Crown Jewels of London

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.

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

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.

Please note the Tower of London: there are quite a few stairs within the White Tower, and there is currently no disabled access

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.

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

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.