London: VIP Tower Opening Ceremony, Crown Jewels & Cruise

Visiting London’s Tower of London is a must for anyone eager to connect with royal history and medieval intrigue. This tour promises an immersive experience that pairs VIP early access with a guided exploration and a scenic river cruise. While it’s a bit of a splurge, many travelers find it offers a meaningful, less crowded way to enjoy one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks.

What makes this experience stand out are three standout features: the chance to witness the opening ceremony as a VIP guest, the exclusive early access to the Crown Jewels, and the expert-guided commentary that brings the history to life. Plus, the added river cruise makes it a well-rounded day out.

On the flip side, some might find the tour a little long — at around three hours — especially if they prefer shorter visits. It’s also not suitable for those with mobility issues or strollers, so be mindful if that’s a concern.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, first-timers, and those who love a mix of iconic sights with a bit of exclusivity. If you’re after a curated, insightful experience that sidesteps the usual crowds, this could be just what you need.

This experience made our article of 14 Top-Rated London Cruises And Boat Tours.

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Key Points

Early Access to Crown Jewels: Beat the crowds for a peaceful viewing.
Guided Tour: In-depth insights from expert guides with a friendly, engaging style.
VIP Opening Ceremony: Witness the historic military ritual that marks the Tower’s opening.
Flexible River Cruise: A one-way pass for scenic sightseeing along the Thames.
Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or strollers.
Value for Money: Combines multiple experiences into one ticket, offering a well-rounded visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

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Starting Point & Check-In

Your adventure begins at 3 Tower Place, London, where you’ll meet your guide about 15 minutes early. Look for the green Walks sign across from the Tower’s West Gate, near a large tree with benches. From here, the group will head into the Tower through the VIP entrance, skipping the usual lines — a real plus for impatient visitors or those wanting to maximize sightseeing time.

Witnessing the Opening Ceremony

The highlight for many is witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys, a centuries-old military ritual performed as part of the Tower’s daily opening. This experience is a rare opportunity to see tradition in action, often kept out of crowds. Several reviews mention how special it feels to be among the first to enter and view the Crown Jewels quietly, well before the large crowds arrive. As one reviewer puts it, “Getting early access made you feel like a VIP,” which adds a layer of authenticity and exclusivity to the visit.

The Jewel House & Crown Jewels

Once inside, your guide will lead you swiftly to the Jewel House—a moment many travelers treasure. Being among the first visitors of the day means you can enjoy these glittering crowns and regalia in a peaceful setting, far from the crush of later visitors. Reviewers consistently mention how stunning and well-maintained the Crown Jewels are, with many noting that they were able to admire the jewels without feeling rushed.

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Guided Tour of the Tower

Following your jewel viewing, the guide will take you on a comprehensive tour of the Tower’s most notable sites. You’ll visit:

Tower Green, where many nobles faced execution. The history here is stark but fascinating.
The Bloody Tower, infamous for imprisonments and executions, and where Sir Walter Raleigh was held.
The Torture Chambers, which reveal the more gruesome aspects of the Tower’s past.
A quick peek inside the refurbished bedroom of Edward I adds a touch of royal history.

Throughout, guides like Paul, Charlotte, Gina, and Dominic are praised for their extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. One reviewer shares how Gina, in particular, took the time to answer questions and share anecdotes that fleshed out the history.

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The White Tower & Free Exploration

Your tour culminates inside the White Tower, the central stronghold of the fortress. Here, you’ll get a full look at the medieval castle, with the guide leaving you to explore at your own pace afterward. The White Tower’s exhibits include armor displays, historical artifacts, and the castle’s impressive architecture.

Post-guided tour, you’re free to wander other parts of the Tower, like the Fusilier Museum, Beauchamp Tower, or the Bestiary. Many reviewers appreciate the allowance of extra time for photos and spontaneous exploration, with some noting they spent about an hour beyond the guided part.

The Thames River Cruise

Finally, your ticket includes a flexible one-way river cruise. You can use this pass on any day from any pier, making it perfect for fitting into your broader London itinerary. The cruise offers scenic views of the city, with sights like Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge.

Reviewers have found this addition a relaxing way to see London from a different perspective, with some mentioning they enjoyed the cruise after a busy day at the Tower.

Practical Details & Tips

Duration: Around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on pace and exploration.
Start Time: Check availability, but early morning is best for beating crowds.
Group Size: Generally small, which helps with personalized attention.
Price: Offers excellent value by bundling VIP access, guided tour, and cruise.
Accessibility: Not suitable for mobility impairments or strollers, so plan accordingly.
Meeting Point: Arrive 15 minutes early, look for the green Walks sign, and meet at the West Gate.

What’s Not Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not part of this experience, so plan transportation to the meeting point accordingly.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm. For example, Richard01, or “01,” is described as a very engaging guide who made the experience memorable. Gina’s clear explanations and friendliness helped first-time visitors feel comfortable, while Charlotte’s ability to position the group perfectly during the opening ceremony was highlighted as a real skill.

Several guests mentioned how the early access allowed them to avoid the massive crowds that typically gather later in the day, transforming a standard tour into a VIP experience.

A Few Downsides

Some reviewers note the price is on the higher side, but many agree that the early access and guided insights justify it. The tour length, at around 3 hours, might feel a bit long for some, especially if you prefer quick visits. Also, it’s not suitable for those with mobility restrictions, so it’s best to check your comfort level beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits visitors who value in-depth history and prefer a less crowded, more exclusive visit. It’s perfect for first-timers wanting a well-guided overview or history lovers eager to see the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive, meaningful look at the Tower, the VIP early access combined with a guided tour offers excellent value.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-structured, immersive way to experience the Tower of London with an extra touch of exclusivity. The combination of VIP early access, a comprehensive guided tour, and a scenic Thames cruise makes it a standout for those who want a richer, less crowded visit — especially if you love history, castles, and royal artifacts.

While it’s pricier than basic tickets, many guests find that the experience’s quality, the knowledgeable guides, and the peace of mind of skipping lines make it worth the cost. The flexible cruise pass also adds a relaxing way to end the day, making this tour a solid choice for a special London outing.

If you’re after a memorable, insightful, and slightly luxurious way to explore one of London’s most iconic sites, this tour might just be the perfect fit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and standing for several hours, so it’s best suited for older children and teens. Strollers aren’t allowed, and mobility issues aren’t accommodated.

What is included in the ticket?
Your ticket covers VIP early access to the Tower, the opening ceremony, a guided tour with an expert guide, access to the Jewel House, and a flexible one-way Thames river cruise.

Can I choose my start time?
Availability varies, so check the booking platform for specific times. Early morning slots are recommended for fewer crowds.

Is there a restroom inside the Tower?
Yes, public restrooms are available within the Tower complex.

How long does the guided tour last?
The guided portion is approximately 40 to 115 minutes, depending on the chosen option, with extra time allocated for exploration afterward.

Can I visit at any day?
The tour operates on selected days; check availability when booking. The cruise pass can be used any day after your tour.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Large strollers are not permitted, and the tour is in English, so plan accordingly. No mention of specific bag restrictions.

What if I want to visit other London sights?
The cruise pass is flexible and can be used on any day from any pier, making it easy to incorporate into a broader sightseeing plan.

In short, this VIP Tower of London experience offers a special way to see one of London’s crown jewels—literally and figuratively. With knowledgeable guides, early access, and a scenic cruise, it’s a top choice for those seeking a deeper, less crowded visit that mixes history, tradition, and scenic views.