Guided Tours

Tower of London After Hours VIP Guided Tour & Ceremony of the Keys

Tourists experiencing the VIP Tower of London After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys at dusk

Early access guided tour of the Tower of London with a private meet and greet with a Beefeater, showcasing the exclusive after-hours ceremony of the keys

Join a small group VIP tour to explore the Tower of London after dark. Led by a Yeoman Warder, you'll see the Ceremony of the Keys, a 700-year-old tradition.

Highlights

This 1.5-hour after-hours VIP guided tour of the Tower of London gives you exclusive access to see the Ceremony of the Keys.
Join a small group tour led by a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) to see this practice dating back to the 1400s. The former soldiers now live inside the Tower.
Journey through the infamous Traitor's Gate, once the entry point for prisoners, and explore other landmarks within the Tower's imposing walls.
In the Ceremony of Keys, you’ll get to see as the Chief Warder locks the Tower and exchanges a challenge with a sentry.
Did you know? In 700 years, the Ceremony of Keys has only been interrupted once when a World War 2 bomb knocked the Warders off their feet.

Inclusions

1.5-hour VIP walking tour of the Tower of London grounds
English-speaking Yeoman Warder guide
Small group of up to 20 guests
After-hours entry to the Tower of London grounds
Ceremony of the Keys

Exclusions

Entry to Tower of London buildings
Access to Crown Jewels

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your experience

Step into the darkness of London’s history

As twilight sets upon London, explore the Tower of London after dark with a guide who knows it best. Descend towards the Traitor's Gate, a passage prisoners crossed when they arrived by the Thames. Stepping into the Tower grounds, you'll enter the Execution Square. From here, gaze upon the White Tower, the central structure that gives the Tower its name. Stand outside the Bloody Tower, notorious for its association with imprisonment and executions. Delve into the stories behind the Tower's history, including Anne Boleyn's beheading and the disappearance of the 2 princes. Perhaps you'll feel a lingering chill that whispers of their restless ghosts.

See a 700-year-old tradition

Your guide will lead you past the Church of St Peter ad Vincula. This beautiful structure, built in the early 16th century, boasts a Gothic facade and a tranquil cemetery. It's a place of solace amidst the Tower's often-grim history. The highlight of your evening is the Ceremony of the Keys. This nightly ritual, dating back to the 14th century, symbolizes the locking of the Tower of London. Witness the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in his traditional red and gold uniform, carrying a flickering lantern and the King's Keys. Watch as he meticulously secures the gates, accompanied by a small escort of soldiers. The ceremony concludes with a haunting bugle call, a poignant reminder of the Tower's long and storied history.

Know before you go

What to bring

Have your ID ready for a seamless experience.
Pack a warm coat and a raincoat for a weather-ready kit; who knows when the skies might decide to be moody?

What's not allowed

Keep your camera tucked away during the Ceremony of the Keys – photography is strictly not allowed.
Nobody likes a crowd. A single group has a maximum of 20 people.
Dress code: Flats or wedges are the perfect footwear for exploring the Tower's historic cobbled walkways. High heels are not recommended.
Keep in mind that luggage, large bags, tripods, selfie sticks, and other photographic or recording equipment are not allowed in this experience. Pack wisely!
Smoking, eating, and drinking within all buildings are not allowed.

Accessibility

This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for mobility issues.

Additional information

While every effort is made to ensure access to all areas, some parts of the Tower may be occasionally closed. Guests will be informed beforehand if any adjustments are needed to the tour route.
Please note that the Crown Jewels and access inside buildings are not included in this tour.
To help ensure everyone's safety, please include the full names of everyone joining you on the tour when you book.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the West Gate entrance.
Address: 35 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4DR, UK.
Guide Identifier: Your guide will be holding a green Walks sign.
Landmark: Walk past the Welcome Center until you see two large black gates in front of the gift shop.

Get directions to the meeting point