Tower of London: After-Hours Tour with Ceremony of the Keys
The East End, London
Explore British history on this exclusive after-hours Tower of London tour featuring the Ceremony of the Keys and learn about the majestic Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, from a Beefeater guide.
After-Hours Tower of London Tour with Ceremony of the Keys
This exclusive evening tour offers after-dark access to the Tower of London, guided by a resident Beefeater. It suits history enthusiasts and first-time London visitors seeking a unique experience.
Highlights
- Enter the Tower of London after hours with exclusive access
- Walk lantern-lit grounds alongside a resident Beefeater guide
- Witness the Ceremony of the Keys, an unbroken ritual for 700 years
- Stand close to the Chief Yeoman Warder during London’s rarest ceremony
Description
Every night for 700 years, the Tower of London has locked its gates with the same ancient ritual. This after-hours tour grants exclusive entry after public closing, led by a Yeoman Warder who lives within the Tower walls.
You start outside the Tower with a tour host who guides your small group as the public departs. Then, by lantern light, you explore the historic grounds, including Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. Your Beefeater shares stories spanning 900 years of royal history, imprisonment, and intrigue.
The tour culminates with the Ceremony of the Keys, where you stand steps from the Chief Yeoman Warder as he challenges the sentry and the bugler sounds the Last Post on empty grounds. Tickets for this event sell out rapidly—this tour includes guaranteed access.
Note that this experience focuses on outdoor areas only; interior access and photography during the ceremony are not allowed, preserving the ceremony’s privacy and tradition.
Includes
- Expert English-speaking Beefeater guide
- Friendly tour host at arrival
- Exclusive after-hours Tower of London access
- Ceremony of the Keys experience
- Lantern-lit walking tour of historic grounds
- Exterior views of Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and the Chapel Royal
Excludes
- Access to the Crown Jewels
- Gratuities (optional)
- Interior building access
Important Information
- Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
- The tour focuses on the Tower grounds and Ceremony of the Keys; it does not include interior building access or Crown Jewels viewing.
- The grounds tour is private for your group; the Ceremony of the Keys includes other ticketed visitors.
- This tour is unsuitable for guests requiring wheelchair or special assistance. Strollers and baby carriages are not allowed.
- Photography is prohibited during the Ceremony of the Keys to protect its privacy.
- A valid government-issued ID matching the booking name is required for entry; mismatches may result in denied access.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Book early to secure your place and bring a valid ID. The tour runs after dark, so dress appropriately for walking outdoors.
