For 700 years, every night without interruption, the Tower of London has locked its gates through the Ceremony of the Keys. Seeing this ritual is one of the most exclusive experiences in London, and this after-hours tour is your only chance. Step into the empty fortress after closing time with a Beefeater guide who reveals tales of royal power by lantern light. Then watch the ancient locking ceremony unfold in eerie silence. Tickets sell out within minutes for this powerful London tradition
Experience the night the Tower belongs to you
Expert Beefeater guide
Exclusive after-hours Tower access
Ceremony of the Keys experience
Lantern-lit grounds walking tour
Guide tips
Interior building access
Your tour starts outside the Tower of London
Meet your representative outside the Tower of London. After the fortress closes to the public, your Beefeater guide will escort you through the gates into the empty grounds for an experience only a select few witness.
Enter the fortress cloaked in darkness
Step into the Tower of London after hours, when 900 years of stone walls belong to you alone. Lanterns cast shadows across the courtyard as your Beefeater guide reveals tales of treason that unfolded on these very stones.
Stand before Traitor's Gate and the White Tower
Pass Traitor's Gate, where accused traitors arrived in darkness, then face the White Tower. Your guide explains how this ancient stronghold has held prisoners, housed kings, and witnessed the rise and fall of empires since William the Conqueror built it.
Hear stories of those who never left
Learn about the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, where Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Thomas More rest beneath the floor. Your guide shares how the Tower became England's stage for its most ruthless political dramas and royal scandals.
Witness the Ceremony of the Keys
Watch the 700-year-old Ceremony of the Keys unfold before you as the Chief Yeoman Warder locks the fortress gates. This ritual has never missed a single night in seven centuries. The exchange between Warder and sentry ends with the Last Post echoing through the silent grounds.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
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Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Sat, 14 Feb 2026
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4.96
147 Ratings
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Wonderful
Charlane B.
Verified Review
January 04, 2026
Lots of history, intelligent guide, and filled with ambience. Money well spent
A Must-Do in London
Leslie W.
Verified Review
September 17, 2025
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.
Quiet Reflection
Bethany M.
Verified Review
September 09, 2025
The quiet moments while walking surprisingly made the history feel more personal. The ritual ceremony was an unforgettable reflective experience
Deeply Historic
Lottie C.
Verified Review
September 08, 2025
Feeling the weight of history as the gates locked was powerful. Our guide did an excellent job setting the scene all evening.
Fun Facts
Finn P.
Verified Review
September 08, 2025
The guide balanced history with fun facts and humor. The ceremony was surprising in its seriousness and tradition.
Rich Narratives
Riley M.
Verified Review
September 07, 2025
The guide shared rich and fascinating narratives about the Tower’s past. The silent nighttime setting made all the difference.
Fascinating Evening
Esme W.
Verified Review
September 06, 2025
History came alive during the evening tour. The guide was fantastic, and the ceremony was a breathtaking way to end the night.
Engaging Experience
Harrison M.
Verified Review
September 05, 2025
Every moment was engaging, from the walk to the ceremony. The guide mixed humor and history brilliantly. A very special evening.
Holly C.
Verified Review
September 04, 2025
Beautiful Tradition
Theo P.
Verified Review
September 02, 2025
The centuries-old Ceremony of the Keys is a moving tradition. The quiet Tower grounds at night made it all feel deeply historic and special.
Small Group
Pippa E.
Verified Review
September 02, 2025
The small group made the night feel personal and exclusive. Our Beefeater guide shared stories with warmth and insight. Loved every minute.
Intimate Moments
Maisie W.
Verified Review
September 01, 2025
With just a small group, we had genuine moments to ask questions and engage deeply. The historic lock-up ceremony was a powerful conclusion.
Joshua M.
Verified Review
September 01, 2025
Archer A.
Verified Review
September 01, 2025
Magical Tradition
Millie C.
Verified Review
August 31, 2025
The whole experience felt magical, especially the centuries-old tradition of locking up the Tower. Well worth the evening.
Lifetime Memory
Leo G.
Verified Review
August 31, 2025
The beautiful Tower lit up at night, the expert guide, and the moving closing ceremony made an unforgettable night.
Cultural Gem
Amelia B.
Verified Review
August 30, 2025
This tour is a cultural gem that brings history to life. The tradition of locking the Tower is astonishing.
Fascinating Ritual
Alfie B.
Verified Review
August 30, 2025
Seeing history still in practice firsthand was fascinating. The Beefeater's warmth and knowledge made the evening extra special.
Piper H.
Verified Review
August 30, 2025
Elisa C.
Verified Review
August 29, 2025
Kathleen G.
Verified Review
August 29, 2025
Truly Atmospheric
Oscar W.
Verified Review
August 28, 2025
Walking the Tower grounds by night felt atmospheric and mysterious. The ceremony gave a sense of continuity that was deeply meaningful.
Perfect Size
Imogen H.
Verified Review
August 27, 2025
The group was small enough for questions but large enough for atmosphere. The night lighting added so much to the experience
Noah S.
Verified Review
August 25, 2025
Must-See
Charlie M.
Verified Review
August 24, 2025
If visiting London, this should be on your list. Skipping the crowds and taking part in this old tradition was unforgettable.
