Secrets of the Tower of London Tour

Explore with a local expert, whose engaging storytelling brings history to life

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Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Tower of London
Photos & Highlights
  • 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.
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Tour Description
Step through the ancient gates of the Tower of London and feel immersed in its rich and turbulent history, filled with stories of ambition, betrayal, power, and intrigue, and marvel at the world-famous Crown Jewels, breathtaking symbols of royal and ceremonial tradition.

With an expert historian by your side, you’ll uncover some of the dramatic events that have shaped British history, from the Norman Conquest to the Second World War. 

They'll provide captivating narratives of royal executions, daring prisoner escapes, and infamous murders, bringing the Tower to life before you. Yet the tour is not just a walk through history; it’s a personalized adventure tailored to your interests. You'll gain a nuanced understanding of the Tower's role in shaping modern Britain and leave with a deeper connection to the Tower’s legacy, along with a greater understanding of its place in history.

Choose this tour if…

  • 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.
Experts
Imogen Imogen
Lawyer
Janice Janice
Historian
Harry Harry
History Teacher
Clare Clare
Local Guide
Tim Tim
Official Guide
Jonathan Jonathan
Local Guide
Caroline Caroline
Historian
Sarah Sarah
Historian
Tim Tim
Local Guide
Alexandra Alexandra
Local Guide
Steve
Travel Writer
Oliver Oliver
Cultural Historian
Simon Simon
Fashion
Julia Julia
Historian
Laura Laura
Tourist Guide
Chris Chris
Historian
Emily Emily
Blue Badge Guide
Cheryl Cheryl
Local Guide
Suzanne Suzanne
Art Historian
Charlotte Charlotte
Local Guide
Sean Sean
Local Guide
Susan Susan
Local Guide
Elizabeth Elizabeth
Local Guide
Zozo Daniel Zozo Daniel
Historian
Fiona Fiona
Tour Guide
Charlotte Charlotte
Tourist Guide
Aaron Aaron
Palaeontologist
Amber Amber
Historian
David David
Local Guide
Jane Jane
Social Historian
Melissa Melissa
Historian
Rob Rob
Historian
Tim Tim
Tour Guide
Natalie Natalie
Local Guide
Sarah Sarah
Art Historian
Jane Jane
Historian
Paula Paula
Official Guide
Laurence Laurence
Local Guide
Sue Sue
Local Guide
Karen Karen
Local Guide
Emanuela Emanuela
Historian
Ruth Ruth
Historian
Vivienne Vivienne
Historian
Sue Sue
Historian & Local Guide
Alex Alex
Historian
Deirdre Deirdre
Local Guide
Marc Marc
Historian
Robert Robert
Local Guide
Ruth Ruth
Art Historian
Mike Mike
Local Guide
Emma Emma
Historian
Don Don
Historian
Oliver Oliver
Historian
Frances Frances
Travel Writer/Tour Guide
Begin your journey in the Tower Hill area, where your expert guide will introduce you to the layered history that has shaped this iconic site like William the Conqueror, the Norman king who began construction of the original fortress in the 1070s. You may pause at the sundial, a marker that allows you to imagine the centuries of life that have unfolded on these very streets before continuing to the Site of the Ancient Scaffold, a solemn reminder of the notable figures who met their end here.

You’ll then make your way to what many consider the highlight of the experience—the Tower of London. Strolling through the Medieval Palace, you’ll imagine the daily lives of the Plantagenet kings who lived there until the Sixteenth Century when Henry VIIIth turned the Tower into a place of terror and death. You may explore places like the Bloody Tower and Traitors’ Gate as your expert brings to life tales of imprisonment and political betrayal. Nearby, Tower Green offers a poignant reflection on the tragic executions that unfolded just steps away.

By the end of your visit, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the Tower’s enduring legacy and the extraordinary stories preserved within its walls.
  • Tower of London
  • Jewel Tower

General Information

  • 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.

Admission Tickets

  • Includes pre-purchased tickets to the Tower of London
  • Our group may have to stand in line due to security and crowd control measures

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

A few things that pair well with this Tower of London walking tour: 
  • 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
Looking for insider recommendations? Get expert tips to seeing the true London in our London City Guide.
When is the best time to visit the Tower of London?
Mornings are generally less crowded, which enhances your overall experience. With fewer people, you get less waiting time and a more intimate setting to appreciate the historical significance of the Tower of London. And during warmer months, mornings are cooler and more comfortable for walking tours.

If you would like to visit before the tower opens to the public, we recommend our Exclusive Early Morning Tower of London Tour.

Will we visit any interiors?
Interior access is not guaranteed.

Will we get to talk to the Beefeaters on this tour?
During this Tower of London guided tour, you will likely see Beefeaters, also known as Yeoman Warders, performing their duties. While direct interaction with them is not a standard part of our tour, observing them in their traditional roles adds a unique and authentic aspect to the experience. 

What happens if it rains during our tour?
Our tours are designed to go ahead, rain or shine. English weather is known for its unpredictability, so we recommend coming prepared for all conditions. Please bring layers to adjust to changing temperatures and comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
There is a lift in the White Tower that assists with access to and from the basement, though only one wheelchair user is allowed in the basement at a time for safety reasons.

Ramps are available at the New Armouries café and near the Raven shop. Accessible restrooms are available at various locations within the Tower​​ complex.

Are service dogs allowed? 
Service dogs are permitted at the Tower. Please inform our team ahead of time so that we can coordinate with Tower offices.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Where You'll Start
Map of Secrets of the Tower of London Tour general meeting point area
(4.86) 746 Reviews

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

We had the best time touring the Tower of London with Julia! Julia’s knowledge and enthusiasm was very impressive and we learnt so much. Thank you for a great start to our London adventure Julia!
Photo Shared by Kim with their review
Another great tour. don provided a thorough and engaging stroll around the many aspects of the Tower. Would highly recommend.
Viv was a delight! She had so much knowledge to share. She made the historical characters real as she shared the information.

See the Tower of London with Context

Get to know one of the historians leading this tour

Unlock London's History with our Tower of London Private Guided Walking Tour

Step back in time and explore the Tower of London with ease on our guided tour. Let our local experts lead you on an unparalleled experience through this iconic fortress, revealing its secrets and stories along the way.
 
This tour is a journey of discovery, offering a deep dive into the Tower's rich history. From royal ceremonies to tales of intrigue, our guides provide engaging commentary that brings the past to life. Immerse yourself in London's cultural heritage as we explore the Tower's connections to British traditions and histories. Marvel at the Crown Jewels, walk the historic ramparts, and uncover the fascinating architecture that has stood for centuries.

Personalization is key to our tours, as we tailor the experience to match the interests and preferences of each traveler. Whether you're fascinated by medieval history or simply curious about London's landmarks, our guides ensure an enriching experience for all.

With expert guidance, hidden aspects of the Tower come to light, revealing intriguing insights and stories not found in guidebooks. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and creating memorable experiences for every visitor. Don't miss out on this exclusive opportunity to explore the Tower of London with tickets included. Book your tour today and embark on a journey through London's history like never before.

Need tips on planning the perfect trip to London, including the Tower of London? Read our guide on the 21 Top Sites in London for History Lovers on Context Stories.