Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the Tower of London like never before on this exclusive after-hours tour. As the city quiets and the crowds disappear, you’ll visit the Tower’s outer grounds, guided by a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater), whose insider stories will breathe life into its dark past.
Walk around the towering White Tower, hear the chilling tales of the infamous Traitors' Gate, and imagine the tragic fates of those brought through it. Stand in awe of the Tower Green, once the site of notorious executions, and feel the weight of history as you approach the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, where figures like Anne Boleyn are buried. Explore the secrets of the Bloody Tower and Bell Tower.
Lastly, witness the rare Ceremony of the Keys—a time-honored ritual that has been carried out for over 700 years to lock the Tower's gates. Watch as the Chief Warder, lantern in hand, secures the fortress, a symbolic act that marks the end of the day and preserves this living tradition steeped in royal history.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour focuses on the Tower of London's historic grounds and the Ceremony of the Keys. It does not include access to the Crown Jewels or entry inside the buildings.
The tour of the Tower of London grounds is exclusively for your group. However, the Ceremony of the Keys is open to other visitors and groups who have purchased tickets for the event.
Please note photography is not allowed during the Ceremony of the Keys.
Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Tower of London
As London’s streets empty out, meet our representative outside the Tower of London—a landmark where shadows grow longer, and the air hangs heavy with centuries of secrets. Here, under the gathering cloak of night, you’ll head inside after opening hours and meet your guide: a Yeoman Warder, better known as a Beefeater, whose insider stories breathe life into the stone walls around you. With the crowds gone and the city hushed, step inside one of London’s most infamous prisons and walk in the footsteps of traitors, royals, and the condemned. This after-hours experience reveals the Tower as you’ve never seen it before—dark, quiet, and alive with whispers of the past.
Byward Tower
The Byward Tower, one of the iconic gateways to the Tower of London. This 13th-century gateway once housed watchful guards, its iron gate ready to drop and seal the fortress against intruders. Peek into hidden guard rooms and hear how its narrow, twisting staircases gave defenders the upper hand during attacks.
What‘s Included
Hear True Insider Stories from your Beefeater Guide
Witness the Legendary Ceremony of the Keys
Exclusive After-Hours Access to the Tower of London
Journey Through History with an English, Speaking Expert
Marvel at the Traitor's Gate, White Tower, Chapel Royal ad Vincula and more!
Hotel pick up / drop off
Crown Jewels (not open after-hours)
Gratuities (optional)
Options
Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour Fit For A King
lauraaX6908IE,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! Barry was a fantastic guide. His love and enthusiasm for both his job and the Tower was impressive and contagious. He presented the history with wit and humor while not glossing over the more sordid parts. It was a tour good for the family.
Amazing experience, well...
Sharon P,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience, well worth the visit Very informative and Simon was entertaining and knowledgeable
History comes to life
U48GWjulier,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing tour with #Beefy409. Thank you for making history come to life.. One of the highlights of our time in London.
Tower of London Tour with Ceremony of the Keys
debb930,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour! Yeomen Warder Scott Kelly is an informative and humous guide. Totally lived up to my expectations. Wouldn’t miss this tour.
Closing the gates keys ceremony
Judy H,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best tours we have done. The tour guide (Barney) was fabulous. He was informative, entertaining, and the history story he told was fascinating. Witnessing the 700+ year old tradition of the keys closing the gates will be one we will remember a long time.
Such a wonderful...
Melinda H,,Aug 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a wonderful experience! One of the best ways to experience the Tower of London! I loved that I was able to see the poppies!
Be part of history
Alicia B,,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a privilege to be a part of history with the Ceremony of the Keys. We were able to hear the first hand experience of life at the Tower from our guide, Lisa Garland Yeoman Warder. She also brought to life the history of the Tower as we walked around different sections before the all important Ceremony. It is hard to describe the feeling of witnessing a tradition that has been conducted for over 700 years but it definitely leaves a lasting impression on you. The best 'activity' we experienced on our visit to London.
Fantastic experience.
FOTD,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.002hour experience. Our Yeoman, Tom, was a great guide and had many stories of the tower to share with us. Very enlightening. I'd do it again.
Ceremony of the Keys
David H,,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was absolutely fabulous! Our guide truly brought history to life and some of it was gruesome but we loved it! The British tradition was quite the experience
Special visit
JEH428,,Jun 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour with the 2nd ever female Yeoman. Insights into both the history of the tower as well as what it’s like to live in the tower currently.
From US$144.00
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