Early Access: Tower of London Opening Ceremony and Royal London

Imagine experiencing the magic of London’s iconic landmarks before the crowds arrive. We’ll take you on an exclusive journey, starting with the ceremonial unlocking of the Tower of London’s gates led by a Beefeater. From there, we’ll guide you through the capital’s most renowned sites, including Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, culminating in a scenic cruise along the River Thames. This unforgettable day combines royal heritage and breathtaking views, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history that few get to witness. What’s in store for the rest of your adventure?

Key Points

• Gain early access to the Tower of London and witness the ceremonial unlocking of the gates by a Beefeater.
• Enjoy a guided walking tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace for a rundown of royal London.
• Bypass long queues with VIP access to the Crown Jewels.
• Relax on a scenic Thames River cruise for unique city views.
• Experience the key sights of London in a single day with a well-planned itinerary.

Overview of the Tour

With early access to the iconic Tower of London, we’ll start our tour by attending the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater. This VIP experience allows us to beat the crowds and witness the ceremonial unlocking of the Tower gates.

From there, our guided walking tour takes us to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace, providing insider knowledge about London’s most famous landmarks.

The day wraps up with a relaxing Thames River cruise, offering scenic views of the city from a unique vantage point. It’s an immersive way to experience the best of Royal London.

Highlights of the Experience

The early access to the Tower of London is a highlight that allows us to beat the crowds and witness the ceremonial unlocking of the Tower gates.

We get to attend the opening ceremony led by a Beefeater, who shares engaging historical insights as they perform this centuries-old tradition.

The VIP access also grants us priority entry to see the Crown Jewels without long queues.

Plus, the guided walking tour takes us through iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.

The relaxing Thames River cruise provides a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks.

This immersive experience isn’t to be missed.

• Ceremonial unlocking of the Tower gates
• Opening ceremony led by a Beefeater
• Priority entry to the Crown Jewels
• Guided walking tour of Royal London
• Relaxing Thames River cruise

Guided Sightseeing Itinerary

After attending the ceremonial unlocking of the Tower of London gates, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour through the heart of the city.

We’ll visit iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Our local guide will share intriguing historical anecdotes as we stroll.

After admiring the grand exterior of Buckingham Palace, we’ll enjoy a peaceful cruise along the River Thames, taking in the city skyline from a new perspective.

This comprehensive itinerary allows us to experience London’s most famous sights in a single day, maximizing our time and minimizing hassle.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This early access tour includes admission to the Tower of London and the ceremonial opening by a Beefeater.

The tour also includes:

• A guided walking tour of Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace
• A relaxing Thames River cruise
• An English-speaking local guide
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour

However, the tour doesn’t include food, drinks, hotel pickup/drop-off, or gratuities.

It’s also not wheelchair accessible, and a moderate level of fitness is required due to walking on uneven surfaces, stairs, and inclines.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for this tour is the Official Ticket Office at the Tower of London, located at 2 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4EE, UK.

It’s right next to the Tower Hill Underground station, making it easy to access.

At the end of the tour, the group will finish at Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK.

This convenient endpoint allows you to explore the palace and its surrounding areas further on your own.

Just keep in mind that hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided, so you’ll need to make your own way to and from the meeting and end points.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

Let’s discuss the physical requirements and accessibility of this tour.

First, this experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are welcome. Given the nature of the sites, we recommend this tour for travelers in good physical condition without serious medical conditions.

You’ll need to be able to walk on uneven surfaces, tackle stairs, and handle inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. While the tour is paced well, it does involve moderate physical activity.

If you have concerns, it’s best to check with the tour provider before booking.

To make the most of your experience:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Pack a water bottle and light snacks
• Be prepared for stairs and uneven terrain
• Inform the guide of any special needs
• Take breaks as needed during the walking portion

Traveler Feedback and Testimonials

What do traveler reviews tell us about this early access tour of the Tower of London? Overwhelmingly positive, the tour earns a 100% recommendation from past guests.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, like Nathan, who bring the history to life. Many appreciated the benefit of beating the crowds to see the Crown Jewels.

Travelers also valued the small group size, which facilitated personal interaction. The Thames River cruise and visits to iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace rounded out an enjoyable experience.

With consistent acclaim, this early access tour seems a must-do for those seeking an intimate, informative exploration of London’s royal heritage.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

To book this early access tour of the Tower of London, you can conveniently do so through the tour provider’s website. The booking process is simple and straightforward.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time, giving you flexibility in your travel plans. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Maximum group size of 20 travelers for a more intimate experience
• Gratuities for the guide aren’t included in the tour price
• Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t provided, but the meeting point is near a convenient tube station
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the moderate physical activity involved

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tower Opening Ceremony?

Yes, you’re welcome to take photos during the Tower of London opening ceremony. Just be mindful of not disrupting the proceedings and follow any instructions from the Beefeater leading the ceremony. Enjoy capturing this unique experience!

Do Beefeaters Provide Security Throughout the Tour?

The Beefeaters, also known as Yeomen Warders, don’t provide security throughout the tour. They lead the opening ceremony at the Tower of London, but they don’t accompany the group during the guided walking tour or river cruise.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code for this tour, but we recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. This will ensure you can fully enjoy the sights and activities throughout the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

While the tour doesn’t provide food or drinks, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the relaxing Thames River cruise. Just be mindful of any restrictions on the boat.

How Long Does the Overall Tour Experience Last?

The overall tour experience lasts about 5-6 hours. We’ll start with early access to the Tower of London and end our journey at Buckingham Palace after a relaxing Thames River cruise and guided walking tour of royal London landmarks.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the captivating history of London with this exclusive early access tour. Experience the ceremonial unlocking of the Tower of London’s gates, then explore iconic landmarks and cruise along the Thames River. This unforgettable day blends royal heritage with breathtaking views, creating an experience you won’t soon forget.