VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys

We’re excited to offer you an exclusive opportunity to experience the Tower of London after dark. This VIP tour grants small group access to the historic grounds, allowing you to witness the renowned Ceremony of the Keys and learn about the Tower’s captivating history. Led by a knowledgeable Beefeater, you’ll enjoy captivating storytelling and discover the magic that lingers within these ancient walls. With limited spots available, don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable evening at one of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Key Points

• This VIP tour offers exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London, led by a real Beefeater (Yeoman Warder).
• The tour includes the historic Ceremony of the Keys, providing an intimate experience in a small group setting.
• Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Tower’s grounds and experience its rich history and magical night-time atmosphere.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for guests with mobility issues.
• Cancellation policy includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, but no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours.

Tour Overview

The VIP Tower of London: After Hours Tour & Ceremony of the Keys offers an exclusive opportunity to explore the iconic fortress after regular operating hours.

Led by a real Beefeater, this small-group tour grants access to the Tower’s grounds and the renowned Ceremony of the Keys.

Guests can enjoy the Tower’s rich history and witness the ceremonial locking of the gates – a tradition dating back centuries.

With a maximum of 20 participants, this experience provides an intimate and magical night-time experience at one of London’s most famous landmarks.

Tour Highlights

Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London grounds sets this VIP tour apart.

We’ll be guided by a real Beefeater (Yeoman Warder), offering an intimate and engaging experience with their expert storytelling and humor.

The highlight is the guaranteed access to the Ceremony of the Keys, a historic ritual that’s closed to the general public.

This small group tour (maximum 20 guests) ensures a unique opportunity to explore the Tower at night, taking in the magical atmosphere and historical significance of this iconic landmark.

The tour’s key features include:

• Exclusive after-hours access
• Guided by a real Beefeater
• Guaranteed access to Ceremony of the Keys
• Small group size (maximum 20)

Logistics and Meeting Details

We’ll meet at the Starbucks Coffee located at 3 Tower Place, City of London, EC3R 5BT to begin our VIP Tower of London tour.

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 PM, so please arrive a few minutes early.

Our expert Beefeater guide will lead us on an exclusive after-hours exploration of the Tower grounds, culminating in the iconic Ceremony of the Keys.

The tour returns to the meeting point, so no hotel pick-up or drop-off is provided.

Please note this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and unsuitable for guests with mobility issues.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes a local English-speaking guide who’ll lead us on an expertly guided walking tour of the Tower of London grounds.

The tour also includes:

• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Gratuities
• Guaranteed access to the Ceremony of the Keys
• A small group size of maximum 20 guests

However, the tour doesn’t provide access to the Crown Jewels or the interior of the buildings.

It focuses solely on the grounds and the Ceremony of the Keys, a unique opportunity to witness this historic ritual.

Participant Requirements

To participate in this VIP Tower of London tour, full names are required for booking purposes due to security protocols.

We’ll also need to maintain a moderate walking pace throughout the tour, as there’s a lot of ground to cover.

It’s important to keep in mind that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

While the Tower’s history and architecture are fascinating, the nighttime atmosphere and exclusive Ceremony of the Keys make this an experience best suited for those able to participate fully.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for this VIP Tower of London tour is straightforward. You can cancel your reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour’s scheduled start time. This policy provides flexibility in case your plans change.

Keep in mind:

• No refunds are available for cancellations within 24 hours of the tour.
• Rescheduling isn’t an option – you’ll need to cancel and rebook if your plans change.
• It’s recommended to book early, as this tour has limited availability and may sell out.
• Review the cancellation terms carefully before booking to ensure this policy aligns with your needs.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Guests have generally praised the knowledgeable Beefeater guides for their engaging storytelling and humor.

Many enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and unique experience of the Ceremony of Keys. Guests highlighted the magical experience of exploring the Tower at night.

However, some reported issues with the Viator guide’s organization, specifically regarding check-in. A few experienced visibility issues during the Ceremony due to large crowds.

Recommended Similar Tours

If you’re interested in exploring more of London’s iconic landmarks and royal history, there are several similar tours worth considering:

• The Complete Westminster Abbey Tour with Jubilee Galleries allows you to explore the rich history and architecture of this magnificent Gothic cathedral.

• The Inside Buckingham Palace State Rooms & Royal London Walking Tour offers a rare glimpse into the opulent State Rooms and a guided exploration of the city’s royal sites.

• For a rundown, the Royal London Tour combines visits to the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

• Alternatively, the Secrets of Royal London Tour sheds light on the lesser-known stories and hidden gems associated with the British monarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Entire Tour Experience Last?

The entire tour experience typically lasts around 2 to 2.5 hours. We’ll have the opportunity to explore the Tower of London grounds at night and witness the unique Ceremony of the Keys before returning to the starting point.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

While we’re not allowed to take photos or videos during the tour, the unique atmosphere and historical significance make this an unforgettable experience. We’ll have to rely on our memories to capture the magic of the Ceremony of the Keys.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Documents or ID?

We don’t need to bring any special documents or ID for this tour. Just make sure to provide our full names when booking for security purposes. The tour guide will handle the rest.

Will There Be Any Opportunities for Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

We’ll have a chance for restroom breaks at the start and end of the tour. However, once the Ceremony of the Keys begins, we’ll need to remain quiet and respectful, so it’s best to use the facilities beforehand.

Are Children Allowed on This Tour, and Is There a Minimum Age Requirement?

The tour is not recommended for children and has a minimum age requirement of 16 years old. We recommend this experience for mature guests who can maintain a moderate walking pace throughout the evening tour.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the Tower of London’s captivating history and witness the renowned Ceremony of the Keys on this exclusive VIP after-hours tour. With a knowledgeable Beefeater guide and a small group, we’ll explore the iconic landmark at night, creating an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the Tower’s enchanting atmosphere and rich heritage.