Tower of London Historic "Closing Ceremony" After Hours Tour
Join this exclusive tour after the crowds have left and witness the Tower's rare closing ceremony
For 700 years, every night without interruption, the Tower of London has locked its gates through the Ceremony of the Keys. Seeing this ritual is one of the most exclusive experiences in London, and this after-hours tour is your only chance. Step into the empty fortress after closing time with a Beefeater guide who reveals tales of royal power by lantern light. Then watch the ancient locking ceremony unfold in eerie silence. Tickets sell out within minutes for this powerful London tradition
What You Get With This Tour
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Experience the night the Tower belongs to you
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Expert Beefeater guide
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Exclusive after-hours Tower access
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Ceremony of the Keys experience
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Lantern-lit grounds walking tour
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Guide tips
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Interior building access
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour starts outside the Tower of London
Meet your representative outside the Tower of London. After the fortress closes to the public, your Beefeater guide will escort you through the gates into the empty grounds for an experience only a select few witness. -
2
Enter the fortress cloaked in darkness
Step into the Tower of London after hours, when 900 years of stone walls belong to you alone. Lanterns cast shadows across the courtyard as your Beefeater guide reveals tales of treason that unfolded on these very stones. -
3
Stand before Traitor's Gate and the White Tower
Pass Traitor's Gate, where accused traitors arrived in darkness, then face the White Tower. Your guide explains how this ancient stronghold has held prisoners, housed kings, and witnessed the rise and fall of empires since William the Conqueror built it. -
4
Hear stories of those who never left
Learn about the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Thomas More rest beneath the floor. Your guide shares how the Tower became England's stage for its most ruthless political dramas and royal scandals. -
5
Witness the Ceremony of the Keys
Watch the 700-year-old Ceremony of the Keys unfold before you as the Chief Yeoman Warder locks the fortress gates. This ritual has never missed a single night in seven centuries. The exchange between Warder and sentry ends with the Last Post echoing through the silent grounds. -
6
Finish outside the Tower of London
Your tour concludes around 10:00 PM after witnessing what sells out in minutes and what most visitors will never see. Leave the grounds knowing you've experienced one of London's rarest and most coveted after-hours traditions.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Please Note: You will meet a representative at the start of this experience, who will lead you to the Tower's gates. From there, you'll meet your Beefeater guide who will escort you into the Tower of London after it's already been closed to the general public.
Photography Policy: Photos are strictly prohibited during the Ceremony of the Keys.
Interior Access: This tour does not include access to the interior of any buildings within the Tower. You will explore the historic grounds and outdoor areas only.
Accessibility: Unfortunately this tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven surfaces and old stone stairways.
Exclusivity: This experience sells out within minutes of release. Tickets are extremely limited, and witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys after hours is one of London's rarest opportunities.
Ceremony Tradition: The Ceremony of the Keys has been performed every single night for 700 years without interruption, making it one of the world's oldest military ceremonies still in practice.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1-hour 45-minute tour includes:
Expert Beefeater guide
Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
Witness the centuries-old Ceremony of the Keys
Walking tour of the Tower's historic grounds
Maximum group size of 25
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Weather-appropriate clothing
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Customer Reviews
Lots of history, intelligent guide, and filled with ambience. Money well spent
The Tower of London has been one of our favorite places to visit in London, but this time we booked the after-hours tour! It was fascinating to travel around the Tower for an hour with “Billy”, learning the history by lamplight. When it was time for the Ceremony, Billy left us to join in. It turns out he is the Chief Yoeman Warder, and the one who carries on the nearly 800 year old tradition of approaching the guards with a lantern and a ring of huge brass keys (that holds every key that has been used through time to lock the gates). There was an interchange of words (we could even join in on one return) and then the gates were locked! It was amazing to be a part of history! Go on this tour, you’ll be glad you did.
The quiet moments while walking surprisingly made the history feel more personal. The ritual ceremony was an unforgettable reflective experience
Feeling the weight of history as the gates locked was powerful. Our guide did an excellent job setting the scene all evening.
The guide balanced history with fun facts and humor. The ceremony was surprising in its seriousness and tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Be sure to bring your voucher to ensure a quick check in before this exclusive experience!
What to bring?
Be sure to bring your voucher to ensure a quick check in before this exclusive experience!
How much walking is involved?
This is a walking tour with a moderate pace. You'll be walking on paved paths and grassy areas, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can I take photos during the tour?
You are permitted to take photos during the guided tour portion, however photos are strictly prohibited during the Ceremony of the Keys.
Is the Ceremony of the Keys available every night?
Yes, the Ceremony of the Keys is held every evening, but this private access tour is a rare opportunity to experience it without the usual crowds.
What should I wear?
We recommend comfortable shoes, as there will be some walking. Dress for the weather—though the tour is in the evening, temperatures can vary, so layering is advised.
What happens if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine. In case of extreme weather, we will notify you of any changes as soon as possible.
Does this tour begin after the monument is closed to the general public?
Yes! This after-hours guided tour of the Tower of London not only grants you access to the centuries old tradition of closing the Tower games, but it also allows you to enter the Tower grounds after the general public has already left for the day.
Is this this experience family friendly?
Yes, the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is family-friendly, though it is recommended for families with older children due to the late timing and lack of facilities during the event.
Are there bathroom and refreshment facilities available?
No, there are no facilities available at the Ceremony of the Keys event, including restrooms or refreshments, as it is held entirely outside after hours.
Will we be the only group walking the grounds of the Tower of London during the 1-hour walking tour?
Yes, you will have exclusive access to the grounds during the 1-hour walking tour. Following this private tour, you will join a larger group of visitors who are there specifically to witness the Ceremony of the Keys.
