private tour tower of london

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Tower of London Tour

• Walk in the footsteps of the kings, queens, thieves, traitors, and financiers of London's past with an expert who pulls back the curtain on lesser known stories of the city.
• Engage with deep insights and rich, detailed stories of ambition, betrayal, and power that have shaped British history.

• You want to dive deep into London's past, exploring history through an up close and personal recounting of life at one of the city's most iconic historical sites.
• You’re interested in uncovering medieval life and customs by exploring the Tower's rich history as a royal residence and prison.
• You crave a deeper, more personalized understanding of one of Britain's most iconic landmarks.
• Tower of London
• While we can't guide you in certain areas like the White Tower, Jewel House, and Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula due to venue rules, these parts of the Tower are still open for you to explore independently. 
• Your Context guide will provide all the essential information to ensure you fully appreciate these sections.
• Includes skip-the-line access tickets to the Tower of London
• Our skip-the-line tickets will get us to a special lane where our group may have to stand in line due to security and crowd control measures.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

• A light jacket or umbrella in case the London weather decides to shift. 
• All of your most niche and specific questions about the Tower, British history, the monarchy… Nothing is off limits!
• Keep immersing yourself in the city’s history after the tour with a self-paced audio guide . 

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ .

See the Tower of London with Context

Get to know one of the historians leading this tour.

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Tower of London Fully Guided Private Tour

• Visit the Tower of London, in England’s glorious capital city, with an English-speaking tour guide dedicated to you . With personal touches and the chance to ask questions, you’ll get to know so much about this iconic landmark.
• Step back in time and see the spot where Henry VIII beheaded two of six wives , explore the Royal Armouries and spy on the Tower’s ravens who have legends attached to them which you’ll be bound to learn about on this tour.
• This private tour means you can focus on what you want to see at the Tower of London, from the Crown Jewels to Tower Green - it’s an incredible chance to soak up some powerful British history!

Tour Description

What's included.

• Entrance tickets to the Tower of London
• Expert, English-speaking private tour guide

Sites Visited

• Tower of London

No trip to London is complete without a visit to one of the city’s most famous monuments: the Tower of London. This historic castle, on the north bank of the River Thames, was founded at the end of 1066. Playing a prominent role in history ever since, the tower has done a bit of everything. It has been a treasury, a menagerie, a public record office, home of the Crown Jewels of England and so much more. And it is just waiting to be discovered!

In just 2.5 hours, your expert, English-speaking tour guide will take you from the main entrance throughout the Tower and its constituent buildings. After an inspiring introduction to the Tower’s colorful history, you’ll head on in. Admire Tower Green and the spot where Henry VIII beheaded both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, and see the White Tower too - a medieval keep. The site just oozes history and stories, and your guide will be on hand to tell you everything you need to know.

You can explore the Royal Armouries, see the Tower ravens and, of course, get the chance to marvel at the Crown Jewels. They have been held here for the past 600 years and include orbs, crowns, rings and swords used during noble appearances such as coronation ceremonies and more.

The biggest perk of having a private tour guide dedicated to your group is that you’ll have the chance to ask questions, and tailor the tour to spend the most time at the parts you are most excited to see at the Tower of London.

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Important Notes

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

Yes, you are free to keep exploring the Tower of London once the tour has finished.

A booking cannot be amended with less than 24 hours notice. Amendments made before this window are possible, but may incur a charge. Any bookings made within the 24 hour window are final and cannot be amended or subject to compensation.  This policy is valid across most of our tours, but is subject to some exceptions. In the case of a tour not being in line with this 24-hour amendment policy, you will find this information in the "Know Before You Go" section of the specific tour page. Tours cannot be amended/canceled with less than 24 hours notice. We are unable to provide compensation for cancelations with the 24 hour window prior to your tour departure, nor can tour dates or times be amended. Bookings made with the 24 hour window are final.

We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

• Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
• Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
• No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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Ready to book the best Tower of London tours?

You’ve come to the right place because I’m covering the top 5 Tower of London tours here.

How do I know?

I’ve lived in London since 2012 and have explored far and wide, so I know that one of the best things to do in London is book a tour of the Tower of London and explore!

Only quality tours are included in this list so you know that every tour you book is worth your money and time.

Want me to cut to the chase?

The best tour of the Tower of London is: Best Tower of London Private Tour . 

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Tower of London tour is this private Tower of London tour .

Click here to check prices and availability.

There are plenty of Tower of London tours to choose from, including Tower of London guided tours, Tower of London family tours and Tower of London private tours so let’s get right down to it.

In this list, you’ll find 5 of the top-rated Tower of London tours so you know you’re making the right choice.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Tower of London Tours

1. best private tour of the tower of london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Blue Badge Guide 
• Minimal wait times 
• Private tour

If you visit the iconic landmarks of London, be sure to do so on a tour like this one . While it’s cheaper to go by yourself, you won’t learn all the insider info.

On this tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide who will answer all the questions you didn’t even know you had!

Your guide will make sure you don’t miss any of the royal attractions here at the Tower of London.

You’ll even get to meet the ravens that stand guard at the Tower and learn their names! This private tour has high ratings for good reason.

2. Tower of London Tour with Crown Jewels & Cruise : best London tower tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Local English-speaking guide
• First entrance ticket for Tower of London
• First entrance ticket for Jewel House
• Flexible one-way ticket for London river cruise

The Tower of London can get crowded. Which is why it’s so important to beat the crowds!

This tour has “skip-the-line access” so you can get ahead of the crowds. You’ll get an early start which means that you won’t have to pass by an overwhelming amount of tourists. You’ll also get to experience the opening ceremony!

Your tour guide will make sure that you see all the highlights of this iconic London attraction. He’ll also answer all your questions to make sure that you learn as much as possible!

3. Best of Royal London including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 440+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• VIP early-access tickets to Tower of London
• Boat ride on the River Thames
• Headsets, when needed
• Guided walking tour of London’s royal sights

Beat the crowds with this early morning Royal London walking tour ! You’ll visit the Tower of London to see all the highlights of this iconic London attraction.

Then you’ll go on a cruise down the River Thames. This will be a great way to see several other quintessential London landmarks.

Before the tour is over, you’ll also get to experience the Changing of the Guard and the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall.

Your guide will share lots of Royal history with you so you’ll definitely learn something new. In just a few hours, you’ll see all the highlights of Royal London!

4. VIP Early Access – Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge with Crown Jewels 

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 250+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Meet the chief Beefeater
• Visit Royal Armories collection
• Tower of London Opening Ceremony
• See several historic sights

This tour starts with the opening ceremony of the Tower of London Beefeaters.

You’ll get to see the Crown Jewels before it gets too crowded. You’ll then tour the White Tower and learn lots of history and folklore about this location.

Finally, you’ll get to see the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Enjoy the panoramic views as you learn the history of this beautiful piece of architecture.

You’ll have several photo opportunities and get to see a variety of sights. This tour includes the Raven’s Den, the execution site, and the 11th-century Romanesque Chapel of St. John’s. 

5. Best of London Including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, with a Cream Tea or London Eye Upgrade

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 1,880+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Tours of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral
• Changing of the Guard ceremony
• Private cruise on the River Thames 
• Cream tea at Harrods restaurant or London Eye standard flights (if upgrade option selected)

This full-day tour is a great way to see the quintessential parts of London in just a day! If you don’t have a lot of time to explore, you may want to check out this tour.

You’ll start at the Tower of London before it gets too crowded. Then you’ll visit Buckingham Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral and even get to experience the Changing of the Guard.

Cruise the River Thames so you can see many of the landmarks along this beautiful river.

You can even upgrade to ride the London Eye which will offer a great view of the city!

You’ll also get to see Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, and several other iconic locations throughout the city.

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Tower Of London Private Tour

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• Private tour for groups of up to 10
• Avoid long lines with pre-purchased tickets
• Perfect for children
• Fun quiz available
• Certified Blue Badge Guide

Explore a Royal Palace

On our Tower of London guided tour, your guide will introduce you to perhaps the most significant Royal Palace in British history. The Tower wasn’t just a Royal residence though, Medieval castle, Zoo, Royal Vault, this beautiful city centre fortress has had many roles. Let’s take an adventure through time and explore its history.

Enter the bloody Tower

We have to pass through a few gates with murder holes, to enter the Tower, but don’t worry your guide will keep you safe! It’s hard to miss the Beefeaters as we arrive, these ceremonial guardians look after Tower and its visitors.

Your guide will introduce you to Poppy, Jubilee, Rex and the other ravens. Some might be resting in their cages, some freely hopping around. They might even pose for a charming picture, but don’t get too close, they can bite! 

Discover Hidden Secrets

Who was imprisoned in the Bloody Tower? Let’s find out, right after we escape the torture chamber, where you can still see some of the brutal medieval instruments. Maybe you’ve heard the stories about Henry VIII and his wife Anne Boleyn? Your guide can explain where Anne met her end, the execution site lies in the Tower Grounds. No wonder it’s known as the Bloody Tower!

Marvel at the Crown Jewels

Prepare to be amazed now as we continue to the jewel house. See the crown jewels, sceptre, orb and much more. The entire collection, which is guarded behind thick doors, has an unimaginable value, making the Jewel House one of our favourite stops.

Discover the White Tower

We’ll continue on your guided Tower of London tour to explore the white tower next. This is the oldest part of the fortress and it’s packed full of armour once belonging to famous kings, including Henry VIII and Charles I, to name just a few. Upstairs, children and grown-ups can all enjoy a fun interactive exhibit.  As we leave the Tower behind, there’s a great chance to see the spectacular Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames, if you’re really lucky you might see it opening.

Why Take a Tower of London Private Tour

There is so much to see on a tour of the Tower of London. Whilst you could visit on your own, you will surely miss the layers of history and intriguing stories that your Blue Badge Guide knows by heart.

Taking a Tower of London private tour truly maximises your visit, which may be a once-in-a-lifetime visit! Experience it all as you delve deeper and learn so much more about the fascinating people and history forever entwined with this iconic landmark’s past.

This tour runs in all weather and includes a moderate amount of walking on some uneven surfaces so we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes.

If you’d like to find out a bit more about the history of the Tower of London and take a virtual tour of the Royal Palace highlights, then check out our Tower of London podcast episode .

Other Private Tours

Hoping to see even more during your trip, check out our other London tours. Consider our  private walking tour of London  to see both the Tower and Westminster Abbey with your Blue Badge Guide. Or, for something different, check out our  Churchill War Rooms Tour  for more recent British history. All our private tours are available with instant confirmation, they are also covered by our comprehensive full refund policy should your travel plans change.

Tower of London Tour

• Tour inside the Tower of London
• Explore the White Tower
• See the famous Crown Jewels
• Meet the Tower of Londons Ravens
• See Tower Bridge

All tours are for private groups only and start from £456. Groups can be up to 10 people. Your entrance tickets to the Tower of London are included. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us !

Meeting Point

Welcome Centre, The Tower of London, Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB. By prior arrangement, your guide can meet you at your central London hotel.

Departure Time

Sun-Mon 10:00am, 2:00pm Tue-Sat 9:00am, 2:00pm

The tour departs from the welcome centre, opposite the main entrance. Your Guide will be waiting with a sign showing the lead customer’s name.

Why should you book a tour with our Blue Badge Guides?

• All of our Guides are Blue Badge holders, this is Britain’s highest professional tourist-guiding qualification, they are the only external guides able to show you around the most famous attractions.
• Blue Badge guides are carefully selected for an intensive 2 year course culminating in an extensive series of exams in all aspects of History, Art, Architecture, Contemporary Britain and much more
• Your time on holiday is precious, let our expert team make it memorable for all the right reasons
• We pride ourselves on being able to tailor tours to your interest, our guides strive to bring your tour to life, making it enjoyable for all ages

5-Star Rated on Tripadvisor

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Tower of London Private Guided Tour

Explore the world heritage Tower of London with a private guide to lead the way- you’ll be astonished at the tales this tower can tell

Tour Highlights

• Unlock the mysteries of the complex with a true local with this private tour allowing the personal touch.
• 100% private Blue-Badge guide and entrance to the Tower of London- palace, fortress, treasury, armoury and place of execution.
• See the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Beefeaters and so much more before the crowds arrive.
• Family friendly

Description

Explore the world heritage Tower of London with a private guide to lead the way- you’ll be astonished at the tales this tower can tell.

Keeping a watchful eye over the city and the river Thames since its founding in 1079, the Tower of London has had many faces: as a mint, an observatory, a zoo, an armory, a royal palace, a treasury, and most notoriously, as a place of execution.

Home to both the Beefeaters and the Crown Jewels today, the Tower’s story is one of intrigue, scandal, and ceremony, definitely best uncovered with a private guide and a morning entrance before the crowds arrive.

Upon meeting your private guide, you will first discover the iconic sites on the outer walls such as Traitor’s Gate and Tower Hill before entering the complex to view Britain’s most treasured royal artifacts, walk in the footsteps of  Anne Boleyn , see the armor of  Henry VII , visit William the Conqueror’s  White Tower , meet the  ravens  and learn everything you could ever need to know about this most historic of London’s palaces.

As with all our private tours, this Tower of London experience can be tailored for groups with children.

Places You’ll See

White Tower

Meet Beefeaters

Crown Jewels

• Private guided tour of the Tower of London complex
• All tickets and entry reservations for the Tower of London complex
• English Speaking local expert guide
• Food & drink
• Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Meeting point

The Important Stuff

Meeting Place

The meeting point for this tour is at the Welcome Centre of the Tower of London (postcode EC3N 4AB), on the lower part of the slope leading to the main entrance of the Tower of London. The guide will be holding a sign with your name. If you are traveling by taxi, tell the driver to drop you off at Petty Wales as the Welcome Centre where you will meet the guide is on a pedestrianized street The nearest underground station is Tower Hill.

Things to know

Book with extra flexibility.

Choose new departure dates if your plans change.

Reach out to us anytime via online chat, phone or email.

Get credit for future trips if you need more time to decide.

Change to a different tour run by the same tour operator.

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The Best Private Tours of London

Our Private Westminster Abbey and Changing of the Guard Tour includes skip-the-line entry to Westminster Abbey. Next up, head through the beautiful St. James Park to Buckham Palace. Your guide will give you multiple vantage points to see the Changing of the Guard with minimal distractions. Interested in learning about the darker side of Britain's famed prison and fortress? Our Private Tower of London Tour will take you through the long history of the building, including its role as a prison, treasury, and place for housing the Crown Jewels. You’ll also ride along the River Thames as your guide shares fascinating stories about Shakespeare's Globe Theater, the Oxo Tower, and the Millennium Bridge.

Skip the line at the top attractions in London with a private guide

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Are private tours in London worth it?

Absolutely. Each tour can be tailored to the interests and needs of your group. If you have children, mobility concerns, or want to spend more time at a specific location, a private tour is for you. Your passionate guide will be able to plan the tour around your desires in order to create the most memorable experience for your group.

Which private London tours are the best?

Here are the most popular private tours of London:

Do private tours ever have to wait in line?

Sometimes, yes. Tours to major monuments must go through security which tends to get backed up.

Where should we stay in London?

Check out our detailed guide to help you choose where to stay in London.

What are the best restaurants in London?

Check out our London restaurant guide  for the best fine dining and casual spots. 

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Westminster Abbey Tours | Changing of the Guard Tours | Private London Tours | Windsor Castle Tours | Harry Potter Tours | Stonehenge from London | Buckingham Palace Tours | Tower of London Tours | London Food Tours | Day Trips from London | Half Day London Tours | Full Day London Tours

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Tower of London

Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, London, Greater London

From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city's dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal Menagerie, Her Majesty's prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a Royal Mint, and a military storehouse over the course of its existence.

Today, the tower famously displays the Crown Jewels (which include the Imperial State Crown) and holds centuries of history. It remains guarded by members of the Royal Bodyguards, known as Beefeaters.

Visitors can admire the Royal Armouries in the White Tower, walk along the battlements, and see the spot of Anne Boleyn’s execution by order of Henry VIII. They can also gain historical insight at the Torture at the Tower and Coins and Kings exhibits, the Fusilier Museum, and the Line of Kings.

The tower is an incredibly popular attraction—purchase your ticket or book your tour in advance.

Tower of London tickets include options for audio guides in several languages.

Choose an early-access tour to beat the crowds, or combine your trip with visits to other top London sites.

The tower hosts special events, medieval reenactments, and family activities throughout the year.

The tower is at the north end of Tower Bridge on the Thames River waterfront. The closest tube station is Tower Hill via the Circle and District lines. The tower is a 10-minute walk from the London Bridge .

Opening times are from 9am to 5:30pm March to October and 9am to 4:30pm November to February. It opens at 10am on Sundays and Mondays. Admission lines can get long, especially in the afternoon—visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds. Guided tours led by “Beefeaters” start every 30 minutes near the main entrance.

The tower's wildly entertaining Beefeaters, or Yeoman Warders, share stories and secrets on the widely recommended Beefeater tour. Take these tours to learn about the six ravens that make the Tower of London their permanent home. Legend has it that the tower will fall if they ever leave. There's even a "raven master" tasked with looking after them and a seventh raven on hand in case one should fly away.

Yes, the Tower of London is worth visiting. With a long and complex history as a palace, fortress, and prison, it’s an excellent place to learn about London through the ages. Moreover, the tower is one of England’s most important buildings and home to the precious Crown Jewels.

Tours of the Tower of London typically take about one hour. Altogether set aside at least two hours for your Tower of London visit. That will give you additional time to explore parts of the tower on your own—and wait in the long line to peek at the Crown Jewels.

Tower of London tours visit the most popular parts of the tower, such as the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Bloody Tower, and other sites. They also typically grant access to the Torture at the Tower and Royal Mint exhibitions. Your admission ticket covers the famous "Beefeaters" tour.

Don’t miss seeing the Crown Jewels—the wait is worth it. You also don’t want to miss the Beefeater guards and the armory and weapons collection in the White Tower. See the site of Anne Boleyn’s execution at Tower Green and catch views of Tower Bridge from the ramparts.

The best time to visit the Tower of London is mid-week early mornings, when lines are typically the shortest. Weekends, public holidays, and afternoons are busiest with tourists and school groups. Winters bring shorter lines but wet, dreary weather.

No, you can’t walk around the Tower of London for free. Visitors must purchase admission tickets or limit their trip to the tower’s far perimeter and bridge. While not required, booking tickets in advance will likely save you time and money.

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The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

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Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

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Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

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The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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