Tower of London After Hours with Beefeater & Keys Ceremony

1h 35m

Max 20 people

London, United Kingdom

About this activity

Uncover the incredible secrets of the Tower of London during an after-hours tour of the grounds with a Yeoman Warder. Experience its rich stories and history in a way that so few ever do.

Highlights

Explore the Tower of London's outdoor grounds after hours.
Get guaranteed access to the legendary Ceremony of the Keys.
Meet a real Beefeater guard, who will be your guide.
Learn how the royal palace became a notorious prison.
Hear tales of some of the castle's most famous ghosts.

Full description

The Tower of London is renowned for its magnificent architecture, sometimes unbelievable history, and enduring legacy. Experience it in its full glory on an exclusive nighttime tour as you head inside after the gates to the public have closed. As you explore the outdoor areas of the grounds with a Beefeater guard as your guide, you'll uncover age-old secrets and tales of the Tower's past before witnessing one of London's most historic acts: the Ceremony of Keys.

Explore London's famous Tower of London in a whole new way on this exclusive after-hours tour. Discover the castle's intriguing history and uncover its secrets as you listen to your personal Yeoman Warder guide share stories about why it became such an infamous prison.

At nightfall, the Tower of London is transformed as the crowds clear out and silence falls over the building. After the crowds have left for the day, you'll step into a site that's brimming with secrets, where the walls whisper tales of the past—and you'll get to savour it all long after the crowds have left.

Your night tour of the Tower of London is filled with intrigue and mystery. As you step through the gates and explore the exterior grounds, you'll hear tales of lions and elephants that once lived here, find out why the Crown Jewels are kept here, and learn which ill-fated women met their end in this famous fortress. Pause outside White Tower as your guide explains the history behind this iconic castle and its impressive armory collection. Traitor's Gate will take on a new air of mystery as you hear how its original purpose changed to bring prisoners to the Execution Block. Even your guide will be a living representation of the castle's long history. Yeoman Warders have been part of this story for hundreds of years, and must still reside inside the Tower. There's nobody better to show you around this storied site.

You’ll finish by viewing the Ceremony of Keys, the oldest military ceremony in the world. Be enchanted as Yeoman Warders deliver their famous lines and pass the keys to the Chief Warder in a ritual that has been performed every single night for over 700 years.

Please note: This tour does not include access to the Crown Jewels or access inside the buildings. This is a tour of the Grounds only and The Ceremony of the Keys. While the tour of the grounds of the Tower of London is limited to just your small group (20 max), other visitors and groups are able to purchase Ceremony of the Keys tickets and will be admitted to the Tower to witness the ritual.

Included / Excluded

Exclusive out of hours entry to the Tower of London (exterior grounds)
Guaranteed access to Ceremony of the Keys
Local English-speaking Yeoman Warder guide
Expertly guided walking tour
Small group of 20 guests maximum

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Gratuities

Meeting point

Start Location

Tower of London Shop, Lower Thames Street, London, UK

Tower of London Shop, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour. This tour meets at 5BT, Tower Place West, 50 Lower Thames St, London EC3R 6DT, UK. Meet your coordinator at the West Gate entrance, opposite the Starbucks and in front of the Tower of London giftshop. There is a large tree with benches next to where the coordinator will be waiting.

Get directions →

Important information

Know before you book

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Full names of all participants need to be entered when booking for security.
This tour does not include access to the Crown Jewels or access inside the buildings. This is a tour of the Grounds only and The Ceremony of the Keys.
Please be advised that other public groups will join you for the Ceremony of the Keys - The private access is the tour with the Yeoman Warden.
This tour is in English.
This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Know before you go

The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
All guests must pass through security.
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
Please bring a Warm coat or Rain Coat as this is an evening tour outside..
No High, pointed heels allowed due to the cobbled walkways
Full names of all participants need to be entered when booking for security.
This tour does not include access to the Crown Jewels or access inside the buildings. This is a tour of the Grounds only and The Ceremony of the Keys.
Please be advised that other public groups will join you for the Ceremony of the Keys - The private access is the tour with the Yeoman Warden.
Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.