Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater
Discovering London’s Hidden Gem: A Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater
Imagine yourself in the heart of London, standing at the gates of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, about to embark on a unique Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater. You’ve heard of the Tower’s dark history, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience it with someone who literally lives there?
As an American living in London for the past 11 years, I’ve visited the Tower five times. But until recently, I had no idea that a private Tower of London tour with a Beefeater was even an option. And after doing it, I absolutely feel it’s an experience worth the upgrade!
I’ve published a Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok video showing my review of this experience, if you’d like to see footage of it.
What Happens During the Beefeater Tour
The adventure begins just outside the Tower gates, where you’ll meet your tour guide from a private company. Your ticket will identify the meeting spot.
At 8:30 a.m., your guide will kick off the tour with some fascinating historical information about the City of London and the Tower of London. For those of us who’ve taken the Life in the UK test for citizenship, much of this history will sound familiar. Although, it’s far more engaging than anything you’d read in a study guide!
As you travel around the Tower’s gates, you’ll visit a few locations where the guide continues to delve into the history of this infamous fortress.
Even though I’ve walked by one particular area probably 100 times, I was surprised to learn that a balcony I’ve passed is part of the King’s apartment, should he ever choose to stay at the Tower. It’s these small, intriguing details that make the tour memorable.
By 9:00 a.m., you’ll arrive at a different entrance than the one used by the general public. That’s where a Beefeater will greet you. They are members of the Tower’s elite guard, formally known as a Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London.
Contrary to what some might expect, this isn’t an early-access tour. The Tower opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. So you’re entering alongside everyone else. However, your group’s small size (capped at around 30 people) and the private nature of the tour make it feel exclusive.
The Beefeater’s tour officially ends at 9:30 a.m. right by the Crown Jewels. While the line is still short, I highly recommend heading there immediately, as I’ve mentioned in my videos.
Becoming a Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London
One of the most fascinating parts of the private Beefeater Meet and Greet Tour is learning about the Yeoman Warders themselves. The emphasis on this private tour is less on the bloody history of the Tower and more on the life and career of the Beefeaters. You don’t really get this close perspective on the public tours.
To qualify as a Yeoman Warder, candidates must meet three stringent criteria:
– They must have served for at least 22 years in the British military.
– They must be a former warrant officer or senior non-commissioned officer.
– They must hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
There are currently only 35 positions, making it a very exclusive role. What’s more, the guards and their families live at the Tower—a fact that adds a whole new layer of intrigue to their lives.
Our guard was number 421. Since records began, there have only been 421 Beefeaters at the Tower. Their official title is Yeoman Warder, but the nickname “Beefeater” is still shrouded in mystery, with several stories attempting to explain its origin.
Advantages of a Private Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater
Let’s address value for money. The cost of the Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater Private Meet and Greet is £60. This includes your entrance ticket to the Tower. For comparison, a regular entrance ticket costs £35 at the time of this publication.
Having experienced five different tours at the Tower, I can say that the Beefeater’s Private Tour offers a unique, albeit slightly different, experience compared to the standard tours.
Below are photos of the type of crowds that are on a standard tour at the Tower of London.
While some of the classic jokes and stories are repeated, the public tour seems to emphasise more about the Tower’s bloody history, which is both gruesome and fascinating.
Although sometimes it is hard to hear them in the giant crowd.
One of the perks of the private tour is access to a roped-off VIP area, where you can get a closer view of the King’s Residence—though you won’t actually go inside. Just to the left of our Beefeater’s shoulder is the door to the residence in the photo below.
Despite the private tour advantages, I still think the free public tour is worth doing as well. This is especially because it allows for a more in-depth exploration of the Tower’s darker past. However, the private tour’s small group size of around 30 people makes it easier to hear and see everything. This is a significant advantage over the larger, often crowded public tours.
Who Should Book a Private Tower of London Tour?
As a Fever ambassador, my tour was complimentary. But I genuinely wish I had known about this option when my sister visited London for the first time last month. In a video I published about our visit, I mentioned how we missed some key attractions, like the Crown Jewels and the Chapel, due to the overwhelming crowds.
During the private tour, I learned that Beefeaters no longer take their groups inside the Chapel, something they did as recently as 2022 when my mother visited. However, in cases of extreme weather, the tours are moved indoors to protect visitors from the elements. You can still visit the Chapel on your own after the tour, though.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more for convenience, this tour is ideal. With a maximum of 30 people, it’s much easier to see and hear everything the Beefeater says. You’ll also have a better chance of getting those perfect photos. Plus, by the time the tour ends, the Tower isn’t too packed. This gives you a good start on the other areas to see at the Tower as well as time for other London attractions.
One piece of feedback I have is that the title “Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater Private Meet and Greet” might be slightly misleading. While it’s not exactly private with 30 people, it’s certainly more intimate than the public tours. I always find myself jostling for space on those.
All of the Beefeaters I’ve had as guides through the years have been witty, funny and incredibly entertaining. You don’t want to miss a word of their iconic commentary, which is why this smaller, more personal tour is so valuable.
For me, this tour is a fantastic way to kick off a day of sightseeing in London.
Final Thoughts
This experience is one I’ll be recommending consistently on my LiveStream London TripTok shows and to all my friends, family and readers who have London trips planned. Given the cost of flights and hotels, I think it’s worth booking this experience at one of London’s most popular attraction to ensure the best possible experience. Why travel all this way and miss the best parts?
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Now that you’ve read about the Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater, what do you think? Would you prefer the intimate setting of a private tour, or do you enjoy the energy of a larger group experience? Let me know in the comments!
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