Tower of London Tour with Beefeater: Is It Worth It?

Discovering London’s Hidden Gems: Tower of London Tour with Beefeater

Imagine yourself in the heart of London, standing at the gates of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, and about to embark on a unique Tower of London Tour with Beefeater. You’ve heard about the Tower’s dark history, but have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience it with someone who actually lived there?

As an American living in London for the past 11 years, I have visited the Tower five times. When I found out a private tour of the Tower of London with Beefeater was an option – it was a game changer. And after doing it, I really feel like it’s an experience worth upgrading to!

Benefits of a Private Tour of the Tower of London with Beefeater

Let’s talk about value for money. The cost of a Tower of London Tour with Private Beefeater Meet and Greet varies based on the time of year. But that includes your entrance ticket to the Tower. Regular admission costs £35.80 at the time of publication.

Having experienced five different tours at the Tower, I can say that the Beefeater Private Tour offers a unique, if slightly different, experience compared to the standard tour.

Above and below are photos of the kind of crowd taking a standard tour of the Tower of London.

Although some classic jokes and stories are repeated, public tours seem to place more emphasis on the Tower’s bloody history, which is both horrifying and fascinating.

Although sometimes it is difficult to hear them in a large crowd.

One of the benefits of this private tour is access to the roped-off VIP area, where you can get a closer look at the King’s Residence. However, 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 advantages of private tours, I think free public tours are also worth taking. This is mainly because it allows for a deeper exploration of the Tower’s darker past. However, private tours in small groups of around 30 people make it easier to hear and see everything. This is a significant advantage over larger and often crowded public tours.

What Happened During the Beefeater Tour

The adventure begins right outside the Tower gates, where you will be met by a tour guide from a private company. Your ticket will identify the meeting place.

I’ve published videos on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube showing my review of this experience, if you’d like to see a snippet.

At 08:30, your guide will start the tour with some interesting historical information about the City of London and the Tower of London.

As you tour the Tower gates, you will visit several locations where the guide continues to delve into the history of this famous fortress.

Even though I had walked past one particular area perhaps 100 times, I was surprised to learn that the balcony I passed would have been part of the King’s apartments, had he chosen to live in the Tower. It’s the small, interesting details that make this tour memorable.

At 09.00, you will arrive at a different entrance than the one used by the general public. That’s where Beefeater will welcome you. They are members of the Tower’s elite guard, officially known as the Yeoman Guard of the Tower of London.

Contrary to what some might think, this is not an early access tour. The tower opens to the public at 9:00 am. So, you come in with other people. However, the small size of your group (capped at around 30 people) and the private nature of the tour make it feel exclusive.

The Beefeater Tour officially ends at 9:30 am sharp at Crown Jewels. Even though the line was still short, I highly recommend heading there immediately, as I mentioned in my video.

Become a Yeoman Guard of the Tower of London

One of the most interesting parts of privacy Beefeater Meet and Greet Tour was learning about the Yeoman Warders himself. The emphasis on this private tour is less on the Tower’s bloody history and more on the lives and careers of the Beefeaters. You don’t really get a close perspective on the general tour.

To qualify as a Yeoman Warden, candidates must meet three strict criteria:

• They must have served for at least 22 years in the British military.
• They must be former warrant officers or senior non-commissioned officers.
• They are required to bear Long Service and Good Conduct medals.

There are currently only 35 positions available, making it a very exclusive role. Moreover, the guards and their families lived in the Tower. This fact adds a new layer of intrigue to their lives.

Our guard is numbered 421. Since records began, there have only been 421 Beefeaters in the Tower. Their official title is Yeoman Warder, but the nickname “Beefeater” is still shrouded in mystery, with several stories attempting to explain its origins.

Current Ticket Discounts 2026 for London

Next update on March 2, 2026

Discount Code: SUNNYINLONDON10

Get 10% Discount until March 2

Who Should Book a Private Tour of the Tower of London?

As a Fever ambassador, my tour is free. But I really wish I had known about this option when my sister visited London for the first time last month. In the video I published about our visit, I mentioned how we missed some of the main attractions, such as the Crown Jewels and the Chapel, due to the large crowds.

During the private tour, I learned that Beefeaters no longer brings their groups inside the Chapel, something they did as recently as 2022 when my mother visited. However, in case of extreme weather, the tour is moved indoors to protect visitors from bad weather. You can still visit the Chapel yourself after the tour.

If you don’t mind spending a little more money for comfort, this tour is ideal. With a maximum of 30 people, it’s easier to see and hear everything Beefeater has to say. You’ll also have a greater chance of getting the perfect photo. Plus, when the tour ended, the Tower wasn’t very full. This gives you a good start on other areas to see in the Tower as well as times for other London attractions.

One suggestion I had was that the title “Tower of London Tour with Private Beefeater Meet and Greet” might be a little misleading. While not very private with 30 people, this tour is certainly more intimate than a public tour. I always find myself jostling for space on those.

All the Beefeaters I’ve had as guides over the years have been witty, funny, and very entertaining. You won’t want to miss a word of their iconic commentary, which is why this smaller, more private tour is so worth it.

For me, this tour was a fantastic way to start a day of sightseeing in London.

Hotel

If you haven’t booked a hotel for your trip to London yet, here’s an interactive map to get you started! This shows the hotels closest to the Tower of London.

Final Thoughts

This experience is one I consistently recommend in my 1:1 London Travel consultations and to all my friends, family and readers planning a trip to London. Considering the cost of flights and hotels, I think it’s worth booking this experience at one of London’s most popular attractions to ensure the best experience. Why travel all this way and miss the best part?

Let’s Plan Your Trip!

Book a One on One Q&A Call for YOU:

• Best hotel location
• Travel itinerary planning
• Transportation options
• Top restaurants, pubs & hidden gems
• Must-see theatre, experiences, activities & tour suggestions

Now that you’ve read about the Tower of London Tour with Beefeater, what do you think? Do you prefer the intimate atmosphere of a private tour, or do you enjoy the energy of a larger group experience? Let me know in the comments!

London Travel Planner

1:1 Travel Consultation

Iconic London Trip Planner 3 days 2026

The Ultimate Christmas Guide in London

London Restaurant Guide