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
Enter the Tower of London after being closed to the general public to witness the centuries-old Ceremony of the Keys. Having the Tower to yourself, the Beefeaters, or guardians of the Tower of London, lock the fortress gates in a nightly tradition dating back to the 14th century. This unique, one-hour guided tour offers you a rare glimpse into London's secrets, and it's not something to be missed!
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
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Witness the Ceremony of the Keys
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Guided walking tour of the Tower grounds
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Guide tips
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Interior building access
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at the Tower Shop
Your exclusive Ceremony of the Keys experience begins at the Tower Shop, directly across from the entrance to the Tower of London, at 8:30 PM. A representative will greet you and lead you to meet your Beefeater guide, one of the Tower's official protectors, who will escort you inside after the fortress has closed to the public. -
2
Tour the Tower of London
You'll embark on an exclusive one-hour guided walk around the Tower's grounds, experiencing this iconic landmark in peaceful after-hours calm. Your Beefeater guide will share tales of royal intrigue, executions, and the Tower's pivotal role in British history as you explore the key areas where centuries of drama unfolded. -
3
Traitor's Gate
Next, you'll pass Traitor's Gate, the historic water entrance once used to bring prisoners accused of treason into the fortress under cover of darkness. Your guide will explain how this ominous gateway became synonymous with the Tower's darkest chapters. -
4
White Tower
You'll see the White Tower, the oldest and most iconic building within the fortress. This nearly 1,000-year-old structure has served as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison, standing as the heart of the Tower's storied past. -
5
Chapel Royal of St Peter Ad Vincula
Then you'll learn about the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, the final resting place of several notable figures including Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Thomas More. This poignant chapel symbolizes the Tower's role in some of England's most dramatic historical moments. -
6
Ceremony of the Keys
The highlight of your evening is witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys, a 700-year-old ritual that has remained unchanged for centuries. You'll watch as the Chief Yeoman Warder, accompanied by a military escort, performs the symbolic locking of the fortress gates. The solemn exchange between the Warder and sentry, culminating in the "Last Post," marks the end of another day in the Tower's remarkable history. -
7
Your tour finishes outside the Tower of London
Your tour concludes at approximately 10:00 PM after being escorted out following the Ceremony of the Keys. From here, you can enjoy the rest of your evening by strolling along the Thames or finding a local pub for a nightcap.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, please reach out in advance if you have any concerns regarding mobility on this tour.
Please Note: You will meet a representative from The Tour Guy 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. Photos are strictly prohibited during the Ceremony of the Keys.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1.45-hour 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
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.
The guide shared rich and fascinating narratives about the Tower’s past. The silent nighttime setting made all the difference.
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.
