Tower of London Tickets with Optional Guided Tour, Thames Cruise, or Access to Opening Ceremony Tickets at Tower of London Shop
Explore the Tower of London with a guide after a Thames cruise, see top landmarks, stories of the Tower, plus optional royal ceremony access.
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
- Worth every penny
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the Tower's rich history to life with humour and enthusiasm, earning a strong 4.3 out of 5. Tours run on time and the guides are happy to answer questions throughout. Most visitors leave feeling the experience was well worth it.
Choose your experience
Tower of London Tickets
The Tower of London stands as one of Britain's most significant historical sites, offering nearly 1,000 years of royal history within its UNESCO World Heritage walls. Your guided tour provides access to this medieval fortress that served as a royal palace, prison, and execution site throughout centuries of turbulent British history.
Inside the fortress, you'll explore the medieval White Tower, witness the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibition, and meet the legendary Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who have protected the Tower for centuries. The tour includes access to an impressive collection of armour and weapons, plus the opportunity to walk along ancient battlements overlooking the Thames. Your expert guide shares fascinating stories about the Tower's role in royal intrigue, famous prisoners, and dramatic executions that shaped British history.
The optional Thames cruise provides unique perspectives of London's landmarks from the water. You'll see Tower Bridge's famous bascules, the Shard, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben from this distinctive vantage point whilst learning about centuries of maritime history.
Highlights
- Crown Jewels exhibition featuring the Imperial State Crown and Sovereign's Sceptre
- Medieval White Tower with its Royal Armouries collection
- Meeting the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) and their captivating historical tales
- Walking the ancient battlements for Thames views
- Thames cruise past Tower Bridge, London Eye, and Houses of Parliament
- Stories of famous prisoners including Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes
Plan Your Visit to Tower of London
Tours typically begin at the Tower of London main entrance near Tower Hill Underground station. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled start time with your confirmation. The complete experience lasts 4-5 hours, including approximately 2.5-3 hours at the Tower and 1-1.5 hours for the Thames cruise.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll cover extensive ground on cobblestones and stairs. The Crown Jewels exhibition can have separate queues even with tour tickets, so visit early during your Tower exploration. Thames cruises operate year-round in most weather conditions, with vessels featuring covered areas for passenger comfort.
For a complete London historical experience, consider pairing your Tower visit with Westminster Abbey tickets to explore where kings and queens were crowned. Alternatively, London Eye tickets offer spectacular aerial views of the Tower and Thames from above.
Why you'll love it
- Explore nearly 1,000 years of royal history within UNESCO walls
- View the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibition up close
- Walk through the medieval White Tower at the fortress heart
- Discover the tower's past as royal palace, prison and execution site
- Choose from a guided tour, Thames Cruise or Opening Ceremony access
What's included
- Tower of London entry ticket
- Access to Crown Jewels exhibition
- Access to the medieval White Tower
- Meeting with Yeoman Warders
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Suitable for all ages
- Opening hours
- Mon-Sun09:30-19:30
- Know before you go
Meeting Location: Tours typically begin at the Tower of London main entrance near Tower Hill Underground station. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled start time with your tickadoo confirmation.
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are essential as the Tower involves extensive walking on cobblestones and stairs. Bring weather-appropriate clothing and a camera for photography opportunities.
Duration Planning: Allow 4-5 hours for the complete experience. The Tower of London portion requires 2.5-3 hours, with the Thames cruise adding another 1-1.5 hours including transitions.
Crown Jewels Access: The Crown Jewels exhibition can have separate queues even with your tour ticket. Visit early in your Tower exploration to avoid peak crowding periods.
Thames Cruise Weather: Cruises operate year-round in most conditions. Dress warmly in winter months and consider bringing a light jacket even in summer for the river breeze.
Photography Rules: Most Tower areas allow photography, but the Crown Jewels exhibition strictly prohibits cameras. The Thames cruise offers unlimited photo opportunities of London's skyline.
Group Size: Tour groups are typically limited in size for better guide interaction. However, the Tower of London can be crowded during peak tourist seasons and school holidays.
- Visitor guidelines
Follow instructions from staff and your guide at all times
Do not bring large bags or restricted items
Pets are not permitted except guide dogs
Respect ceremony schedules and venue rules during tours
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 h
Frequently asked
How long does the complete Tower of London tour and Thames cruise experience last?
The combined experience typically lasts 4-5 hours, including approximately 2.5-3 hours at the Tower of London and 1-1.5 hours for the Thames cruise, with time for transitions between locations.
Are the Crown Jewels included in the guided Tower of London tour?
Yes, admission to view the Crown Jewels is included in your Tower of London tour ticket, along with access to all public areas of the historic fortress.
What landmarks will I see during the Thames cruise portion?
The cruise passes major London landmarks including Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, London Bridge, the Shard, Globe Theatre, St. Paul's Cathedral, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
Do I need to book the tour and cruise for the same day through tickadoo?
The combination package is designed for same-day use with coordinated timing. Separate bookings for different days would require individual tickets for each attraction.
Are there facilities available during both parts of the experience?
Yes, the Tower of London has restaurants, cafes, and gift shops, while the cruise vessels feature onboard facilities including seating areas and weather protection.
What happens if weather conditions affect the Thames cruise?
Thames cruises operate in most weather conditions year-round. Vessels have covered areas for passenger comfort, though severe weather may occasionally require schedule adjustments.
Can I take photographs during both the Tower tour and Thames cruise?
Photography is permitted in most areas of the Tower of London and throughout the Thames cruise, though some specific areas like the Crown Jewels exhibition restrict photography.
Is the combination tour suitable for visitors with mobility limitations?
The Tower of London has some accessibility features, though medieval areas involve stairs and uneven surfaces. Thames cruise vessels accommodate wheelchair users with advance notice.
Where you'll be
Tower of London Shop, Parliament Square
Explore more
Similar
You might also like
Explore london
Map of nearby experiences