Royal Tours in London: Meet the Beefeaters – Guardians of the Tower and Living Legends of the Crown

When we talk about royal tours in London, there’s one figure who consistently captures the imagination of visitors from around the globe: the Beefeater. Officially known as the Yeoman Warders of His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, these ceremonial guardians aren’t just relics of a bygone era. They are living, breathing links to centuries of royal history—and you can meet them yourself on our Early Access Tower of London & Westminster Tour.

Join us for a journey that starts with an exclusive audience with these royal custodians and weaves through the very heart of London’s monarchical narrative. This is your inside look at one of the most iconic royal tours in London.

Who Are the Beefeaters?

No royal tour in London would be complete without stepping inside the Tower of London. At its gates stand the unmistakable figures in scarlet and gold: the Beefeaters.

The term “Beefeater” is thought to date back to the 17th century, possibly referencing the fact that these royal guards were allowed to eat as much beef as they liked from the King’s table. But their official name—Yeoman Warders—speaks to a far more serious origin.

Formed in 1485 by King Henry VII, the Yeoman Warders were originally tasked with guarding prisoners in the Tower and protecting the Crown Jewels. Today, they are full-time ceremonial custodians of the Tower, serving also as historians, guides, and guardians of age-old traditions.

To become a Beefeater is no small feat. All Yeoman Warders must have served a minimum of 22 years in the British Armed Forces, achieved the rank of Warrant Officer or above, and hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. It’s a mark of lifelong dedication to service—and to the Crown.

A Day in the Life of a Beefeater

What does a typical day look like for one of London’s most photographed figures? While many might assume the job is largely ceremonial, the role of a Beefeater is rich in tradition and storytelling.

Each day begins with the ceremonial opening of the Tower gates. When you join our Early Access Tour, you’ll witness this centuries-old ritual—an incredible privilege reserved for those who arrive before the general public.

Beefeaters also lead official Tower tours, filled with spine-chilling tales of betrayal, espionage, royal executions, and imprisoned queens. They are master storytellers, blending military discipline with theatrical charisma. From Anne Boleyn’s final walk to Guy Fawkes’ interrogation, these guides bring the Tower’s blood-soaked history to vivid life.

Their duties don’t stop when the sun goes down. Every night, without fail, the Beefeaters perform the “Ceremony of the Keys”—the official locking of the Tower—a tradition that has continued, uninterrupted, for over 700 years.

Living Inside the Tower

Part of what makes the Beefeaters so fascinating is that they aren’t just day visitors to the Tower—they actually live within its walls. The Tower functions as a small, secure village. Beefeaters and their families have their own residences, a pub, a doctor, and even a chapel.

Imagine raising your children in a place surrounded by ravens, battlements, and stories of royal intrigue. That’s daily life for the Yeoman Warders, adding another layer of intimacy and connection to the history they uphold.

This blend of living tradition and historical preservation is what sets the Beefeaters—and our royal tours in London—apart.

The Crown Jewels: Where Royal Power Shines

Of course, no visit to the Tower is complete without seeing the world-famous Crown Jewels, still used by the British monarch today. These breathtaking symbols of sovereignty include the Imperial State Crown, worn at the end of every coronation, and the sovereign’s sceptre and orb.

On our tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive early access to the Jewel House—getting in before the crowds so you can view these priceless treasures in peace. It’s the ideal moment to reflect on the continuity of monarchy, and the Beefeaters’ role in guarding these artifacts for centuries.

This experience is not just about seeing the jewels—it’s about understanding the legacy they represent, and the people who protect them. This is why we consider it one of the most essential royal tours in London.

A Journey Through Royal Westminster

But the adventure doesn’t end at the Tower. After your morning immersion with the Beefeaters and Crown Jewels, the tour continues with a guided river cruise down the Thames—another thread in London’s royal tapestry. You’ll glide past the palaces, cathedrals, and parliamentary buildings that have defined the monarchy’s relationship with the city for over a thousand years.

Upon arrival in Westminster, you’ll take a walking tour that includes icons like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the exterior of Buckingham Palace. This neighborhood is a living monument to monarchy—a place where royal weddings are held, state ceremonies performed, and centuries of history celebrated.

With expert guides who breathe life into every landmark, this journey through Westminster deepens your understanding of Britain’s royal story. It’s not just a sightseeing trip—it’s a comprehensive royal tour of London that ties together the ceremonial, the personal, and the political.

Why Choose Our Royal Tour?

There are plenty of walking tours in London—but not all are created equal. Our Early Access to the Tower of London & Westminster Tour by Urban Saunters offers:

• Small group sizes for a personal and immersive experience.
• Priority access to the Tower and the Crown Jewels before public hours.
• Handpicked guides with expert knowledge and theatrical flair.
• A complete narrative arc, from medieval fortress to modern monarchy.

This is more than a walking tour; it’s a journey through the royal soul of London.

Book Your Royal Tour in London Today

If you’ve ever dreamed of uncovering London’s royal history with an insider’s perspective, this is your moment. Meet the Beefeaters. Stand before the Crown Jewels. Walk through Westminster. And feel the living pulse of Britain’s regal past and present.

Don’t just see London—experience it like royalty.

👉 Book your Early Access Tower of London & Westminster Tour here

For those who love tales of queens and traitors, royal traditions and historic secrets, few experiences rival this one. Join us for one of the most authentic and unforgettable royal tours in London.