London is one of the world’s most iconic cities, steeped in rich history and cultural heritage. The "Tower of London, Thames Boat & Changing of the Guard" tour offers visitors a chance to experience the city’s most captivating sights and traditions. From the storied Tower of London to the majestic Buckingham Palace, this comprehensive tour provides an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of the city. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to learn about the grandeur of London, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

This 3.5-4 hour tour offers early access to the Tower of London, a Thames River cruise, and a choice between Changing of the Guards or a guided Westminster tour.
The tour is priced between $89.63 to $128.04 per person, with potential savings up to 30%, and features free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
The guided tour of the Tower of London lasts 75 minutes, followed by a 30-minute boat cruise and 1.5 hours for the Changing of the Guards or Westminster tour.
Inclusions cover VIP early access to the Tower of London, the Thames River cruise, and either the Changing of the Guards or a guided Westminster tour, along with headsets for clear communication.
Customer feedback highlights the tour’s excellent value, small group size, and seamless coordination, with an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 59 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This activity provides an opportunity to explore London’s rich history.

Over 3.5-4 hours, guests can access the Tower of London early, cruise the Thames River, and choose between witnessing the Changing of the Guards or a guided walk of Westminster.

Prices range from $89.63 to $128.04 per person, with up to 30% savings.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. Availability varies, so guests should check start times and reserve with a pay later option.

This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience in London’s iconic landmarks, providing early access, guided elements, and transportation on the river.

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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Tower of London, where guests enjoy guided access to explore this historic landmark. After the in-depth visit, participants embark on a 30-minute boat ride along the River Thames, taking in panoramic views. The tour then offers a choice between witnessing the iconic Changing of the Guards ceremony or a guided walking tour of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

| Starting Point | Activities |

|—————-|————|

| Tower of London | – Guided tour of the Tower of London (75 minutes) |

| | – River Thames boat cruise (30 minutes) |

| | – Changing of the Guards or guided tour of Westminster (1.5 hours) |

| Ending Point | Buckingham Palace |

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes VIP early access to the Tower of London, allowing guests to explore this historic landmark with a guided tour led by an expert guide.

Included in the experience are:

A 30-minute boat ride on the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
The choice between witnessing the Changing of the Guards ceremony or a guided walking tour of Westminster.
Headsets for clear communication with the guide throughout the tour.

The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off, and it may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments.

Early Access to the Tower of London

As the first stop on the tour, guests are granted VIP early access to the Tower of London, allowing them to explore this historic landmark before the general public arrives.

This exclusive perk provides a unique opportunity to admire the Crown Jewels and witness the ceremonial opening by the iconic Beefeaters without the typical crowds.

With this early entry, travelers can enjoy the Tower’s rich history and atmosphere, setting the stage for the rest of the captivating London adventure ahead.

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Boat Ride on the River Thames

After exploring the iconic Tower of London, guests embark on a relaxing 30-minute boat ride along the River Thames.

The river cruise offers:

Panoramic views of London’s skyline, including the iconic Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Informative commentary from the boat’s captain, providing insights into the city’s rich history and architecture.
A unique perspective of the city from the river, allowing travelers to appreciate the grandeur of London’s riverfront landmarks.

This tranquil interlude on the River Thames serves as a refreshing break before the next phase of the tour.

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Changing of the Guards or Westminster Walking Tour

Following the tour of the Tower of London and the boat ride on the River Thames, guests have the choice to either witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace or embark on a guided walking tour of Westminster. The Changing of the Guards showcases the disciplined pageantry of the British military. Alternatively, the guided walking tour explores the historic heart of Westminster, including the iconic Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Both options provide an immersive experience to further appreciate London’s rich heritage.

| Option | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Changing of the Guards | 1.5 hours | Ceremonial changing of the guard, photo opportunities |

| Westminster Walking Tour | 1.5 hours | Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback on this tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 overall rating based on 59 reviews.

The tour’s knowledgeable and relatable guides received a perfect 5/5 rating, while the transportation aspect scored 4.7/5.

Reviewers particularly noted the excellent value for money, with a 4.5/5 rating in this category.

Key highlights mentioned include:

The significant benefit of early access to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels.
The small group size, which enhanced the personal experience.
The seamless coordination and organization of the tour.

Important Information

The meeting point for this tour is in front of the Ticket Office at the Tower of London, which can be identified by a City Wonders sign.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking. Prohibited items include baby strollers, luggage, large bags, and baby carriages.

The Changing of the Guards ceremony may be rescheduled by authorities, and the tour will instead experience either the Changing of the Foot Guards or the Horse Guards, depending on the day.

There’s no guiding provided inside the Jewel House and White Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on this tour. The tour information specifically prohibits bringing any large bags, luggage, or baby carriages, which would likely include pets as well. Only service animals are permitted.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off, and strollers, luggage, and large bags are prohibited. Wheelchair users may find the tour challenging due to the sites and boat ride included.

Will the Tour Operate in Rainy Weather?

The tour will generally operate in rainy weather, though some activities may be adjusted. Guests are advised to dress for the weather and bring appropriate rain gear, as the tour continues rain or shine.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Tower of London?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside the Tower of London. However, the use of tripods, selfie sticks, and flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to preserve the artifacts and historic atmosphere.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size is typically small, with an average of 15-25 participants. This allows for a more personal and interactive experience as the guide can provide more attention to each guest.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich history and iconic sights of London. With early access to the Tower of London, a scenic Thames boat ride, and the choice between witnessing the Changing of the Guards or a guided tour of Westminster, this tour provides an immersive and memorable experience for all.