Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
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Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 36 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys worth booking?
Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys is a 1.8-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $148 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- From
- $148 per person
The Tower of London has locked its gates every single night for 700 years in the Ceremony of the Keys. Public tickets for this ritual sell out within minutes, making after-hours access one of London's most sought-after e
What you get
- Exterior views of Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
- Friendly tour host on arrival
- Expert, English-speaking Beefeater guide
- Ceremony of the Keys experience
- Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
- Lantern-lit walking tour of the Tower's historic grounds
About this experience
The Tower of London has locked its gates every single night for 700 years in the Ceremony of the Keys. Public tickets for this ritual sell out within minutes, making after-hours access one of London's most sought-after experiences, and this tour is your only way in. After the last daytime visitors leave, your small group enters the fortress with a resident Beefeater, one of the few people who actually live within its walls. By lantern light, you walk past Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula, hearing stories drawn from nine centuries of royal power, imprisonment, and intrigue. The evening builds to the Ceremony of the Keys itself. You stand steps from the Chief Yeoman Warder as he challenges the sentry and the bugler plays the Last Post across empty grounds. No crowds, no cameras during the ceremony, just the ritual exactly as it has been observed since the 14th century.
What's included
Included
- Exterior views of Traitors' Gate, the White Tower, and the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula
- Friendly tour host on arrival
- Expert, English-speaking Beefeater guide
- Ceremony of the Keys experience
- Exclusive after-hours access to the Tower of London
- Lantern-lit walking tour of the Tower's historic grounds
Not included
- Crown Jewels (not open after-hours)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Interior building access
What you'll see and do
Tower of London
Your tour begins outside the Tower of London, where a friendly tour host meets your group for check-in. Once the last daytime visitors have filed out, you are guided to the gates to meet your Beefeater guide.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Tower of London
With special after-hours access, your group steps through the gates after they have closed to the public. These rare tickets hand 900 years of fortress history over to your group in near-total quiet.
10 minutes here · Admission included
Traitors' Gate
Stand before the famous watergate that once delivered prisoners directly from the Thames into the Tower. Your Beefeater shares the stories of those who passed through here and never returned.
15 minutes here · Admission included
White Tower
The oldest and most iconic structure within the complex rises above you as your guide brings its history to life by lantern light. The Tower has served as a royal palace, prison, and fortress across nine centuries of English history.
15 minutes here · Admission not included
Church of St Peter ad Vincula
Walk past one of the oldest chapels within the Tower walls, the burial site of Anne Boleyn, Thomas More, and other figures of English history. Your Beefeater provides the context that transforms the facade into a story.
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Ceremony of the Keys
Take your place at the Ceremony of the Keys, the nightly locking ritual that has run without interruption for 700 years. The Chief Yeoman Warder challenges the sentry, the bugler plays the Last Post, and the fortress is locked for the night — exactly as it always has been.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Tower of London
Your tour concludes inside the Tower of London grounds after the ceremony ends. You leave with the Last Post still echoing and a side of London most travelers will never see.
5 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
Please arrive 10 minutes early. Meet one of our representatives in front of the Tower of London Shop. Look for our friendly staff in red, holding a sign with 'The Tour Guy' on it!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Your tour with conclude in front of the Tower of London following the ceremony of the keys.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Tour Guy
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- 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.
- This tour involves walking on uneven terrain and historic cobblestone surfaces. It is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us in advance if you have any questions about your mobility.
- Photos courtesy of © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2024 | Royal Collection Trust
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Tower of London Night Tour!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Tower of London Night Tour! We had a fantastic time on the Tower of London night tour! Visiting the Tower in the evening made the experience even more special and atmospheric. Our guide was excellent—knowledgeable, engaging, and a great storyteller. We learned so much about the fascinating history of the Tower, the royal family, and the many incredible stories behind this historic place. Such a unique and memorable way to experience the Tower of London. Absolutely loved this tour and highly recommend it!
Response from the operator: Hi Grace! Thank you so much for the kind words. We're thrilled you loved the atmospheric VIP access and the Ceremony of the Keys. Our guides take so much pride in bringing that history to life. We’d love to welcome you on another adventure soon—perhaps in Paris next time?
via Viator
Not worth the money
The guy, or known as the beefeater, who is the bodyguard of the monarch, was very rude at the beginning. He lightened up afterwards, but he kept for some reason reprimanding me and attempting to insult me. it’s probably bred in him as military… Demanding respect yet not respecting anyone else around them.. Perhaps this is British humor? And I’m not anti-military… My son is in the military.
Response from the operator: Hi Renee, thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re glad the Beefeater lightened up as the tour went on, though we're sorry his humor felt insulting rather than welcoming. While the Yeoman Warders are employed by the Royal Palaces and not our team, we always want our guests to have a fantastic time. We truly appreciate your input and hope to welcome you and your family on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Penny was awesome.
Penny was awesome!! Very entertaining and learned a lot.
via Tripadvisor
So much fun and incredible tour guide
Incredible! We had so much fun with the very enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your fantastic review! We're so glad to hear you had such a memorable evening at the Tower of London. Experiencing the Ceremony of the Keys is truly special, and we're delighted your guide's enthusiasm and knowledge made the experience even better. We hope to welcome you back for another incredible adventure!
via Tripadvisor
A great and very enjoyable experience !
Excellent experience, and very enjoyable. I was very much looking forward to this, and it turned out to be a highlight. Our Yeoman Warder was Alex McDonald. He gave a great history of the tower, and explained everything with knowledge and humor. We went back 2 days later for a daytime visit and tour, and were very disappointed with that, after our Ceremony of the keys tour. You have to plan ahead to get tickets, but it was well worth it. Follow the online directions to get tickets, it’s not necessary to book through a private tour operator.
Response from the operator: Hi Tilly, Thanks so much for the feedback! I’m glad the evening tour and the Ceremony of the Keys turned out to be such a highlight for you. Alex is brilliant, and his humor definitely makes the history stick. It really is a completely different atmosphere once the daytime crowds clear out! You also made a great point about booking early—tickets for this are incredibly tough to get, so planning ahead is essential whether people book independently or through a provider like us. Thanks again for joining us, and safe travels on your next adventure!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $148 to $227
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys cost?
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Prices start at $148 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys take?
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Plan for about 1.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.
Is Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 1.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tower of London: VIP After Hours Access & Ceremony of the Keys start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in London?
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London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit London?
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May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in London?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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