Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What makes this Tower of London night tour different from visiting during the day?

Accepted Answer

On this evening tour, you enter after the public gates have closed. You'll have the grounds largely to yourselves, with the fortress lit up against the night sky and a Yeoman Warder as your guide.

Question 2

What is the Ceremony of the Keys?

Accepted Answer

The Ceremony of the Keys is the nightly locking of the Tower of London. It has taken place every single evening without interruption since at least the 1340s, making it the world's oldest continuous military ceremony. You'll watch the Chief Warder carry the keys through the grounds, challenged at each gate by a sentry, before the Tower is formally secured for the night.

Question 3

Can I get Ceremony of the Keys tickets on my own?

Accepted Answer

You can, but they're released months in advance and sell out quickly. Booking this Tower of London night tour means your tickets are secured and you experience the ceremony as part of a guided evening that includes an after-hours tour of the grounds.

Question 4

Is this a tour of the grounds only, or do we go inside the buildings?

Accepted Answer

This is a guided tour of the Tower's external grounds and exterior of the buildings. It does not include entry to the Crown Jewels exhibition or the interior of the White Tower. For a daytime experience that includes Crown Jewels access, take a look at our Complete Tower of London Tour.

Question 5

Who are the Yeoman Warders?

Accepted Answer

Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. Every Warder has served a minimum of 22 years in the British Armed Forces and holds the rank of Warrant Officer with a Long Service and Good Conduct medal. They live with their families inside the Tower walls, and your guide on this tour is one of them.

Question 6

Is this Tower of London night tour suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Families are welcome on this tour. The Tower's history includes some dark chapters, and the Warders tell those stories vividly, so the content is best suited to older children who are comfortable with historical themes. The tour runs for 1.5 hours on mostly flat ground with some cobblestones.

Question 7

How much walking is involved?

Accepted Answer

The tour covers the Tower of London grounds on foot over 1.5 hours. The terrain includes cobblestones and some uneven surfaces, but there are no significant hills or stairs. Comfortable shoes are a good idea.

Question 8

Can I take photos during the tour?

Accepted Answer

You can take photos throughout the Tower grounds during the walking tour. Photography and recording are not permitted during the Ceremony of the Keys itself.

Question 9

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

The tour runs rain or shine. The Tower grounds are outdoors, so dress for the weather and bring a waterproof layer if the forecast looks uncertain. Your Yeoman Warder has told these stories in every kind of London weather.

VIP Tower of London night tour

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The Tower after dark: led by a guide who lives inside the walls

Traitor's Gate and the walk to the block

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Postcards from London

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