tower of london tour crown jewels

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.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Early Access Tower of London Tour with Opening Ceremony & Cruise

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Tour Description

Experience exclusive VIP access to London’s sought-after landmark, the Tower of London, on this extraordinary tour. Skip the lines and witness the captivating opening ceremony. With a small group, explore the highlights and be among the first to marvel at the renowned Crown Jewels in the world-famous Jewel House.

• Gain VIP access to the Tower of London with an early-access tour, avoiding the crowds.
• Explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Experience the rare privilege of viewing the renowned Crown Jewels without the usual crowds.
• Witness the traditional opening ceremony of the Tower of London.

Quite possibly London's most 'British' Experience. Do not miss out!

Visiting the Crown Jewels at Tower of London

This is an incredible opportunity to explore London’s iconic castle and World Heritage Site. In this guide we are going to explain how to get up close to the Crown Jewels in London.

There are different tours and tickets that you can buy to visit the Crown Jewels depending on the websites that you visit. But the regular ticket to visit the Tower of London includes the Crown Jewels, which we recommend in this article as it is a “skip the line” ticket and costs the same as the regular ticket.

The highlights of the visit to the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels are the ravens, the public outside areas of the Tower of London , the White Tower, including the Line of Kings, Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Bloody Tower, Medieval Palace, Torture at the Tower exhibition, Fusiliers Museum and the Royal Mint exhibition. Remember that the Yeoman Warder guided tours are also available daily.

Ticket prices to visit the Crown Jewels

If you are going to visit different attractions while visiting London remember that the visit to Tower of London and the Crown Jewels are included in the London Pass and we have got a 10% discount code for you. You can find out more by visiting our article here: London Pass .

• Members : Free
• Adult : £29.90
• Child : £14.90

If you would like to buy a “skip the line” ticket that includes both Tower of London + the Crown Jewels, then this is the best option:

Crown Jewels: Opening Times

Winter (1st november to 28th february).

• Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30.
• Tuesday – Saturday: 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30.
• Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 14.30.

24, 25 and 26 December: Closed

27 December to 31 December 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30. Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 14.30.

01 January: Closed

02 January to 03 January: 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30. Last Yeoman Warder guided tour (included in your ticket): 14.30.

04 and 05 January: Closed

06 January to 10 February:

11 February to 19 February:

• 09.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30.
• Sunday 19 February: 10.00-16.30. Last admission: 15.30.

20 February to 28 February:

Summer (1st March 2023 to 30th October 2023)

• Mondays and Sundays: 10.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30. Tuesday – Saturday: 09.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30.
• Monday 1 May: 09.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30.
• Monday 29 May: 09.00-17.30. Last admission: 16.30.
• Last Yeoman Warder guided tour: 15.30

Public Viewing Path opening times (entry to the path by ticket only)

• The path is open daily from 09:00 – 22:30.
• The first time slot is 09:00 to 09:15.
• The last time slot is 21:45 to 22:00.

Getting to the Tower of London & Crown Jewels

The Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, ( see on Google Maps ) is located within easy walking distance of several mainline stations, including:

• 10-15 mins walk from London Bridge Station
• 20 min walk from Liverpool Street Station
• 25 min walk from London Charing Cross Station

You can also travel by river boat. Tower Pier is served by river boats travelling from various piers including Westminster and London Eye and is located next to the Tower entrance.

Visiting the Crown Jewels & Tower of London

To give you an idea, the last time we visited the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, it took us around 3 hours and 30 minutes to see everything. It was a day that it wasn’t too busy, but we had our little ones with us, so we walked slowly… 🙂

The Crown Jewels are located in the building known as “Jewel House” (did you expect a different name?) built in 1994 on the specially restored ground floor of the Waterloo Block of the Tower of London, near the centre of the Tower, next to the Chapel of St. Peter Ad Vincula Royal. See Tower of London Map .

During your visit you will spend most of the time visiting the Tower of London and the different buildings around as visiting the Crown Jewels doesn’t take more than 20 mins approx. if it’s not too busy.

Once inside, the display is organised to follow the same order in which the jewels are used in the coronation ceremony. A slow-moving conveyor mechanism around the Jewels prevents overcrowding in front of the display cases containing the precious masterpieces. (Yes, they got tired of asking people to “keep moving, please!”).

When is the best time to visit the Crown Jewels?

This depends on the time of the year you visit. If you are visiting the Tower of London during Easter, Summer or Christmas, I recommend you arrive early, around 20 mins before they open. It´s probably best to go directly to the Crown Jewels building before visiting all the other parts of the Tower of London, as the queue to get in tends to get very long past 11 am.

If you have a choice, I would recommend going during the week and avoiding the weekend if possible.

The Crown Jewels:  A magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones

The Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious and cultural significance in our nation’s history. The mystique and beauty of the diamonds and precious jewels in the royal regalia have always held an unparalleled allure to visitors from across the globe.

From February 2020, HRH The Prince of Wales’s Investiture Coronet is on display in the Jewel House for the first time. The coronet, part of the Royal Collection, has joined the coronets of two other Princes of Wales.

For the investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969, Prince Charles wore the contemporary coronet designed by architect and goldsmith Louis Osman. The coronet is made of gold and platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds with a purple velvet and ermine cap of estate.

Alongside the coronet, the rod used in the 1969 investiture, previously made for the 1911 investiture, is also on display.

You’ll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by royalty for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Make sure to look out for the ‘in use’ signs.

Coronation ceremonies have occurred in Westminster Abbey since 1066, the great church founded by Edward the Confessor. The displays examine how the royal regalia are used during the ceremony and explore the symbolism of each object. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation. ( Source: Royal Collection Trust Home – https://www.rct.uk/ )

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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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• Crown Jewels of London tour with River Cruise

We Recommend

Crown Jewels and London Tour with River Cruise

Join us on this fantastic afternoon tour with our expert guide, where you will visit two of its most iconic landmarks. Step into the captivating history of London with our expert guide leading the way on this fascinating afternoon tour. Explore two of London's most iconic landmarks, delve into their rich heritage and uncover tales of centuries past.

Then, as the sun sets and the day's adventures come to a close, treat yourself to a leisurely and scenic cruise along the majestic River Thames . Sail along historic landmarks and marvels, offering a unique perspective of this storied cityscape. It's the perfect way to conclude a day of discovery and delight.

The Original London Visitor Centre, St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8BX

The first stop on our tour is an iconic symbol of London. Sir Christopher Wren's architectural marvel, St. Paul's Cathedral, stands as a testament to timeless craftsmanship, taking an impressive 35 years to complete. Dominating the skyline with its soaring dome, it was London's tallest building until the 1960s .

The cathedral's construction from 1675 to 1710 marked a significant chapter in London's history, rising from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1666 . Today, St. Paul's boasts a wealth of architectural splendour, including seven chapels, many statues, and an unparalleled collection of priceless art. View Europe's largest crypt and discover a trove of historical and religious treasures tucked away within its hallowed halls.

Our guided tour of the cathedral will give you insights into its past and architectural significance.

In 2023, we marked the 300th anniversary of Sir Christopher Wren's death , a visionary and architect of St Paul's Cathedral. Discover more about his life and work and how he created his masterpiece. Sir Christopher Wren: The Quest for Knowledge is a special exhibition at St. Paul’s Cathedral that explores the life and work of Christopher Wren through archive material and personal artefacts.

The exhibition investigates Wren's genius and ever-enquiring mind, highlighting his achievements in science and architecture and culminating in his greatest masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral.

Explore a millennium of history, tracing back to the origins of a fortress commissioned by William the Conqueror .

The Tower's storied past is shrouded in tales of imprisonment , intrigue, and regal executions, stretching back through the annals of time. Despite its ancient origins, the Tower's dark legacy persisted into the modern era, with the last execution taking place as recently as 1941 . From spies to queens, criminals to monarchs, many have met their fate at the hands of the executioner within the Tower's formidable walls.

Beyond its grim history, the Tower of London also houses the incomparable Crown Jewels Collection , a repository of priceless treasures steeped in regal splendour.

The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661. This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.

Following their use in the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May , the regalia can be explored in the Treasury of the Jewel House. Appreciate these remarkable objects up close, including the Imperial State Crown, which was worn by His Majesty The King for the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and features in the official Coronation portraits, and St Edward’s Crown, which was used at the moment of crowning.

Also on display will be Queen Mary's Crown , made by Garrard for the 1911 Coronation and modified for Her Majesty Queen Camilla ahead of the 2023 Coronation. Relive the historic service through official imagery from the 2023 ceremony, which is also featured in the exhibition.

Your experience of the Jewel House will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ - have passed from crown to crown.

Learn more about the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649 during the English Civil War . The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.

After visiting the Tower of London, head down to Tower Pier and jump on the next available boat for a wonderful cruise down the River Thames . Enjoy a unique view of London's beautiful waterfront as you head to Westminster Pier next to the iconic Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Pier - Your Tour concludes at Westminster Pier, where you can conveniently access the London Underground from Westminster Station, London Bus Services, or local taxi services.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour Starts: 1:00 pm, The Original London Visitor Centre (boarding commences at 12:45 pm)
• Tour Finishes: 5:30 pm approximately, Westminster Pier
• Guests can choose to take the river cruise on another day and finish the tour at the Tower of London instead of at Westminster Pier
• St Paul's Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and during special events. On these days, we will stop for photographs at St Paul's Cathedral and spend longer at the Tower of London
• Please note the Tower of London: there are quite a few stairs within the White Tower, and there is currently no disabled access
• We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols

Crown Jewels of London tour with River Cruise :

• Tower of London & St Paul's Cathedral entries
• River Cruise from Tower Pier to Westminster Pier (or vice versa)
• Expert Guide

Superior Coach with free Wi-Fi & USB charging on board

• Personal Audio Headset
• Visit two of London's most iconic landmarks
• See the priceless Crown Jewels collection
• Uncover the bloody history of the Tower of London
• Marvel at the scale and splendour of St Paul's Cathedral
• Enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Thames

What's Included

Entry tickets to the tower of london & st paul's cathedral, river cruise between tower pier and westminster pier (or vice versa), services of an expert live blue badge guide, personal audio headset , what's excluded, hotel pick-up and drop-off.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

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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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The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are an iconic symbol of the country’s monarchy and its long and rich history. They are a collection of ceremonial objects and regalia that are used by the reigning monarch during coronations and other state occasions. The Crown Jewels are kept on display at the Tower of London , which is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. In this article, we will delve into the history and significance of the Crown Jewels and what makes them such an important part of British culture.

Table of Contents

Historical Significance of The Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels have a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The first recorded use of the Crown Jewels was in 1066, when William the Conqueror was crowned King of England. The Crown Jewels were used to symbolize his divine right to rule and his power over the country.

Over the centuries, the Crown Jewels have been added to and improved upon by successive monarchs. They have been used in countless coronations and state occasions, and have become an integral part of British culture and identity. Today, the Crown Jewels are an important symbol of the monarchy and the country’s rich history and traditions.

What Are the Crown Jewels Made Of?

The Crown Jewels are made up of a number of different objects, each with its own unique history and significance. Some of the most important pieces include:

• The Crown of St. Edward: This crown was made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II. It is made of gold and set with over 400 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.
• The Sceptre: This is a ceremonial staff that is used by the monarch during state occasions. The current sceptre was made in 1661 and is topped with a large diamond known as the Star of Africa.
• The Orb: This is a gold sphere that represents the monarch’s power and authority. The current orb was made in 1661 and is set with numerous precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
• The Imperial State Crown: This is the crown that is used by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament. It was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and is set with over 3,000 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

In addition to these pieces, the Crown Jewels also include numerous other objects, such as swords, rings, and badges, that are used in coronations and other state occasions.

Important Historical Names and Dates Associated with the Crown Jewels

Over the centuries, the Crown Jewels have been used in countless coronations and state occasions, and have been associated with many important historical figures. Some of the most notable names and dates include:

• 1066: The first recorded use of the Crown Jewels during the coronation of William the Conqueror.
• 1216: The Crown Jewels were lost when King John attempted to cross the River Wash in Lincolnshire. They were eventually recovered from the mud by a group of local fishermen.
• 1649: The Crown Jewels were sold off by Oliver Cromwell following the execution of King Charles I.
• 1661: The current set of Crown Jewels were created for the coronation of King Charles II.
• 1953: The Crown Jewels were used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was watched by millions of people around the world.

The Crown Jewels Tour Experience

The Crown Jewels are kept on display at the Tower of London, which is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can take a tour of the Tower and see the Crown Jewels up close. To buy tickets, click on any of the links below and make your booking.

The Crown Jewels are housed in the Jewel House, which is a secure building located inside the Tower of London. Visitors to the Tower can purchase tickets to see the Crown Jewels and are usually advised to book in advance to avoid long queues.

Once inside the Jewel House, visitors are taken on a self-guided tour that includes a display of the Crown Jewels and other ceremonial objects. The display includes the crowns, sceptres, orbs, and other objects that make up the Crown Jewels collection.

The display is designed to showcase the beauty and historical significance of the Crown Jewels, and visitors can expect to be wowed by the sheer size and number of precious stones and jewels that are on display. The Imperial State Crown, for example, is set with over 3,000 diamonds, including the famous Cullinan II diamond, which is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world.

The Crown Jewels are what most visitors to the Tower of London come to see. This incomparable collection of crowns, orbs, swords, scepters and other regalia, and gold and silver plate was refashioned in 1661 after parliament had ordered the original gold and precious metals to be melted down for coinage in 1649.

The Imperial State Crown worn by monarchs at their coronations is set with jewels of great antiquity and historical significance. The oldest is Edward the Confessor’s sapphire, believed to have been worn by him in a ring and now mounted in the cross patee above the monde. The great gem above the rim is the ancient balas-ruby, known as the Black Prince’s ruby, which is said to have been given to him by Pedro the Cruel of Castile.

From the intersections of the arches hang four superb drop pearls, the so-called Queen Elizabeth’s Earrings, but there is no evidence that she ever wore them in this way. Set in the rim at the back of the crown is the Stuart sapphire. It is probably much older than its name implies but is known to have been in the possession of James II when he fled to France after his deposition. It was formerly mounted in the rim, at the front, but was displaced by the Second Star of Africa cut from the Cullinan diamond. In addition to these jewels, the Imperial State Crown contains over 3,000 diamonds and pearls, as well as fine sapphires, emeralds, and rubies.

Notable figures who have worn or used the Crown Jewels

• King Edward the Confessor: The first English king to be depicted with a crown, orb, and sceptre on his coinage.
• William the Conqueror: He was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day in 1066.
• King Henry VIII: Known for his many marriages and his role in the separation of the Church of England from the Catholic Church. He wore the crown jewels during his reign.
• Queen Elizabeth I: Often called the “Virgin Queen”, she wore the crown jewels during her reign, which is known as the Elizabethan era.
• King James I: The first monarch to rule both England and Scotland, he also wore the crown jewels.
• King Charles II: Restored to the throne after the end of the English Civil War, Charles II had new Crown Jewels made because the originals were melted down or sold off by Oliver Cromwell.
• Queen Victoria: She reigned for more than six decades, the longest of any of her predecessors, and she used the crown jewels during her reign.
• King George V: The first British monarch belonging to the House of Windsor, he wore the Imperial State Crown at his coronation.
• Queen Elizabeth II: She was crowned in 1953 and has used the crown jewels at several state occasions, including the State Opening of Parliament.

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s Crown was made for her coronation as queen consort in 1937. This graceful crown is set with diamonds, dominated by the famous Koh-i-noor. Its Indian name means “Mountain of Light” and the jewel has a long and turbulent history. Tradition says that its male owners will suffer misfortune, but women who possess it will rule the world.

Visitors can also learn about the history and significance of the Crown Jewels through informative displays and multimedia presentations. The display includes information about the making of the Crown Jewels, the history of the monarchy, and the various coronations and state occasions where they have been used.

Overall, the Crown Jewels tour experience is a must-see for anyone interested in British history and culture. The display is both impressive and informative, and visitors can expect to come away with a newfound appreciation for the history and significance of the Crown Jewels.

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