Tower of London Tour 2026
Access to Crown Jewels | Guided tour by Beefeater guardsmen | Reserve now & pay later
About Tower of London Beefeater Tour
Book our Tower of London Beefeater Tour, and explore London’s most famous castle! A traditional castle guardian, called a Yeoman Warder or a Beefeater, will be your tour guide. They’ll teach you all about the castle’s 1,000-year history as you walk around. For example, you’ll visit the Crown Jewels exhibition and see British royal treasures. Early access tickets ensure you beat the crowds and can explore in peace and quiet.
Explore the Tower of London with a real-life Yeoman Warder, also called a Beefeater. These ceremonial guards have been safeguarding the castle ever since 1485!
Visit the room where Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes was interrogated and tortured. Learn why and how this freedom fighter became so popular.
Beat the crowds with early access and view the Crown Jewels in peace and quiet. Admire royal artefacts like swords, rings, crowns, orbs, and more.
Enter the Tower of London right away, jumping straight to the start of the line. Save time and avoid waiting in long lines.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund. You can also reserve your spot without paying. Only pay once you’re 100% sure you’re attending.
RESERVE NOW & PAY LATER!
Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot without any upfront payment!
The literal best thing about the Tower of London Beefeater Tour is that it starts early in the morning. There’s almost no crowds. I stayed inside the castle after the tour ended, and there were like 5 times more people in the afternoon. I really appreciated the calm, peaceful atmosphere of the morning. We heard the Beefeater super clearly and saw everything they were talking about. It was also super nice to browse the Crown Jewels in peace. They’re gorgeous; I could look at the Cullinan Diamond all day.
It was a special experience to be led through the Tower of London by a Beefeater. There are only about 30 of them around! Or so our guide Michael taught us, anyway. He was very passionate about his post, and touring with him felt like a very authentic experience. Like I was learning some secret knowledge only experts know about. The skip-the-line tickets were also much appreciated. The line to enter the castle was a huge snake, and it was July, so I really didn’t fancy waiting in the heat.
DESCRIPTION
Tower of London Tour
- Admission to the Tower of London
- Skip-the-line tickets
- Early access entrance ticket
- Live Beefeater Guard tour guide
- Viewing Guy Fawkes’s cell
- Viewing the Crown Jewels
- English
MEET YOUR BEEFEATER GUIDE AND LEARN THEIR HISTORY
Enter the Tower of London, where your Beefeater guide is waiting. They’ll teach you about the Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters. They’re the palace guards, and both oversee the Crown Jewels and guard any prisoners. After all, the Tower of London was used as a prison for 800 years! King Henry VII formed the Beefeaters in 1485. That means they're the UK's oldest existing military corps. To be a Beefeater is a huge honor - there are only about 30 of them! One prerequisite is being retired from the British Armed Forces with 22 years of service.
DISCOVER THE TOWER OF LONDON AND ITS FAMOUS GUY FAWKES CELL
The Tower of London is officially named His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. It’s a huge castle complex, with plenty to explore. You’ll see the White Tower - the fortress segment built first, and where the king had his apartments. Other highlights include the Inner Ward, the Bloody Tower, and the Outer Ward. You’ll also visit Guy Fawkes’ cell. This Catholic conspirator was imprisoned for planning to assassinate Protestant King James. After being caught, he was tortured and interrogated, and his cell became known as the Guy Fawkes Room.
BEAT THE CROWDS AND VIEW THE CROWN JEWELS
The Tower of London Beefeater Tour includes a visit to the Crown Jewels. They're a collection of British royal ceremonial objects. There are about 140 pieces in all, including coronation regalia and vestments. It’s the most historically complete royal regalia in the entire world! Highlights include the Cullinan I - the world’s largest clear-cut diamond. You’ll find it in the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. Other artefacts include St. Edward’s Crown, the Coronation Spoon, Sovereign's Orb, etc. These are all items used in the official British coronation ceremony.
STAY TO EXPLORE THE TOWER OF LONDON INDEPENDENTLY
Once the tour ends, you are still welcome to remain inside the castle complex. Take your time and wander the rest of the Tower of London at your own pace.
FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24H IN ADVANCE!
Receive a complete refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the selected date!
Do you know how Beefeaters got their nickname?
The exact reason is uncertain, but the most popular theory is attributed to Cosimo III de’ Medici. When the Grand Duke of Tuscany visited the Tower of London in 1669, he noticed the Yeomen of the Guard. He saw that they ate a large ration of beef every day, and called them Beefeaters. The Yeomen of the Guard is actually separate from the Yeoman Warders. However, the Yeoman Warders have a more public presence. As such, they also acquired the Beefeater nickname.
GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- You are welcome to take photos at the Tower of London. Please just make sure to turn off your flash
- Make sure to wear comfortable clothes, as this is a walking tour with some steps
- Parts of the Tower of London are in the open air, so it’s a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case
- This is an early access ticket, so you should experience fewer crowds than usual in the morning
- All visitors must bring a photo ID, either a national identity card or a passport
- The Tower of London Beefeater Tour will sell out quickly, so make sure to book your spot on time!
Meeting Point
Meet your beefeater guide at the ticket office. It's right across from the Tower of London's main entrance. The tour guide will be holding a City Wonders sign and flag, so you should recognize them easily.
Why is this Tower of London Tour the best choice?
We have tested several Tower of London tours, and this one stands out as the best way to experience the fortress. Here is why we recommend it:
Exclusive Beefeater experience
Meet a real Yeoman Warder and hear centuries-old stories directly from one of the Tower’s iconic guardians. This adds a unique touch that you won’t get from exploring the Tower alone.
Skip the crowds with early access
Enter the Tower at a quieter time and enjoy the Crown Jewels and historic rooms before the biggest crowds arrive. The calmer atmosphere makes it easier to take in the exhibits and hear your guide clearly.
Explore at your own pace
Unlike many guided experiences that end when the tour finishes, this ticket gives you free time to continue exploring the Tower’s grounds, including the White Tower, medieval areas, and other exhibitions.
Flexible booking options
Don’t worry if your plans change! Stay flexible with the reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
FAQ - Tower of London Beefeater Tour
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Don't wait! Book now!
- Admission to the Tower of London
- Crown Jewels access
- Expert guide
- Reserve now & pay later
- Free cancellation
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