The Tower of London After Hours Tour and Key Ceremony offers a unique opportunity to explore this historic landmark after dark. Led by a Yeoman Warder, visitors can explore the Tower’s rich history and witness the ancient Ceremony of the Keys. With a small group size, this exclusive tour provides a personalized experience as you discover the secrets and stories that linger within the Tower’s walls. But what truly awaits those who embark on this enchanting journey?

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Key Points

Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London grounds and guided tour by a Yeoman Warder.
Participation in the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest military ceremony in the world.
Insights into the Tower’s transformation from palace to prison and stories of its ghosts.
Limited group size of 20 guests for a personalized experience.
Strict security requirements, including early arrival and prohibited items.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Tower of London After Hours Tour offers visitors an exclusive opportunity to explore the historic fortress after it has closed to the public.

Visitors can explore the historic Tower of London fortress after it has closed to the public on this exclusive tour.

This 1.5-hour activity provides access to the Tower’s outdoor grounds, where guests can participate in the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest military ceremony in the world.

Guided by a Yeoman Warder, the tour also includes tales of famous ghosts and the Tower’s transformation from royal palace to prison.

Priced from $200.04 per person, the tour can be booked with a reserve now, pay later option, and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Looking for more options in London? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Tour

Exclusive access to the Tower’s outdoor grounds after hours and participation in the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest military ceremony in the world, highlight this immersive tour.

Guests are guided by a Yeoman Warder who shares captivating stories about the Tower’s history, including:

Tales of famous ghosts that haunt the grounds.
The transformation of the Tower from a royal palace to a notorious prison.
Insights into the Tower’s role in shaping England’s rich history.

This intimate experience, limited to 20 guests, offers a rare glimpse into the Tower’s esteemed past and a unique chance to witness one of Britain’s oldest traditions.

Itinerary and Schedule

This intimate tour begins at the Starbucks Coffee located at the Tower of London. From there, guests embark on a 1.5-hour journey exploring the Tower’s exterior, including iconic landmarks like Traitors Gate and the White Tower. The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.

| Itinerary Details | |

|——|—|

| Starting Location | Starbucks Coffee, Tower of London |

| End Location | Return to Starbucks Coffee |

| Main Stops | Explore the Tower’s exterior, including Traitors Gate and White Tower |

| Group Size | Maximum of 20 guests |

| Meeting Point | Arrive 15 minutes early at 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT |

Meeting Point and Accessibility

To attend the Tower of London After Hours Tour, guests must arrive 15 minutes early at 3 Tower Place, London EC3R 5BT, which is the designated meeting point at the Starbucks Coffee located on the Tower’s grounds.

This tour isn’t suitable for:

Wheelchair users
Those with mobility impairments
Individuals wearing high-heeled shoes or pushing baby strollers

Prohibited items are strictly enforced to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Full names of all guests are required at booking for security purposes.

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Ceremony of the Keys

Although the Tower of London After Hours Tour provides exclusive access to the fortress after dark, the highlight for many guests is the Ceremony of the Keys.

This ancient ritual has been performed daily for over 700 years, marking the closing of the Tower’s gates. Guests witness the Yeoman Warder, dressed in traditional Tudor uniforms, carry out the time-honored tradition.

They’ll hear the sentry challenge the chief Yeoman, demanding the password, before the giant gates are locked. The solemn ceremony is steeped in history, offering a magical glimpse into the Tower’s storied past.

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Guided Tour by Yeoman Warder

The Yeoman Warder, also known as "Beefeaters," plays a crucial role in the Tower of London After Hours Tour.

These iconic guardians provide an unparalleled glimpse into the tower’s storied past.

During the tour, guests can expect:

Captivating storytelling – the Yeoman Warder regales visitors with tales of famous ghosts, royal prisoners, and the tower’s transformation from a palace to a prison.
Insider access – the Yeoman Warder guides the group through the tower’s exterior, including Traitors Gate and the White Tower, providing exclusive insights.
Engaging historical context – the Yeoman Warder seamlessly weaves the tower’s rich history into the experience, bringing the past to life.

Exploring the Tower’s Outdoor Grounds

Guests on the Tower of London After Hours Tour are granted exclusive access to the tower’s outdoor grounds after regular visiting hours.

They’ll explore the historic Traitors’ Gate and the imposing White Tower, the oldest and most recognizable part of the complex.

Led by knowledgeable Yeoman Warders, visitors will hear captivating tales of the tower’s dark past as a royal residence and infamous prison.

Yeoman Warders regale visitors with captivating tales of the Tower’s dark history as a royal residence and infamous prison.

The after-hours access provides a rare opportunity to experience the grounds in a more intimate setting, away from the typical daytime crowds.

This exclusive tour offers a unique glimpse into the tower’s storied history.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

Reviewers consistently praised the enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of the Yeoman Warder guides, who brought the Tower’s captivating history to life.

Guests raved about the exclusive Ceremony of the Keys, describing it as a "spine-tingling experience." Many expressed a desire to repeat the tour on future visits, with one reviewer noting:

"Easily the highlight of our London trip."
"An absolute must-do for any history buff."
"I’ve been to the Tower before, but this tour gave me a whole new appreciation for it."

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour, but guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Formal attire or high heels are not recommended, as the tour involves exploring the Tower’s outdoor grounds.

Can I Bring My Camera on the Tour?

Yes, you can bring your camera on the tour. However, photography is not allowed during the Ceremony of the Keys, so guests are advised to be mindful of when to take photos during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed During the Ceremony of the Keys?

Photography is generally not allowed during the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Guests are advised to refrain from taking photos or videos out of respect for the historic ceremony.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. However, it may not be suitable for young children as the content and walking can be challenging. Participants of all ages are welcome, but parental discretion is advised.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t include time to purchase souvenirs. It’s focused on the exclusive after-hours access and Ceremony of the Keys experience. You’ll have to plan any souvenir shopping before or after the tour.

The Sum Up

The Tower of London After Hours Tour and Key Ceremony offers a unique opportunity to explore this historic landmark after dark. Guided by a Yeoman Warder, guests can witness the ancient Ceremony of the Keys and learn about the Tower’s rich history, all in an exclusive setting. With a maximum of 20 guests, this tour provides a personalized experience that delves into the Tower’s haunting tales and transformation from palace to prison.