Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
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.
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Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
What's included in Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Traitors' Gate
Stand before the infamous Traitors’ Gate, where the murky waters of the Thames once delivered prisoners to their doom. Imagine the creak of oars and the soft splash of water as boats passed under its stone arch, carrying the accused—Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and countless others—through this foreboding entryway. The name alone sent shivers down spines; for many, it was the final gateway, marking the end of freedom and the start of their fate.
Inclusions
- 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)
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please arrive 10 minutes early. Meet one of our representatives in front of the Tower of London Shop. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it!
End Points
- Your tour with conclude in front of the Tower of London following the ceremony of the keys.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
• It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded. • Mandatory: All participants are required to carry a valid government-issued picture ID on them during our tours. • 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. • Large bags, backpacks, luggage, tripods, and glass bottles cannot be brought inside. There is no coat check or space on-site to leave your belongings, therefore, - we encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodation. • 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/baby carriages. • TTG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events. • TTG runs tours rain or shine and no refunds will be issued due to inclement weather. In extreme weather conditions some areas may close down for safety purposes. • As this tour takes place outdoors at night, we recommend dressing warmly and preparing for the weather conditions.
