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

Follow one of the Tower of London’s famous Beefeater guards through the grounds of the infamous fortress-turned-prison after the crowds have cleared out.

Step through the gates of London's most imposing monument after it closes on this exclusive Tower of London night tour. As you explore the grounds with a real Yeoman Warder, you’ll learn all about the Tower’s hidden past, and how it earned the reputation of history's most formidable prison, before wrapping up at the legendary Ceremony of the Keys.

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.

The story of the Tower of London starts at its walls, long after public guests have left for the day. Your Yeoman Warder guide will lead you through the external grounds of the Tower, bringing the Traitor's Gate to life through haunting tales of prisoners passing through on the way to the Execution Block. Feel the eeriness rise as you wander the grounds and hear how the monument was originally intended to be something quite different from a prison. Without a doubt, this is the most atmospheric way to experience the Tower.

As your night tour continues, more and more fascinating stories are revealed. Find out why lions and elephants once called this place home, discover why the Tower of London holds the Crown Jewels, and learn about some of the famous historical figures who met their end here. You'll also see the small onsite church where many of them, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, are buried.

Even your guide is a walking piece of history. The Yeoman Warders, or “Beefeaters,” have been part of the story of the Tower of London for almost 1,000 years and actually live inside the castle walls. Becoming a Beefeater is no small feat. In addition to a minimum of 22 years of military service, they also need to hold the rank of warrant officer and have received the prestigious Medal for Good Service and Good Conduct. 

The highlight of the tour is the Ceremony of the Keys, the oldest military ceremony in the world. It's taken place every night without fail since the 1340s, and looks and sounds just as it did 700 years ago. Watch as the Yeoman Warders recite their famous lines and pass the keys to the Chief Warder to officially lock the Tower for the day.   
Seize this rare opportunity to witness the historic traditions of the Tower of London on an evening tour fit for VIPs. You'll leave with a deep understanding of London's history, a personal connection with some of its most important historians, and an experience that very few others ever get at one of its most storied landmarks.

Please note: 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. 

Sites visited:
Tower of London
Execution Square
Traitor's Gate
Bloody Tower (exterior)
White Tower (exterior)

Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula (exterior)
Ceremony of the Keys