Tower of London
Since you arrived when the fortress was opening for the day, you’ll beat most of the crowds inside. That means you might enjoy heading to the Jewel House before the long lines appear, allowing you a less-crowded chance to take in the opulent coronation jewels and royal valuables.
What else will you see? Well, on this 18-acre estate, you’re lucky to have a guide with you to explore some of the many areas open to the public. Enjoy a guided tour of places like Wakefield Tower, St. Thomas’ Tower (a re-created royal bedroom is here!), the Bloody Tower, and Tower Green. The memorial for executed prisoners is a solemn place where your guide will share the real truths behind Anne Boleyn and others.
Highlights:
2 hours
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
3. Exclusive Meet & Greet Tour with the Tower of London Beefeaters
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
4. London in a Day Tour with Westminster Abbey and Tower of London
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
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:
Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
Expert Beefeater guide
Witness the official closing of the Tower of London
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Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.
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