jewel house tour

Review: Tower of London Guided Tour (with Opening Ceremony & Crown Jewels)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: November 25, 2023

👑 Discover an exclusive Tower of London Guided Tour which includes both VIP access to the Jewel House & the experience of witnessing the opening ceremony with a small group & accompanied by an expert tour guide.

This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my  disclaimer  here for more information.

One of the most famous landmarks to visit in London is the Tower of London. With some parts standing for over 1150 years the Tower has been (amongst other things over the years) a royal residence, an arsenal, a royal mint, a prison, a place of execution and even housed a menagerie. Today the Tower is not only home to the Crown Jewels but also 40 Yeoman of the Guard and their families.

Exploring the Tower of London is one of the most popular things to do in many London itineraries and it is somewhere we have visited many times.

While it is possible to simply buy a ticket and explore the Tower without a guide there are some experiences which are not accessible in this way. One of these is the opening ceremony which is one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world and is only available to a small group of people each day.

If you wish to have exclusive access to not only the opening ceremony but also first access to the Jewel House to view the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive you are going to love the exclusive Early Access Crown Jewels with Opening Ceremony and Complete Tower of London Guided Tour by Walks .

While we have visited the Tower many times we had not experienced the opening ceremony (or seen the Crown Jewels without standing in line) we were lucky enough to enjoy both when we took this exclusive tour with Walks. In this article, we share what to expect.

This is the perfect tour for those who enjoy history, who would like to see a little more and perhaps wish to have exclusive access to experience some of England’s traditions first-hand.

Overview of the Tower of London Guided Tour

The tour begins at 8.30 am when you meet your Walks tour guide at the entrance to the Tower of London. With your group (maximum 20) you then follow your guide through the gates and into the ground of the Tower where he hands you over to one of the 40 Yeoman of the Guard.

The Yeoman explains what you are about to witness and ensures everyone is standing in the correct places. Shortly afterwards you are privileged to be one if the few to observe the Opening Ceremony.

Following this you have first entry to the Jewel House. A guided tour of the Tower of London is next which includes the old execution site, the Bloody Tower and Torture Chamber, the restored bedroom of Edward I, and more.

The tour runs 2 hours 45 mins after which you are free to explore other parts of the Tower.

Highlights of the tour

The tour can roughly be divided into 3 parts – the Opening Ceremony , entry to the Jewel House and the guided tour . While there are a number of highlights what really makes this tour special is the knowledge that you are standing with only a few others that day to witness the opening of the Tower which was the standout moment for me.

During the opening ceremony, the Duty Yeoman Warder is escorted by 4 members of the King’s guard to officially open the Tower of London for the day. Both the middle Tower and the Byward Tower are unlocked and the public allowed to enter.

We had an excellent view of the ceremony and also had Chris (our Yeoman Warder guide at this point) explaining what was happening.

Once the ceremony was concluded we were escorted to the Jewel House where we had first entry before the crowds descended. This was fantastic as we were able to enter straight into the building and see the jewels without lining up. Often the wait can be up to one hour!

In fact, we took to the travelators (which take you past the jewels) a number of times so we could get a good look! This is just not possible when it is busy. While I have seen the jewels before I have never been able to spend as much time truly admiring their beauty!

And thirdly we were able to learn about the Tower from our guide. Whilst we had taken the free Yeoman Warder Guard tours previously we appreciated the ability to ask questions and engage with our guide in a small group. This is very difficult to do with a free tour due to the large number of people.

About your tour guide

Our experienced tour guide (Guy) was extremely knowledgeable about the Tower of London and its history and shared lots of interesting facts and stories which really brought the history alive.

He also illustrated many points with pictures (of the various historical figures) and it was fascinating to hear about some of the people who have resided in the Tower (whether voluntarily or not!) over the years!

We 100% agree with Walks when they say that their guides “are educators and story-tellers, not lecturers or script-readers. They live to share their passion with well-informed, curious travelers who want to learn and be entertained.”

Most memorable moment of the tour

The Opening Ceremony was such a special event to see. While it may happen every day it is not accessible to many so it did feel like such a privilege to witness.

This exclusive tour with Walks makes this experience possible and with a group of 20 as a maximum, there is no worry about actually being able to see or hear what is going on!

Who should experience this tour?

If you want to see the Crown Jewels without the crowds and be one of only a few to witness the daily opening of the Tower of London – one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world – this tour is for you.

⭐️ Interested to find out more about this exclusive tour? Go to Walks to find out more details and book your own tour. Tickets start from $100 per person.

UK Travel Planning were guests of Take Walks on this tour. All opinions are our own – read more about our disclosure policy.

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Visiting the Crown Jewels

This post covers visiting the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, including what they are, where they are kept, and, how you can get tickets to see them.  

You can skip this post and purchase tickets to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels here.

• Plan Your Visit
• What Are the Crown Jewels?
• Guided Tours
• Things to Do in London

TICKETS FOR THE CROWN JEWELS

Access to see the Crown Jewels is included with a ticket to the Tower of London .  

You can also purchase a tourist pass and use that to enter without waiting in line for tickets.

In particular, the  London Pass  and the  Explorer Pass  offer a cost-effective way to visit the Crown Jewels and skip the queue.

• Adults:  £29.90 | Concession: £24
• Children (5-15): £14.90 | Under 5: FREE
• Pre-purchase tickets  to skip the queue

EARLY ACCESS TICKETS

If you're planning to take a tour of the Tower of London, it's worth noting that tickets are included with some outings from Take Walks.

One of their more popular options is a tour which includes early access to the Crown Jewels, allowing you to avoid the lines and get in before everyone else!

Early Access Tower of London Tour

• £74/Adults | £69/Children
• Duration: 2 ½ - 3 hours
• Hours: 8:30 am
• Includes early entry to the Tower of London.
• Includes first entry to the Jewel House.

London in a Day

• £129/Adults | £119/Children
• Duration: 8 hours
• Hours: 9 am
• Includes Tower of London admission.
• Includes Westminster Abbey admission.
• Includes a Thames River cruise.

This section will cover all the best ways to save money on tickets to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, including details about discount sites and tourist passes.

1. Use a Tourist Pass

Several London tourist passes include admission to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels at no additional cost.

These services typically offer access to dozens of attractions and activities for one low price, allowing you to save 50% or more off standard ticket prices.

Currently, the following passes provide tickets to this attraction:

• The London Pass
• London Explorer Pass
• London City Card

If you want to learn more about how these services work, make sure to read our full post covering London tourist passes .

2. Combo Packages

If you're planning to visit multiple attractions in London, these combo deals provide a discount on tickets for the Tower of London and one other activity or landmark.

Tower Bridge + Tower of London

• £41.30/Adults | £20.60/Children (5-15) | £32.60/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Tower of London and Crown Jewels
• Includes admission to the Tower Bridge Exhibition
• Purchase tickets or learn more .

Tower of London + The Shard

• £52.11/Adults | £38.61/Children (5-15) | £46.80/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Shard Observation Deck

Tower of London + London Eye

• £76.86/Adults | £57.85/Children (5-15) | £71.25/Concessions
• Includes admission to the London Eye

Tower of London + Kew Gardens and Palace

• £46.93/Adults | £18.91/Children (5-15)
• £39.43/Concessions | £36.96/Students/Youth (16-29)
• Includes admission to Kew Gardens and Palace

Tower of London + Queen's Gallery

• £44.56/Adults | £22.71/Children (5-15) | £38.95/Concessions
• Includes admission to the Queen's Gallery

3. Use a Discount Site

There are several websites like Discount London and Groupon that frequently offer deals on tickets for local activities and attractions, including the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels.

In addition to their already low prices, these services usually also offer extra coupon codes to help you save even more money!

4. 2 For 1 Deal

If you're planning to use the National Rail to get around, you might be able to save a lot of money on tickets to the Tower of London.

Find out more about the 2-for-1 deal or learn how to take advantage of this discount .

5. Family Tickets

Families planning to visit the Tower of London will want to take advantage of the family ticket options:

• £52.20/Family (1 Adult, 2-3 Children)
• £82.10/Family (2 Adults, 2-3 Children)
• Purchase Family Tickets or learn more .

6. Tower Hamlets Resident Discount

If you live within the borough of Tower Hamlets and you have an Idea Store card or library card, you can visit the Tower of London for only £1.

Check our post on the Tower of London for more Discount options!

PLAN YOUR VISIT

There are a lot of details to consider before going to see the Crown Jewels.

This section will provide information about the best times to visit, how to get here, and what to expect.

For more details, make sure to read our post about visiting the Tower of London .

Summer Hours (June 1st – September 18th)

• 9:00 – 17:30 (5:30 pm)

Winter Hours

• 9:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm)
• 10:00 – 16:30 (4:30 pm) *last entry at 4 pm

Best Times to Visit

Some visitors recommend getting there as early as possible and heading straight to the Crown Jewels.

Due to their popularity, the only way to ensure you won't be waiting in line for a while is to get there while the crowds are still relatively small.

Consider arriving at the Tower of London right when it opens and doing your best to see this attraction between the hours of 9 am - 10 am .

To save time, consider an early bird tour that gets you into the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels before the general public.

Several guests also indicate you'll run into fewer crowds during weekday mornings than during the weekend.

They also note that weather can play a factor, as people are far less likely to visit the Tower of London on a rainy day than when the sun is out. 

What to Expect

Most people who choose to visit the Tower of London will spend at least 15-30 minutes in line waiting to see the Crown Jewels.

Plan on setting aside at least 45-60 minutes for the entire experience.

Many visitors recommend setting aside at least 3 hours to see the entirety of the Tower of London.

Several guests note that even that might not be enough time for everything, so prepare for the possibility that you will spend up to 5 hours at this landmark.

Please keep in mind that you will not be able to take any photographs while visiting the Crown Jewels. Cameras are strictly forbidden and visitors are not allowed to take pictures.

Be aware that guards may try to stop you if any attempt is made to use a camera or snap a shot of this exhibit.

WHAT ARE THE CROWN JEWELS?

One of the most enduring symbols of Monarchy, and the centrepiece of the Royal Collection, in the United Kingdom is the Crown Jewels and no visit to London should be undertaken without a visit to see this most stunning of collections.

The Jewels have been available for the public to observe for centuries and millions have traveled from around the world just to see these most remarkable creations. 

More than just a collection of crowns, the Crown Jewels actually encompass present and past crowns belonging to Sovereigns, Consorts, and Princes of Wales, scepters, rings, swords, orbs, spurs, robes, bracelets, and gold and silver plates!  

The ceremonial and symbolic objects used during the coronations of British Kings and Queens are collectively known as the Regalia.

Not just used for their beauty, these are the most treasured and revered items in the Crown Jewels, as these are the pieces that are used in the centuries-old coronation ceremonies.

The Jewels are the most powerful symbols of Monarchy, although technically they do not belong to the royal family but to the nation - and they hold both cultural and religious significance.

It is lucky that the jewels are on display today as throughout their history they have variously been lost (by King John in 1216), used as collateral (by Edward III in the 1370s), pawned (by the wife of King Charles I in the 1640s), broken down and sold during the English Civil War (by Oliver Cromwell), and nearly stolen (by Colonel Thomas Blood in 1671)!

The majority of the pieces on display today date from the 17 th century.

In 1660 King Charles II had a new set of Royal Regalia made – the ones on display today – however, there is one artifact that dates from before this time: the 12 th century Anointing Spoon (sometimes referred to as the coronation spoon) – still used in coronation ceremonies today.

When Charles commissioned the Crown Jewels, he spent the princely sum of £13,000.00 (around £1 million in today’s money).

He also spent a further £18,000 to create a set of banqueting plates and a golden altar, as well as a baptism font.

There are actually two baptism fonts held at the Tower of London today.

The first is the original commissioned by King Charles II but the second dates from the reign of Queen Victoria.

King Charles II is particularly notable for his string of mistresses and illegitimate children, many of whom he officially acknowledged and had baptised in the royal font.

Queen Victoria, a staunchly conservative woman, refused to have any of her children baptized in the same font as Charles II’s ‘bastards’ so she insisted that a new one, known as the Lily Font, be created just for her family!

Historically, the Jewels were kept behind bars and visitors were able to put their hands through the railings and touch the Jewels! Today, of course, such easy access to the Jewels is strictly prohibited.

Visitors to the Tower wishing to see the Crown Jewels will find them in the Jewel House currently in use, dating from 1994.

Visitors enter through vault doors containing electronic beams and steel shutters. The vault doors are said to be able to withstand a nuclear bomb blast!

All the jewels on display are resting on French velvet, and are kept behind 2in (51mm) thick shatter-proof glass and filtered air circulates in the cases that hold the Jewels.

Note that Scotland has their own Crown Jewels, kept at Edinburgh Castle , known as the Honours of Scotland. The collection includes a crown (made for King James V), a sceptre and a sword of state. The Honours were sealed away somewhere inside the castle after the union of Scotland and England and, eventually, their whereabouts were forgotten. They were uncovered in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott.

At one time, there were state Jewels of Ireland but these were stolen in 1907 and never recovered.

The following list highlights the most famous pieces of royal regalia, explaining what they are and how they are used.

St Edward’s Crown  

Dating from 1661, and considered the principal piece of the Regalia, this is the crown that is worn at the moment the monarch is crowned in Westminster Abbey.

The crown is named after Edward the Confessor and its’ last usage was at the coronation of our current King Charles III in May 2023.

This is the crown used as a symbol by the King and is the one depicted in coats of arms, badges, money, and other insignias (including the side of our famous red telephone boxes!) throughout the entire Commonwealth.

Weighing nearly 5 lbs, Queen Victoria chose not to be crowned with St. Edward’s because of the weight!

The Imperial State Crown  

This is easily the most famous piece of the Crown Jewels.

The Imperial State Crown dates from 1937 and is still used today – this being the crown that the Sovereign wears each year at the State Opening of Parliament.

The Crown consists of a purple velvet cap with an ermine border and holds 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.

The Crown famously is also home to Cullinan II (a cut of the largest diamond ever found at 3,106 carats and cut into 9 different pieces!), St. Edward’s Sapphire (thought to date from 1042), and the Black Prince’s Ruby (thought to date from the 14 th  century and weighing in at 170 carats).

The Crown of Queen Elizabeth , the Queen Mother

Made for Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King George VI in 1937 (our current King’s grandparents), the Crown of Queen Elizabeth was the first crown for a British consort made out of platinum. 

The arches on this crown are detachable so that it may be worn as a circlet instead (as she wore it during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II).

It is set with 2,800 diamonds and holds the most famous diamond in the Royal Regalia: the Koh-i-Noor .

Previously the largest known diamond, originating in India and coming in at 793 carats uncut, visitors come from around the world simply to see this stunning diamond.

The Crown of Queen Mary

Originally created for Mary of Teck, wife of King George V, in 1911, the Crown of Queen Mary was designed to hold the previously mentioned Koh-i-Noor. Today, however, it contains Cullinan III, IV and V, in addition to 2,200 other diamonds. It has been used throughout the decades by various members of the royal family as a circlet.

It has been on display at the Tower of London since the death of Queen Mary in 1953. In 2023, the crown was partially altered and used for the coronation of Queen Camilla.

Sovereign’s Orb  

The Sovereign Orb weighs 42 ounces, is surrounded by pearls and gemstones, and was made for the coronation of King Charles II in 1660. 

Symbolically, the Orb represents the Monarch’s role as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

The orb is placed in the Monarch’s right hand by the Archbishop of Canterbury during the coronation.

At the end of the ceremony, it is carried in the left hand, and in the right, the Sceptre [below] is held.

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross  

Also known as St. Edward’s Sceptre or the Royal Sceptre, this piece holds The Star of Africa, or Cullinan I, a second cut of the same diamond found in the Imperial State Crown that was set into place in 1910.

Cullinan I, gifted to Kind Edward VII by the Transvaal Government, is still the largest colourless cut diamond in the entire world, weighing in at 530 carats.

This gem can be removed from the sceptre and worn as a broach.

Click here for the  official Crown Jewels website . 

WHERE ARE THE CROWN JEWELS KEPT?

Guarded by Yeomen Warders , the jewels are kept in The Jewel House at the Tower of London, where this precious collection has been held since the 14 th century.  

We recommend using this Google map for directions to the Crown Jewels from anywhere in London.

The Tower of London is from the Tower Hill Underground Station, but it's also within walking distance from the Monument, London Bridge, and a few other stations.

The Tower of London is located adjacent to the Tower Bridge .

If you are considering purchasing a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, keep in mind that all the major companies have stops at the Tower of London , and some offer discount combo tickets.  

Read our post comparing London bus companies .

How to Find Them

The Crown Jewels are found at the Jewel House near the center of His Majesty's Fortress, The Tower of London landmark.

The building containing this attraction is located right next to the St. Peter Ad Vincula Royal Chapel and the Fusilier Museum.

Use the map below to orient yourself and find your way to this famous site.

You also might be interested in:

• Our calendar of free guided tours .
• Our tip for visiting the Tower of London for free .
• The Ceremony of the Keys

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Complete Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Early Access Crown Jewels & River Cruise

135 reviews

Why take this tour?

• Enjoy VIP early entry to the Tower of London’s Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
• Be among a small group to witness the Opening Ceremony, one of the oldest military ceremonies in the world, before the Tower officially opens to the public.
• Explore the infamous fortress-turned-prison (and so much more!) on a professionally guided tour of the Tower of London, including visits to the Bloody Tower, torture chamber, execution site, and a walk along the Tower walls.
• See London from the water on a sightseeing river cruise thanks to your included City Cruises flexible one-way ticket.
• Sites Visited
• Tower of London
• Jewel House (first entrance)
• Old execution site on Tower Green
• Bloody Tower
• Torture chamber
• Castle walls
• Opening ceremony
• London from the water (City Cruises sightseeing cruise)
• Tour Includes
• First entrance ticket for Jewel House
• First entrance ticket for Tower of London
• including Opening Ceremony
• Flexible one-way London river cruise pass
• Blue Badge guide

Take an exclusive visit to Britain's most famous castle on this in-depth early access Tower of London tour.

Total customer reviews: 135, latest reviews.

Meeting Point

Meeting Point 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames Street. Meet outside the Tower of London Shop. Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign.        

Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.

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The Crown Jewels

• Tower Hill • 3 min walk
• Tower Gateway • 4 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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The Crown Jewels - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Crown Jewels Private Viewing

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About The Tour

Crown Jewels Morning Tour, 3 hours There is nothing quite like being in the Tower of London when its drawbridge is closed to all but you and the people who live there. Add to that a private viewing of the Crown Jewels and you have an incredibly special, unforgettable experience.

Arriving at this 900 year old fortress, you will be greeted by a Yeoman Warder (often known as a Beefeater) and walked via Traitors Gate, where prisoners entered and awaited their fate, and the execution site where no less than three Queens of England were executed. Then on to the Jewel House, which houses the uninsurable, priceless Crown Jewels!

From here the Duty Warden will welcome you and then you will be guided through the exhibition to the piece de resistance, the stunning jewels. This dazzling display includes the St Edward’s Crown, that has adorned every crowned Monarch’s head since 1661; the Monarch’s sceptre holding the largest clear cut diamond in the world at 530 carats. And the Imperial State Crown that Her Majesty described as her best hat!

You are welcome to stay in the Tower at your leisure after it opens to the public. Crown Jewels, Evening Tour 3 hours If you are looking for the ultimate exclusive evening experience in London, then you’ve found it! Entering the Tower of London once it has closed its doors for the night is truly incredible. Arriving at the Tower, you will be greeted by a Yeoman Warder, a guardian of the fortress. You are led through the grounds of the Tower, that has imprisoned some of the most famous people in our history, including three Queens of England who ultimately met their untimely death here. You pass the Bloody Tower; Traitors Gate, where prisoners entered by barge to await their fate and the central keep (pictured), constructed in the 11th Century, by William the Conqueror on your way to the Jewel House. Here in the Hall of Monarchs, you can enjoy the display of all of our Monarchs from 1066 to present day whilst being served with prosecco and canapes.

After the reception, you are led through the impossibly secure vault doors to view a mesmerizing display of sensational jewels. Marvel at the 530 carat diamond adorning the Monarch’s sceptre, see the stunning all diamond crown worn by Queen Victoria, anything but diamonds gave her a headache and the Queen’s ‘Best Hat’, containing a staggering 3000 jewels!

After the private viewing, you will be escorted back through the Tower by a Yeoman Warder.

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Jewel House Tower of London

The Tower of London , a historic fortress on the banks of the River Thames , has stood as a symbol of power and royalty for centuries.

Within its historic walls lies the Crown Jewel House Tower of London, home to the renowned Crown Jewels.

Though Tower of London Jewel House has many treasures, the Crown Jewels hold a special place, showcasing the grandeur and tradition of the British monarchy.

This article discusses the rich history, significance, and recent transformations of the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

About Tower of London Jewel House

The Tower of London Jewel House is home to some of the world’s most precious and historic jewels.

The Jewel House at the Tower of London safeguards the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of regalia and symbols of royal power, including crowns, scepters, orbs, and ceremonial swords.

Visitors to the Tower of London can explore this extraordinary collection with the Tower of London Crown Jewels tickets.

The Jewel House at the Tower of London provides a captivating glimpse into the royal heritage and the enduring significance of these treasures.

Visitors are highly recommeded to get the Guided tour tickets to explore the Inside Jewel House of the Tower of London, housing priceless jewels.  Regardless of the tickets, make sure you arrive early at the Tower of London , close to the opening hours , to avoid crowds or you can opt for the Early Access tour to avoid all the hassles. 

Crown Jewels of Tower of London

A remarkable collection of 23,578 priceless jewels and stones, some recently used by the Queen, are kept at the Tower of London Jewel House.

In this Royal collection of gems, the most potent representations of the British Monarchy are the marvelous Crown Jewels.

Since 1661, the Crown Jewels have been kept within the Tower of London.

This relocation marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition of storing and displaying these precious jewels within the walls of the Tower of London.

The Crown Jewels, a collection of 23,578 gemstones, are not just a showcase or museum artifacts.

They are a unique working collection of royalty, still used for important national ceremonies, including the State Opening of Parliament.

Visitors can look at these historic gems under armed guard in the Crown Jewel House, with signs indicating when specific pieces are still in active use.

You may also find a collection of items used for British coronations and other rare diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, the blue Stuart Sapphire and the Cullinan I.

The worth of the entire collection found here is beyond comprehension.

Because of the glitz and glam of the Tower of London Jewel House, long queues form from 12 am to 3 pm. So check the best time to visit the Tower of London.

Here are some selected options to experience the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.

Tower of London Crown Jewels & Beefeater Welcome

• Entry to the Tower of London
• Entry to Crown Jewels Exhibition
• Expert English-speaking guide
• Private audience with a Tower of London Beefeater

Crown Jewels Tour with River Cruise

• Entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral (Monday-Saturday)
• Personal headset for live commentary
• Enjoy a Thames River Cruise in London

VIP Early Access Tower of London & Bridge + Crown Jewels

• VIP Access to Tower of London
• Private welcome by Chief Beefeater
• First access to Crown Jewels Exhibition
• Visit Tower Bridge Engine

Crown Jewel House Tower of London Map

When beginning a visit to the Jewel House at Tower of London, having a clear understanding of its layout can enhance your overall experience.

The Tower of London is a historic fortress with various buildings and attractions, and the Jewel House is a significant part of this complex.

Apart from the overall layout, knowing the relevant details regarding the inside Jewel House Tower of London objects will help you decide what to look for. 

Below is a map guide to help you navigate the Jewel House and explore its treasures.

Download the Jewel House Tower of london map .

Navigate Inside the Jewel House Tower of London

Entrance to the Jewel House: Start your journey at the entrance point of the Crown Jewel House Tower of london.

The Crown Jewels Exhibition: Explore the exhibition featuring iconic regalia like the Imperial State Crown and St Edward’s Crown.

The New Jewel House Exhibition: Discover the transformed Jewel House introduced in May 2023.

The Origins of the Crown Jewels: Learn about the history of the current Crown Jewels, from the destruction in 1649 to the remaking in 1661.

The Koh-i-Noor and the Cullinan Diamond: Explore the history of the Koh-i-Noor and view the Cullinan Diamond.

The Coronation Procession Room: View objects from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including court suits worn at historic coronations.

Prince of Wales’s Investiture Coronet: Witness the coronet worn by His Majesty the King during his investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969.

Jewel House Shop: Conclude your visit to the shop with souvenirs inspired by the Crown Jewels and Tower of London.

Visitors can opt for the Tower of London Combo tour tickets, offering access to multiple attractions inside London for incredible value.  Moving beyond the Tower of London sights, visitors who want to explore more should buy the Bus Tours and River Tours for some incredible sightseeing tours combining exquisite views and enriching history. 

Things to know about Jewel House Tour Tower of London

Before planning your visit to the Jewel House Tower of London, here are a few things to know for a smooth visit.

• There is no baggage storage facility, so travel light.
• Guide dogs are allowed.
• Tripods, selfie sticks and other photographic or recording equipment are prohibited.
• Smoking, eating and drinking within all buildings are not allowed.

Get an all-in-one package with access to the Tower of London, Crown Jewels and Key Ceremony with your Tower of London VIP ticket.

Leave with a lasting memory, something very few people get to enjoy!

There is plenty to see and explore once inside the Tower of London. Make sure you know everything related to the noteworthy Exhibition to explore.  Your Tower of London tour is not complete without trying out the mouth-watering and delicate desserts at one of the cafes inside.  To make your visit truly memorable, check out the Royal Shops inside the palace to buy a souvenir for yourself and your friends and family. 

What is in the Jewel House?

The Jewel House at the Tower of London houses the renowned Crown Jewels.

This collection includes 23,578 priceless gemstones and stones, with some of them having been recently used by the Queen.

The Crown Jewels are not just museum artifacts; they are a working collection of royalty and are still used for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament.

Are the jewels in the Tower of London real?

Yes, the jewels in the Tower of London are real.

The Crown Jewels are a collection of authentic and priceless gemstones, representing the grandeur and tradition of the British monarchy.

The collection includes iconic regalia like the Imperial State Crown and St Edward’s Crown, which are part of the working regalia still used for significant ceremonies.

Is the Kohinoor in the Tower of London?

Yes, the Koh-i-Noor, a famous diamond with a storied history, is part of the Tower of London’s Crown Jewels collection.

Visitors can explore the history of the Koh-i-Noor and view other notable diamonds, such as the Cullinan Diamond, during their visit to the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

Featured Image: Edition.cnn.com

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Take a look inside Frank Lloyd Wright's Samara in West Lafayette

Frank Lloyd Wright home in West Lafayette wins national award

Samara restoration project lauded as “meticulous”

Samara, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed John and Catherine Christian House in West Lafayette, won a 2023 Modernism in America Award for its year-long, $2 million restoration.

Now in its 10th year, the Docomomo’s Modernism in America Awards showcase projects that represent the best of modern preservation, documentation and advocacy work. The jury is comprised of renowned scholars, architects, landscape architects and educators. In its commendation, the jury called the rehabilitation of Samara “meticulous” and said it, “exemplifies a deep commitment to architectural heritage.”

The restoration addressed structural and mechanical issues, refreshed finishes, and ensured that visitors could once again enjoy all areas of the home during public tours. Funding for the work came from private donors, the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc., and a $500,000 Save America’s Treasures Grant from the National Park Service.

Spearheaded by Harboe Architects of Chicago and Indianapolis-based Brandt Construction, the restoration ensures that the home built in 1956 will serve as a learning laboratory for the work of Frank Lloyd Wright for generations to come.

“On behalf of the entire restoration team, we’re honored to receive this recognition, and eager to share this remarkable property with visitors from around the world,” said Marsh Davis, president of Indiana Landmarks, which co-stewards Samara with the John E. Christian Family Memorial Trust, Inc.

Tours are offered on a regular basis, and tickets must be purchased in advance at samara-house.org. Samara is one of seven Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in Indiana and the only one open for ongoing public tours.

Samara is one of the most complete Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes in the United States. In the early 1950s, Purdue University professor Dr. John Christian and his wife Catherine dreamed of a home that would serve both their desire to entertain friends, staff, and students while being a structure that would grow with their family. Research, perseverance, and a touch of luck led the Christians to Frank Lloyd Wright. In turn, Wright and his associates worked with the Christians to realize the architect’s vision in every aspect of their new home. Everything, from landscaping, furniture, accessories, and linens, bears the architect’s imprint. Today, the home affords visitors from across the world the rare and immersive opportunity to experience one of the architect’s finest designs.

About Indiana Landmarks Indiana Landmarks revitalizes communities, reconnects us to our diverse heritage, and saves meaningful places. With nine offices located throughout the state, Indiana Landmarks helps people rescue endangered landmarks and restore historic neighborhoods and downtowns. People who join Indiana Landmarks receive its bimonthly magazine, Indiana Preservation. For more information on the not-for-profit organization, call 317-639-4534, 800-450-4534, or visit www.indianalandmarks.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Nathan Allaire, Curator, Samara, 765-409-5522, [email protected]

Suzanne Stanis, Vice President of Information and Education, 317-605-9962, [email protected]

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