The Tower of London ★★★

The Tower of London is one of London's most famous landmarks. Known for its feathered inhabitants, its gruesome executions, and its famous prisoners, the Tower is the site of intriguing stories that inspire and fascinates young visitors. Why do the ravens live in the Tower? Was the Tower really used as a zoo? In this 2.5-hour Tower of London for Kids Tour, led by a specially trained family-friendly historian, we'll provide an engaging way to experience London with kids. Includes hands-on activities.

• Visits the Tower of London
• Tower of London for Kids Tour led by a scholar trained to work with children.
• Incorporates activities to stimulate learning in a fun and engaging way.

Tower of London for Kids

We’ll begin our walk by learning a bit about the history of the Tower and the stories surrounding the building of this royal residence. We will talk about the importance of building on the river banks and how how many other Royal residence still are by the banks of the Thames. Can you name one?

Traveling through time, we will meet Queens and Kings, look at the stunning Crown Jewels and learn about famous executions that took place in the Tower. At each stop, our docent, trained in visual thinking strategies, will engage the young adventurers with inquisitive questions and activities while simultaneously putting the tower into its historical context.

Looking for another family-friendly London tour? Try our British Museum for Kids Tour.

Take Aways

By the end of the tour, all participants will have discovered numerous fascinating characters and stories. Children and adults will come away with a better understanding of British history, and the role of the Tower of London in history and today.

In addition to our family program tours, we are able to adapt certain other tours to the needs of families, such as our Westminster Abbey Tour. Please contact us for more details.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?

The tour meets near the Tower, in an easy to find location away from the crowds. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24/7 phone number. The walking tour ends within the Tower grounds.

Will we get to see the Crown Jewels? 

Yes, the Crown Jewels are part of the tour. You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

Can we schedule a tour in the afternoon? 

We generally recommend morning tours, as crowds can be very bad in the afternoon, especially to see the Crown Jewels. However, we can sometimes make exceptions. Get in touch if you require a different start time.

Can we skip the line? 

Yes, we pre-purchase tickets to the Tower, allowing you and your family to go right in as soon as you arrive.

From beheadings to Beefeater, political intrigue, and the Crown Jewels, few sites represent London better than it's famous Tower. This 3-hour Tower of London Tour, led by a historian who has taught British history extensively, uses the Tower as backdrop for understanding and discussing British history, the political intrigues of kings and queens, and the daily life of commoners. Together, we'll discuss the many roles the Tower has played, from strategic outpost of William the Conquerer to a prison and site of execution that witnessed the beheading of two of Henry VIII's wives. With a history that spans nearly 1,000 years, there is much more than this to explore and discover.

• Tower of London Tour explores the Tower and surrounding area
• Led by a scholar of British history
• Small group sightseeing in London - 6 people max.
• No waiting in line.

Tower of London Tour

We will begin with a walk outside the tower and consider the oldest part of the structure, which was built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s. We will think about the strategic advantages to its location by the River Thames on the edge of the wealthy City of London and its role as a reminder to Londoners of the power and military might of the king. Upon entering, we will discuss the architectural developments of the Tower of London as a castle and a royal residence in relation to the political and social presence of the ruling monarch and the various messages of power that it conveyed.

Bloody Tower

At the execution site, we will remember those who were executed and imprisoned here on charges of treason and we will explore the question of why private rather than public executions were chosen and the political implications each sentence held. In hearing of famous prisoners like Guy Fawkes, who attempted to blow up Parliament in 1605, as well as in seeing examples of torture instruments from the past, we will discuss questions of imprisonment, torture, and execution.

Looking for tours of more London landmarks? Try our Westminster Abbey Tour or St. Paul's Cathedral Tour.

Beefeaters

On our tour we will also see the Yeoman Warders, or the Beefeaters as they are more commonly known, who are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower; the ravens that have been at the tower for over 300 years and the legend surrounding them; and the Crown Jewels, used in the coronation ceremony of each new monarch, which symbolize the divine right of kings. We will discuss these in relation to the authority conferred by tradition and to the narrative within the story of the tower. We will further explore this in relation to the Victorians and the many narratives they constructed, specifically looking at Traitor's Gate and the execution site, and in relation to contemporary narratives spun by the guides.

Wrapping Up

Then, depending on your preference and continuing along with the themes of power and authority, we can enter the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London constructed in the 1070s, and explore the state-of-the-art Norman fortress and royal palace. We will see spectacular examples of Henry VIII's armor and discuss the functions of the medieval tournament and its chivalric ideals. Alternatively, we can explore the many other towers, perhaps seeing the graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners in the Beauchamp Tower (also known as the Bloody Tower), where two young princes were said to have been murdered in 1483.

FAQ

Where do we meet? Where does it end?

The tour meets near the Tower, in an easy to find location away from the crowds. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map, and 24/7 phone number. The walking tour ends within the Tower grounds.

Does this walk "skip the line"?

Yes, we use a reserved entry to bypass the ticket line at the entrance. However, if you are interested in a fully exclusive, "no crowds" experience, we also offer an early morning Tower of London walk

Will we see the Crown Jewels?

Yes, the Jewels are part of the tour. Please note that during peak season the Jewel House can be quite crowded, especially in the late morning and early afternoon.

Can I buy food and drink at the Tower or should I bring my own snacks?

Yes. There are various restaurants and cafés at the Tower offering a wide range of refreshments, snacks and meals, but you can also bring your own snacks.

Can I take photographs?

You are welcome to take photographs or to video within most of the Tower but photography and filming are not permitted inside the Jewel House, the Martin Tower, the chapel of St John inside the White Tower or in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.

Is the Tower of London accessible?

Whilst the Tower welcomes all visitors, this historic building has places with difficult stairs and passageways and wheelchair access is limited. There are also a large number of steps throughout the Tower with cobbles laid in some of the roads. However, the Jewel House and the Crown Jewels are fully accessible to all visitors.

Is this tour good for kids?

Yes! We have some excellent family friendly docents who can appeal to the learning styles of children. We have a separate Tower of London for Families walk just for families with children 12 and under. When booking, free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible docent.

The Tower of London, while an incredibly worthwhile site, can be overwhelming by itself—a situation exacerbated by the throngs that visit every day. For those looking to skip the crowds and get an exclusive early access Tower of London Tour—including a look at the Crown Jewels—we offer a private, early morning visit before the Tower opens to the public. Together, in the company of a historian specializing in English history, we'll learn about kings and queens, political intrigue, and history of this magnificent structure.

• No lines, no crowds
• See the Tower and Crown Jewels just with our docent.
• Early Access Tower of London Tour led by expert historian

Early Access Tower of London Tour

We start the tour at 8AM, 90 minutes before the opening to the public. After a short introduction, we will be met by one of the Yeoman Warder who will open the gates of the Tower for us. On our way to the Jewel House we will learn about the history of this Royal Palace and prison, including how its role has changed through the centuries. Once we've arrived at the Jewel House, we will be greeted by the Duty Exhibitor and be invited through to the Treasury for a private viewing of the Crown Jewels.

For our normal visit to this iconic landmark, see our Tower of London Tour.

Exclusive Access

After this we may be able to visit the cell in which Thomas More was kept for 15 months. This atmospheric cell is accessed only through the Queen's House and is not usually open to the public. The rest of the visit will be designed based on your interests and desire. We may visit the White Tower, the oldest part of the complex, or the Tower Green, site of execution of the likes of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. Execution at the Tower was a privilege reserved for those of high rank or for those who had dangerously strong popular support.

Looking for another exclusive London experience? Take a tennis lesson on the same courts used by Henry VIII on a private Hampton Court Tour.

Take Aways

At the end of this tour we will come away having gained a unique and unparalleled experience at the Tower of London, including visiting sections not otherwise open to the public and having seen the Crown Jewels in absolute peace.

Join a Level 26 Pokemon Trainer and Pokemon Gym Leader* on a Pokemon London walk which gives you the best chance of covering a variety of different Pokemon types as well as fruitful Pokestops and iconic London gyms. This Pokemon London adventures aim to increase your Pokemon knowledge via pokestops, hunting specific Pokemon for your pokedex, improving your catching capabilities and increasing your own team gym prestige. Meet your guide at a central location to start your day. Explore some of London's key landmarks while on the hunt for Pokemon. Explore the area of London Bridge while on the hunt to catch water and psychic Pokemon before we move to the exciting area of More London.

Then cross Tower Bridge and head towards the Tower of London in the hunt for Rock and Grass Pokemon which have been known to hide there. What will we find?  It is optional to end the tour with a gym battle / training session, then bid farewell to your guide.No matter what level you have reached or which team you are a member of, you will enjoy exploring both real and virtual London simultaneously on this unique tour.

Meet your guide at Temple Underground Station in London, then board a comfortable minivan and head to St Paul’s Cathedral. On arrival, show your pre-booked ticket or pay your entrance fee (depending on the option selected), and then explore the 17th-century cathedral on an independent, audio-guided tour. Take in the skyline from the dome and descend to the crypt to see the tombs of famous British figures like Sir Winston Churchill.

After roughly 1.5 hours, join back up with your guide and continue to the Mall for the Changing of the Guard. Along the way, pass showstopper sights like 10 Downing Street, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and learn more about London's history. Hop out of your minivan in Trafalgar Square and set off on foot to Buckingham Palace. See Horse Guards Parade and other royal residences, then marvel at the pageantry of the world-famous ceremony as you march alongside the guards on the Mall.

Continue by minivan to the Tower of London, a majestic castle first built in the 11th century, stopping off on route for lunch (own expense). On arrival, opt to join a complimentary tour by one of the Beefeater guards to learn more about the tower's role in British history. Then, enjoy time at your leisure to see the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Traitor's Gate and other highlights. Alternatively, if you've not upgraded to include entrance fees, make the most of free time to explore the City of London at your own pace. Perhaps stroll along the banks of the Thames River or visit nearby Tower Bridge (own expense).

Make your final stop of the day at the British Museum, which boast the largest collection of antiquities in the world, spanning two million years. Your guide helps you navigate more easily around the vast museum and sheds light on prestigious exhibits such as the Rosetta Stone. If there's any area of history you're particularly interested in, let your guide know so your visit can be tailored to suit your interests.
When the time comes, stroll to the nearest tube stop and ask for directions on how to get back to your accommodation, if required.
Viator Exclusives combine unique experiences and great deals — from traditional tours to once-in-a-lifetime experiences — and are not available from other 3rd-party online sellers.

Start your day with pickup at the Victoria Coach Station in central London, and then travel by air-conditioned coach to St. Paul's Cathedral. Spend the morning there, then travel to Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony in 2011. Pose for photos outside the Gothic crowd pleaser. Head to the Mall outside Buckingham Palace to watch the legendary Changing of the Guard ceremony. Accompanied by a military band, soldiers from the Queen’s Foot Guard march in time to drumbeats, performing a ceremonial ritual that dates back centuries.

Move on to the Tower of London, a former prison, fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit sites like Traitor’s Gate, the Torture Exhibition and, of course, the glittering Crown Jewels – a collection of irreplaceable and historic items. Spend some free time here exploring and eating lunch.

Hop aboard a sightseeing boat for a short trip down the River Thames. Cruise down the river, looking out for the top London attractions such as  Shakespeare’s Globe, and then step out onto dry land.

Finish your tour back at the start point or alternatively, upgrade to finish on a high note with one of two optional activities. Options include an afternoon tea on the Thames River or a must-do London Eye flight, for picture-perfect views over the capital. Both activities include transport to the attraction, but no transport back.

Please note: If your tour falls on a date when the Changing of the Guard ceremony is not taking place, you will stop at Buckingham Palace for photos

The Tower of London is Europe's best preserved medieval fortress, and one of London's oldest buildings. It was established by William the Conqueror in 1067, and over the centuries many members of royalty and the aristocracy have lost their lives here.

Accompanied by your private guide, you'll visit the Jewel House containing the Crown Jewels, the White Tower and Chapel of St. John, one of the purest expressions of Norman architecture. You'll gain incredible insights into the Tower's architecture and history on this private walking tour, with ceremony and tradition provided by the Yeomen Warden who parade daily at 11am in the Inner Ward.

Just down river from the Tower is Tower Bridge, a famous London landmark built between 1886 and 1894. The view from the towers provides a wonderful panorama of London, all the way down river to Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

This in-depth private walking tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge is hosted by an expert guide specializing in art history. Please list any special interests you have (art, architecture, history, culture) at the time of booking to alert your guide, so they can prepare for your private tour.

Book in advance and jump the queue at the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. Don't waste time waiting in lines on vacation! Your pass is valid for one visit to each attraction and is valid for two years. You'll have plenty of time to explore the stories and intrigues at each site at your leisure, as part of your own itinerary.

Tower of London
Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London reverberates with dark secrets, where priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.

Hampton Court Palace
Flamboyant King Henry VIII developed this majestic palace after acquiring it in the 1520s. The palace has fabulous furnishings, tapestries and paintings, and is set in formal gardens, which include the famous maze and Great Vine.

Kensington Palace
Generations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens, from Queen Mary to Victoria, and more recently, Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, the palace also houses a stunning collection of fashionable formal dress worn for state and royal occasions.

Tower of London
Home to the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London reverberates with dark secrets, where priceless jewels glint in fortified vaults and pampered ravens strut the grounds. Founded by William the Conqueror in 1066, and enlarged and modified by successive sovereigns, the Tower of London is one of the world's most famous and spectacular fortresses. Discover its 900-year history as royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, mint, arsenal, menagerie and jewel house.

Thames River Sightseeing Cruise
The best way to see the sights and splendor of this great capital city is from the deck of a boat. The River Thames weaves its way through London, with history around every bend.

You'll experience the sights and splendor of this great city from the comfort of a modern, all-weather, wheelchair-friendly RiverLiner, with open upper decks and spacious lower saloons with panoramic windows. Take advantage of two bars providing light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages.

Cruises depart frequently from Westminster Pier, Waterloo (London Eye) Pier, Tower and Greenwich Pier. The shortest trips between piers last around 30 minutes, while the full round trip takes 2.5 leisurely hours.

London City Sightseeing Tour Including Tower of London and City of London (4.5 Hours)Meet your guide in Trafalgar Square, and then settle into your comfortable seat aboard an air-conditioned coach. Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts so you can hear your guide talking clearly about each site.

Your first stop is a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral. Crowned by the magnificent dome that continues to dominate the London skyline, the cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and the services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Next it's on to the Tower of London, the ancient fortress steeped in centuries of murder and treason. The splendidly dressed Beefeaters will tell you about the Tower's history, including tragic tales of royals and nobles who met their end within its walls. You'll also see the Crown Jewels, including the 6,000-year-old Koh-I-Noor diamond and impressive coronation regalia.

Then continue to the City of London, that famous square mile where new architecture towers above buildings dating back to medieval times.

Your tour concludes in Trafalgar Square around an hour before you need to meet for your next tour.

Jack the Ripper Tour and London Ghost Walk (3 Hours)Join up with your coach in Trafalgar Square or along the nearby Strand. Then, as you travel to your first stop, listen to your guide set the scene for your evening tour. The year is 1888. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has just published his first Sherlock Holmes story; meanwhile, in the Whitechapel district of London's East End, five women are brutally murdered by the world's first recognized serial killer, Jack the Ripper.

Gaze out of the window and see sights such as the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which is said to be the most haunted theater in London, and the Old Bailey — a site of numerous public hangings. You’ll also visit Fleet Street, home of the demonic barber Sweeny Todd and his accomplice Mrs Lovett, who allegedly baked pies from the flesh of his victims and sold them to unsuspecting customers.

In Whitechapel, jump out of your coach to inspect some of Jack the Ripper's murder sites, decipher the evidence and discuss the suspects. You'll even see Ten Bells Pub, established in 1752, where many of the merciless killer's victims came to drink.

The tour finishes at a traditional pub near Trafalgar Square, where you can calm your nerves with a drink (own expense).

Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones as your tour starts and listen to your guide talking clearly about each site. If you want to wander aside and take photos of attractions, you won’t miss any of the commentary!

First stop is a guided tour of Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece, St. Paul's Cathedral. Crowned by the magnificent dome that continues to dominate the London skyline, the cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666. In recent years it has seen the wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, to Lady Diana Spencer and, most recently, the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

Then it's on to the Tower of London, the ancient fortress steeped in centuries of murder and treason, guarded by jet-black ravens. The splendidly dressed Beefeaters will tell you about the Tower's history, including tragic tales of royals and nobles who met their end within its walls. You'll also see the fabulous Crown Jewels, including the 6,000-year-old Koh-I-Noor diamond and impressive coronation regalia. Before you leave the tower, your guide will hand you a ticket for sightseeing cruise to Westminster Pier. The ticket can be used after your tour, or any other day of your choice (up until March 31, 2016).

You'll then continue by coach to the City of London, that famous square mile where brash new architecture towers above buildings dating back to medieval times. The Romans founded Londinium here 2,000 years ago, and the city's square mile of narrow streets follows the cramped medieval street plan.
You'll see the glorious dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, the elegant Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of London, and the nearby Bank of England, known as the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street, at the heart of the City.

St Paul’s Cathedral is closed to the public on Sundays and following dates: December 23 2014, February 4, 18, March 19, April 3 and May 12 2015. On these dates, there will be a photo stop outside the Cathedral and the tour will visit Tower Bridge Exhibition or Banqueting House instead.

See London on a full-day sightseeing tour of the city, led by a guide. Hear the history of top London attractions like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, and receive fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral. After the sightseeing tour, watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace and tour the Tower of London. As a bonus, this experience also includes a one-way River Thames sightseeing cruise, which can be used on the day or another time. Upgrade to include a flexible London Eye ticket to be used on any day you wish.

Meet your guide on board your air-conditioned coach, and then relax as you travel around central London to see the sights. Pass through Parliament Square, seeing the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben clock, and then travel past Westminster Abbey where Prince William married Kate Middleton in a lavish royal wedding ceremony. Admire prestigious government buildings at Whitehall and Downing Street, and then see the hustle and bustle that surrounds Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square.

Travel to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen, and walk around in front of the gates to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. Have your camera ready to capture the pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s Foot Guard as they march in their eye-catching red tunics and bearskin hats, and then travel by coach to a traditional London pub in Trafalgar Square.

Rest and refuel with a hearty lunch (own expense), and then continue your day of sightseeing with a visit to the City of London, an area just east of the city center where many of London’s banks can be found. Look out for the sights as your guide explains their history and hop out for fast-track entry and a guided tour of St Paul's Cathedral.

Continue to the Tower of London, and head inside to explore at your leisure. The former prison and fortress, which looks out over the River Thames, was built to terrify potential invaders and Londoners alike. Steeped in centuries of murder and treason, the tower is fascinating to explore with its famous jet-black ravens and Beefeater guides. Should you wish, opt to join one of the complimentary Beefeater tours that run every 30 minutes and hear tragic tales of the royals and nobles who met their end within the tower’s walls.

Before your tour finishes, receive a ticket for a sightseeing cruise along the River Thames, from the Tower of London to Westminster Pier. Upgrade to include an flexible ticket for the London Eye, to used any time you wish.

Your Viator VIP London tour starts at the Tower of London, which you'll enter before the public opening. Meet your guide as well as one of the tower’s Beefeater guards who will personally show you around. The formidable 11th-century tower was built to act as a fortress, palace and prison — terrifying Londoners and foreign invaders alike. Watch the historic opening ceremony, where members of the military escort march around the tower with the Beefeaters to open it for business.

On your tour of the tower, see the Crown Jewels — a dazzling collection of jewels and diamonds that are still used today by the Queen. Stroll along the East Wall Walk for a bird’s-eye view of the city streets, explore the White Tower, and see the ravens that have lived here since the reign of King Charles II. The superstitious king believed the tower would fall if the birds left.

Next, walk to nearby St Paul’s Cathedral, the much-cherished architectural icon that’s home to the Triforium, an area typically closed to the public but open to you! Standout features include the Dean’s Staircase (featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) and a medieval library. See both, and then marvel at the vertigo-inducing views toward the nave. In addition to the Triforium, visit the Whispering Gallery and Crypt, too. Your experience then finishes here.
Please note: The visit to the Crown Jewels is not guided.

Your tour begins with a visit to one of London’s most iconic attractions, The Tower of London. Be one of the first groups admitted on the day before proceeding to the most historic part, The White Tower. Here you will be welcomed by a White Tower warden for a talk on its unique history. Explore all four floors, including the Royal Armouries Collection, and see the Crown Jewels, which are part of the Royal Collection and still used regularly by the Queen.

Then head into the City of London, where you'll see St. Paul's Cathedral and the Bank of England, among many of London’s other famous landmarks, hearing more about the history of this fascinating city. Cross over iconic Tower Bridge before you visit Borough Market.

Borough Market is London’s most renowned food and drink market and dates back to 1014. Both a source of British and international produce, it consists of more than 100 stalls and strands. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh produce to the market including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, breads, cheeses, coffees, and cakes. You'll have time to explore the many stalls and enjoy some of the local delicacies before heading to Westminster Abbey.

Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs. The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important gothic buildings in the country. Take a comprehensive tour as your guide brings the story of the Abbey to life. Top off the day with a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Cellarium Café located inside the Abbey complete with sandwiches, scones, cakes and your choice of tea. Your tour will end here so you can enjoy your afternoon tea at your own pace.

Please note: A state of the art audio-guide system is used during the walking sections of this tour. You'll receive a personal headset to ensure you never miss a word of the guide's commentary.

Best of Royal London Walking Tour Including the Tower of London and Changing of the Guard (4 Hours)Meet your guide at the Tower of London, and head inside before the doors open to the general public. Learn about the tower’s history, see the opening ceremony, and then use your time inside to explore independently. Perhaps visit the White Tower, Medieval Palace and Traitors’ Gate, and see the Crown Jewels — a dazzling collection of jewels still used by Queen Elizabeth II today.

After, meet back up with your guide and walk to a nearby pier for your 30-minute cruise. As you glide along the Thames River, listen to your guide share details about the sights you see including St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Disembark at Embankment Pier, then stroll to Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade to watch the Changing of the Guard. As you watch the Queen’s Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry perform this impressive ceremony, listen to your guide talk about the history behind it.

Continue on foot through St James's Park and finish your tour by Buckingham Palace, where you’ll see the balcony where the British Royal Family appear during events. After your tour, enjoy two hours of free time for lunch (own expense) before meeting back up with your guide for your afternoon tour.

Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.

Highlights of London Walking Tour Including Afternoon Tea (2.5 Hours)Meet your guide at the prearranged time and location in central London, and then set off on foot to begin your walking tour of London’s premier sights. If required, plug into a headset to help you hear your guide’s commentary clearly.

With your guide, stroll through the capital’s bustling streets and make your first stop at Trafalgar Square, home to the iconic National Gallery, the beautiful St Martin in the Fields church and Nelson’s column.

Continue on to Whitehall, the center of Her Majesty’s Government. Pass by Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister, and the Horse Guards Parade, and proceed to Parliament Square.

Be awed by spectacular views of world-famous sights including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton were married.

After your walking tour, stroll to the 4-star St Ermin's Hotel, where you’ll indulge in a traditional afternoon tea. On arrival, take a seat in the lavish dining room and savor an exquisite spread of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, cakes and pastries, and a selection of British tea.

With your appetite sated, bid your guide a fond farewell before making your own way back to your hotel or next destination.

Meet your guide outside the Tower of London in the morning. Receive your early access ticket, then listen to your guide’s commentary before heading inside to explore independently. Bypass any entrance lines and step straight inside to see the opening ceremony. You’ll also be one of the first to enter the Jewel House, where the Crown Jewels — a dazzling collection of jewels still used today by Queen Elizabeth II — have been stored since 1303. You may also witness the opening ceremony, performed by the Yeoman Warders, or ‘Beefeaters.’
Stroll along the East Wall Walk for bird’s-eye views of the city streets, and see the ravens that have lived here since the reign of King Charles II. Visit the White Tower, Medieval Palace and Traitors’ Gate, and see the Tower Green where a string of traitors and monarchs, including Anne Boleyn, were executed.
After your visit, meet back up with your guide and head to a nearby pier where a cruise boat awaits. Hop aboard and find yourself a spot on deck, then have your camera ready as you set off on a 30-minute Thames River cruise. Listen to your guide share interesting details about the sights you see including St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Disembark at Embankment Pier, then stroll with your guide to Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade to watch the Changing of the Guard. Listen to your guide talk about the ceremony’s history, then watch as the crimson-clad Queen’s Foot Guards or the Household Cavalry perform this impressive procedure.
Finish your tour outside Buckingham Palace. See the balcony where the British Royal Family appear during major events, and hear tales of murderous intruders and amorous princes scaling the walls to get both in and out.
Please note: If there is heavy rain — or if the Changing of the Guard is rescheduled to early morning — the ceremony will be replaced with an extended walking tour.

Embark on a 2.5-hour, family-friendly Tower of London tour, specially designed to draw out the tower’s murky history in a creative and imaginative way. Set out on a cruise along the Thames River, envisioning the smugglers, pirates, and mutineers that once sailed its waters as you listen to the onboard guide's commentary. Then, be among the first of the day's groups to visit the Tower of London. Explore with your guide and learn about its history, which is brought vividly to life through engaging tales that keep the youngsters of your group in mind.

Make your way to Embankment Pier on the Thames River to begin your family-friendly tour. Here, hop aboard a boat for a cruise down the river, or as your guide will describe it, “a ship to sail the high seas like the mariners of the past would have done.”

Take in views of the city as your guide regales you and your family with tales of the smugglers, pirates, and mutineers that once sailed these same waters and the fate that befell them when caught. Envision the scallywags who were once marched across London Bridge by a man with a silver oar – the symbol of the power of the Admiralty – en route to their punishment.

Once the Tower of London comes into view along the riverbanks, it’s time to disembark. Admire views of both the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge — one of the most recognizable bridges in the world — and imagine the events that have taken place at these sites. Any young ones will be hard at play, completing the specially designed activity materials provided by the guide.

Next it’s one to the Tower of London, a notorious former prison and execution ground where even members of the British Royal Family came to a fateful end. An early morning arrival means that you'll be among the tower's first explorers of the day.

Enter the grounds and let history come alive as your guide bares the tower’s secrets. See the guardians known as “Beefeaters,” and learn about their proud traditions; find out the former use of the ominously named Traitor’s Gate; and hear the legend of the ravens that stalk the grounds.

Marvel, too, at the spectacular Crown Jewels, see the medieval palace where royalty once lived and the towers where prisoners were once held, and march along the ramparts, enjoying spectacular river views as you go.

Your tour concludes inside the Tower of London, leaving you free to spend the rest of your day as you wish.

Capital of the United Kingdom, home to the royal family, a cosmopolitan city at the crossroads of history, London has much to offer to both seasoned travelers and first-time visitors. But seeing the best of what this bustling 13-million person metropolis has to offer doesn’t have to usurp your entire vacation. This tour is a quick-yet-comprehensive strolling tour of the township’s top sites, followed by a jaunt to the quaint English countryside to see where the most famous Londoners - the Royal Family - escape to!

Begin your day at the famed and somewhat infamous Tower - former prison and execution site of three Queens of England.  This early morning visit means you will be among the first to enter the Jewel House and view the spectacular crown jewels, which have been held here and locked up for safekeeping every night for the last 600 years. These are the official regalia and vestments used by the Sovereign of the United Kingdom during the coronation ceremony and other noble appearances.  This priceless collection includes magnificent orbs, swords, rings, and of course, crowns and sceptres. During your visit you will also be able to see the famous white tower, where it is said that the ‘Princes in the Tower’ were held and supposedly murdered by their Uncle Richard III to usurp the throne from their father, King Edward IV.

Then it’s time to step aboard a relaxing river shuttle as the tour heads up the Thames. Enjoy the sights as your guide points out major landmarks as you coast by. Arrive at the embankment and follow your guide on a short stroll to see the changing of the guards. This world-famous ceremony takes place either at Buckingham Palace or at Horse Guards Parade, depending on the day.  Your guide will make sure you are in a prime position to enjoy the best views at this crowded event. End your tour at Buckingham Palace and see the famous balcony where the royal family appears during major events.

After your free time - Meet your guide at a central London station and with your pre-booked tickets handed to you, you can leisurely board your train to the quaint village of Windsor. On arrival at Windsor, feeling relaxed and refreshed, you will be eager to explore this authentically English town with your enthusiastic guide.

More tales of the luminaries of British life await as your guide show you Eton, home of the most famous school in England, Eton College. This charming town was the playground of some of the most recognisable figures in British history as young boarders at Eton – Prime Ministers, writers George Orwell and Ian Fleming, and of course, Princes William and Harry. Your guide will educate you on what life is like for these schoolboys.

Having seen the town, it’s now time to visit the home of their grandmother – Windsor Castle. This is the longest occupied palace in Europe, having housed all British monarchs since Henry I, and is favoured by Queen Elizabeth II as her weekend retreat. A treasure trove of royal history, the splendour of this palace will reveal itself to you as you are expertly steered through its rooms by your audio guide. Admire the intricate Gothic architecture of St. George’s Chapel, final resting place of monarchs including King Henry VIII. At the turn of every palatial corridor, another royal jewel lays waiting to be unearthed by you.

On this exciting 3-hour tour you’ll start the morning with an opportunity to witness the Tower of London opening ceremony and be one of the first to view the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. Formerly a fortress, a prison, and the macabre execution site of three Queens of England, this tour includes pre-booked early morning tour where tour guests bypass the crowds that form later in the day and enjoy being among the first to see the Crown Jewels. This incredible collection is on view in the Jewel House for the last 600 years and include swords, crowns, scepters, orbs, rings all in a dazzling collection that is sure to inspire and captivate anyone who is fortunate to visit. Guests will spend approximately two hours on site exploring the Tower highlights before being led on a thrilling walking tour over the Tower Bridge before enjoying easy access to the Tower Bridge Exhibition for amazing one-of-a-kind views of this remarkable London icon and city wonder.

Before entering the Tower Bridge Exhibition for a self-guided tour, your expert local guide will accompany the tour group to a secret location to take the best picture of the City of London and give an incredible captivating detailed narration on the Tower Bridge including the story of its important past and its remarkable connection to British history. This must-do tour invites any visitor to London a one of a kind opportunity to discover two of London's most famous attractions. On this tour you will be guaranteed a tour experience to explore British iconic history, spectacular views, enthralling exhibitions and magnificent royal heritage.

Visit the Tower of London (entry not included) to discover its history on a 2 to 3 hours private tour. See the Crown Jewels of the Royal Family, and more. See priceless treasures of the British monarchy, including the Imperial State Crown, worn by the Queen Elizabeth at each State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the diamond of the Sovereign’s Sceptre the largest colorless cut diamond in the world.

Enjoy a visit of the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London and see the fortress built by William the Conqueror between 1070 and 1100. Be amazed by diamond-encrusted weapons and suits of armour.

The Tower was once used as a zoo, you will see sculptures of exotic animals like the ones that were presented as royal gifts to be kept in the Royal Menagerie. Finally, see the permanent Tower of London exhibitions and find out the story of the Tower as a working Mint.

Enjoy the splendour of some of the most iconic locations in London as you walk from the famous St Paul's Cathedral across the River Thames to the area known as Bankside.

Along the way your guide will point out surprising detail and even more surprising stories of London's past and present. On the south side of the river you will see the most popular modern art gallery in the world, the Tate Modern. Then on to the Globe Theatre, with all its Shakespearian connections, through the bustling Borough market to London Bridge where you will be struck by the enormity of the Shard, tallest building in Western Europe.

As we cross over London Bridge, your guide will take you towards City Hall, office of the Mayor of London, and end the tour with a spectacular view looking towards the ancient Tower of London and perhaps the most iconic bridge in the world, Tower Bridge.

Make your own way to the Tower of London on the banks of the Thames River. With your entrance ticket, Bypass the long lines at the main ticket office, and head through the group entrance and security into this imposing palace-fortress.

Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower has a dark 1,000-year history as a royal palace, prison and execution place, as well as a royal mint and armoury. Today, it still stores the British monarch’s Crown Jewels, just as it has done since 1303.

Once inside, explore independently or choose to take an optional audio-guided tour (own expense) or complimentary tour led by a Yeoman Warder or ‘Beefeater’, one of the ceremonial guards. The 1-hour Yeoman-led tours leave from inside the entrance every 30 minutes until the mid-afternoon, and offer a compelling insight into the tower’s history and sites.

See the brooding ravens as you walk around and be swept up by the grim but fascinating stories of the turrets, chambers and buildings around you. Visit the main, White Tower, to see its Royal Armouries exhibits, and enter the Bloody Tower, reputed to be where the ‘Princes in the Tower’ were murdered by an unknown hand in around 1483.

See Traitors’ Gate, through which the arrested Anne Boleyn was brought by boat from the Thames River. Then, walk to Tower Green where she was beheaded in 1536 on the orders of Henry VII, and where a string of monarchs and traitors also met a grisly end.

Step back to Tudor times at the Medieval Palace, where recreated medieval interiors detail comfortable lifestyles of Tudor monarchs such as Henry VIII, and stretch your legs with a Wall Walk, strolling along the massive encircling walls to discover more sites.

Lastly, don’t miss the Crown Jewels, the royal regalia and gems that symbolize the British monarchy. Join the separate queue to gaze at these sparkling exhibits, including St Edward’s Crown, used at coronations since 1661, and the legendary Koh-i-Noor diamond, the 105.6-carat diamond given to Queen Victoria in 1849.

Having explored as much as you wish, take your leave and make your own way back home or to your hotel.

Royal Palaces Pass Upgrade
Want to uncover more of London’s fascinating royal history? Then, upgrade to a Royal Palaces Pass that gives you a priority entrance ticket to the Tower of London together with admission to London’s Hampton Court Palace and gardens, and Kensington Palace, the former royal home of Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.

Your Royal Palaces Pass entitles you to one visit to each of the three attractions and is valid for two years, so you’ll have plenty of freedom to experience each site and discover its enthralling past at your leisure.