(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

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

23 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 23 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. London, England
Book online or call us
Chat now

from $112 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Discover the Tower of London after hours! Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
Smiles and stories with a Beefeater! Make unique memories at the Tower of London.
Dive into centuries of history as the day draws to a close - Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
Witness the Ceremony of the Keys - Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
Two mates, one iconic Beefeater! Capturing a royal moment at the Tower of London with one of its legendary guardians

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Witness the Legendary Ceremony of the Keys
  • Exclusive After-Hours Access to the Tower of London
  • Journey Through History with an English, Speaking Expert
  • Hotel pick up / drop off
  • Crown Jewels (not open after-hours)
  • Gratuities (optional)
See 2 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Tower Place West
Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6DT, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

London EC3N 4AB
UK

Your tour with conclude in front of the Tower of London following the ceremony of the keys.

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.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

White Tower

Next, we’ll approach the White Tower, the oldest and most imposing structure within the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this fortress has stood through centuries of history, serving as both a royal residence and a grim prison. From the outside, you can’t help but be captivated by its immense stone walls and towering turrets, each one telling tales of power, intrigue, and the royal bloodshed that unfolded within.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Tower Green

As you approach Tower Green, you step into one of the most solemn and haunting parts of the Tower of London. This quiet, grass-filled courtyard may look peaceful today, but it was once the site of some of England’s most notorious executions. Here, beneath the shadow of the White Tower, figures like Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey faced their tragic fates.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Church of St Peter ad Vincula

As you stand before the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, feel the weight of its grim past settle around you. This chapel, steeped in tragedy, has served as the final resting place for some of history’s most ill-fated figures—still buried here today, their stories forever entwined with the Tower’s dark legacy. The name "ad Vincula," meaning "in chains'', serves as a haunting reminder of the suffering they endured within these cold stone walls—prisoners marked by betrayal, doomed to an untimely end.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bloody Tower

As you approach the Bloody Tower, its very name sends a chill through the air. This infamous structure is steeped in bloodshed, mystery, and untold secrets. Once a royal residence, it became forever linked to the tragic disappearances of the young Princes in the Tower, Edward V and his brother Richard, who vanished without a trace in 1483, sparking centuries of speculation.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Bell Tower

Once used to announce significant events, the belltower is a must see for those wanting to learn about the history of the tower of London. It was within these cold, stone walls that Thomas More, the renowned statesman and martyr, was imprisoned before his tragic execution, and the tower is believed to have housed other prisoners of note. Many believe the tower’s cold walls still echo the suffering of those who were held within.
Read more

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ceremony of the Keys

Your after-hours visit concludes with a century-old tradition—the Ceremony of the Keys, an exclusive experience that few are fortunate enough to witness. For over 700 years, this ritual has been carried out each night to lock the Tower’s gates, a symbolic gesture of safeguarding the crown jewels and the fortress itself. The quiet reverence of the ceremony, with the flickering lanterns and the sound of the keys turning, will leave you with a sense of awe for a tradition that has endured through the centuries.
Read more

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-24338P134

Traveler Photos

See more
See more

Reviews

5.00
23 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
23
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.
London Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
View more

Similar Tours & Activities

Jack the Ripper Mystery Walks

Jack the Ripper Mystery Walks

27
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$27.57
London Secrets of Soho Walking Tour

London Secrets of Soho Walking Tour

3
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$34.34
Taylor Swift's London Tour

Taylor Swift's London Tour

1
 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$47.98
Leeds Castle Canterbury and Dover Self Guided with Chauffeur

Leeds Castle Canterbury and Dover Self Guided with Chauffeur

New To The Site!
 11 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$1,761.66

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Guide
Likely to Sell Out

London by Night Sightseeing Open Top Bus Tour with Live Guide

762
 1 hour 45 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$39.84
Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum
Likely to Sell Out

Chelsea FC Stadium Tours and Museum

1,551
 60 to 90 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$41.13
Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

1,377
 10 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$150.32
The British Museum London - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour
Likely to Sell Out

The British Museum London - Exclusive Guided Museum Tour

504
 2 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
$106.42

Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • 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!.
  • Hear True Insider Stories from your Beefeater Guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Hotel pick up / drop off.
  • Crown Jewels (not open after-hours).
  • Gratuities (optional).
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • 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!
  • Hear True Insider Stories from your Beefeater Guide
  • Hotel pick up / drop off
  • Crown Jewels (not open after-hours)
  • Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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.
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name

Language
Currency

Site Settings

Activity name

Currency

Activity name

Lowest Price Guarantee

Activity name

We guarantee the lowest price on all the tours available to book on our site. We'll refund the difference if you find the exact tour cheaper online until 48 hours before your tour starts.

We Make It Easy!

Gather your information

Locate your City Boat Tours Booking Number and the proof of the lower price you found.

Send it to us

Email [email protected] with the documents, your name, and your home address.

We'll review

We'll review your materials and get in touch as soon as possible.

Receive your refund

If everything checks out, we'll refund you the price difference.

Refund Terms & Conditions

The following conditions apply to all lowest price guarantee refund requests:

  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
  • City Boat Tours promotions cannot be combined with the lowest price guarantee.
  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of City Boat Tours.

Free Cancellation

Activity name

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

Sorting, ranking, and search results

Activity name

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.

Cool Support

Ask us anything!

Activity name

Cool Robot