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The Tower of London: Private Half-Day Tour Including Crown Jewels

London, United Kingdom
2 hours 30 minutes
Date
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What You Will Do

Explore the UK's royal history, dating back 1000 years and discover one of London’s most recognisable icons, a former royal palace turned prison – the Tower of London.

On your private Tower of London tour you will:


  • See the famous Crown Jewels, which are still used for state occasions today; 

  • Visit the Royal Apartments and Prison Cells inside the Castle;

  • See the graffiti left by Lady Jane Grey and Sir Walter Raleigh;

  • Learn about the fate of the Princes in the Tower;

  • Hear about the imprisonment and execution of two of Henry VIII's wives: Anne Boleyn and Catharine Howard;

  • Visit the White Tower - the oldest part of the Tower complex built in 1066;

  • See the impressive armoury and learn about the Royal Mint;

  • Learn the Tower's history and transformation from working Royal Palace to royal mint, to royal prison; 

  • Hear about the moat and the polar bears that no longer exist, and medieval battle techniques;

  • Finish your tour inside the Tower, where you can continue to explore at your own leisure. Please note: to minimise your time waiting in a queue for the Crown Jewels, we recommend booking the morning tour, which begins as the Tower opens. 


Visit the Tower of London with your private guide, see the dazzlingly magnificent Crown Jewels, and learn about one of the world's most famous castles. For nearly 800 years the Tower was also England’s most dreaded prison, and in its time has held some of the most high-profile names in European history, including three English Queens: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey.

Despite its grim history, the castle has always been primarily a royal palace. During the Middle Ages, it was a tradition that before the coronation ceremony of a new monarch the next king or queen would spend the night in the Tower of London in preparation for the big day.

It was also probably the first zoo in England, housing the royal menagerie, which visitors can see wire sculptures of today. The menagerie has been empty since 1835, but there are still seven black ravens - cared for by the resident Raven Master. Legend has it that if the birds leave, the Tower will fall.

Meet the Yeoman Warders - nicknamed the Beefeaters, all of whom served in the Armed Forces with distinction. Visit the Chapel Royal and view the burial site of many of those executed in the Tower Grounds! Visit the White Tower, the armoury, the Royal Mint, walk the battlements and enter the torture chambers - a chilling experience indeed!

Learn of the historical mysteries associated with the place, like the Princes in the Tower. The Tower of London is brimming with stories of kingship, romance, murder, imprisonment, and brutal execution.

From medieval fortress to the guardianship of the Crown Jewels, it remains a vibrant site, and one of England’s most loved castles. 

What's Included?

  • A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group
  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
  • Tower of London Admission Tickets

What's Not Included?

  • Hotel pick up/drop off
  • Food and drink
  • Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 30 days before tour start. 25% cancellation fee applies if cancelled between 30 and 4 days before tour start. Non refundable if cancelled within 4 days of tour start.

Itinerary

Meeting Point

Your guide will meet you in front of the Hung Drawn & Quartered pub, 26-27 Great Tower St, Tower, London EC3R 5AQ, United Kingdom

1

Tower of London

One of England's first Norman castles, as well as its most feared prison and the home of the Crown Jewels.

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Additional Information

This activity is operated by Travel Curious
  • Weather notes: Force Majeure Disclaimer: In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather, natural disasters, riots, strikes, etc. and the tour cannot operate as published, we will endeavour to reschedule your tour date/time or we will provide a full refund.
  • Know before you go: - Please note that we highly recommend you book the earliest tour start time in order to not have to stand in line for the crown jewels. This tour includes skip-the-line tickets for the Tower of London complex, but it is not possible to skip lines for the Crown Jewels rooms. If you book the earliest tour, your visit will start with the Crown jewels, seeing these rooms before the crowds. If you book one of the later tour departures, the time spent in line for the crown jewels (if any) will be taken out of the rest of the Tower of London tour. The total time dedicated to the Tower of London portion of this tour is 2 hours. - Please bring comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing.
  • Accesibility: If you have mobility impairments or require any assistance, please let us know in advance so we can plan your tour accordingly to ensure a great experience. The Tower of London is a historic building with difficult stairs and passageways and wheelchair access is limited. There are a large number of steps throughout the Tower with cobbles laid on some of the surfaces and pathways. There are some low doorways.