Ceremony of the Keys
Ceremony of the Keys
5
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighborhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighborhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Tower Gateway • 2 min walk
- Tower Hill • 2 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
9,253 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,301 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Ferenc MUnited Kingdom1,075 contributionsThis is absolutely brilliantReally cant recommend this enough. The ceremony itself is very short but there is an introduction with the history of the Tower and seeing it at night not full of tourists and walking round to get to the area of the ceremony is a joy and experience in itself. I would say this is a 'must see' for everyone.Visited April 2023Written April 1, 2023
- Gil L431 contributionsAmazing experience!Great experience to see this ceremony at the Tower of London at night with only a few other tourists around. Have to plan ahead of time and wake up early to log onto the website to purchase tickets more than a month ahead of time. In addition to seeing the ceremony, we also had the opportunity to learn more about the guards at the Tower of London.Visited June 2023Written June 25, 2023
- William C1 contributionAn absolute must if you are lucky enough to score tickets!This official closing ceremony of the Tower of London is an absolute must when visiting the city. However, you MUST obtain tickets online in the month prior to your visit. Be prepared to refresh the page numerous times till you are able to log in. If you are open to more than one or two days that’s all the better as they only allow 30 persons per night. Even if you have to change your entire itinerary to see this, DO IT! This closing ceremony has taken place every night with the excel of one for well over 700 years. Having seen this twice now, first the Queen’s keys and now the King’s keys, it is something you will thoroughly enjoy. The one downside is that no video or still photography is allowed. If you are fortunate to score tickets, you will not be disappointed!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 24, 2023
- nocoftcFort Collins, Colorado16 contributionsA very special and moving ceremonyThis is a cool thing to do in London! We booked online before we traveled and the tickets are not expensive but they go fast. We only had two nights that we could attend so felt fortunate that we were able to attend. It's fun to be part of a small group there after everyone else has gone home. The yeoman warder had interesting and colorful stories about the history of the tower and the ceremony of the keys. It was actually quite moving!Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2023
- working4nextvacationNashville, Tennessee56 contributionsOne of the high points of our London visit!This is a very special event that has occurred every night for over 700 years. The Tower area is dark and quiet, shutting out the noise of London. You really feel as if you have stepped back in time as you hear the gates clank and lock you inside the walls. Our group was 15 to 20 in number which made for an eerily interesting and fun time. Yeoman Warder Emily (apologies if I have gotten that wrong) did an excellent job of explaining the history and the process for locking the gates at the Tower. When you think back on the history of the Tower, who has lived there, world events, etc., as you stand in the dark listening to the bugle/trumpet playing the last song for the night, it creates a memorable experience.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 27, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
351 reviews
Excellent
307
Very good
33
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Katie H
Exeter, UK9 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
We attended the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London on the 15th August and it was absolutely amazing certainly a privileged opportunity. At 21:30 we were guided in by Yeoman Warder Kelly or #beefy409 who was very personable, funny and knowledgeable. #beefy409 told us the ceremony has been ongoing for over 750 years without fail and has only been delayed once due to a ww2 bomb. We watched the ceremony and had the opportunity to ask questions and take photographs after. So fascinating and entertaining even my kids (12 & 7) really enjoyed it...A must see when in London..
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
working4nextvacation
Nashville, TN56 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This is a very special event that has occurred every night for over 700 years. The Tower area is dark and quiet, shutting out the noise of London. You really feel as if you have stepped back in time as you hear the gates clank and lock you inside the walls. Our group was 15 to 20 in number which made for an eerily interesting and fun time. Yeoman Warder Emily (apologies if I have gotten that wrong) did an excellent job of explaining the history and the process for locking the gates at the Tower. When you think back on the history of the Tower, who has lived there, world events, etc., as you stand in the dark listening to the bugle/trumpet playing the last song for the night, it creates a memorable experience.
Written October 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William C
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Couples
This official closing ceremony of the Tower of London is an absolute must when visiting the city. However, you MUST obtain tickets online in the month prior to your visit. Be prepared to refresh the page numerous times till you are able to log in. If you are open to more than one or two days that’s all the better as they only allow 30 persons per night. Even if you have to change your entire itinerary to see this, DO IT! This closing ceremony has taken place every night with the excel of one for well over 700 years. Having seen this twice now, first the Queen’s keys and now the King’s keys, it is something you will thoroughly enjoy. The one downside is that no video or still photography is allowed. If you are fortunate to score tickets, you will not be disappointed!
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen Chicago
Chicago, IL51 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
You absolutely MUST do this. It was the highlight of our 10 days in London, and all for a £1 booking fee... We visited the Tower a few days before during the day and that was fun. But being there when everyone else has left, in the black of night, with rain and wind coming in of the ancient river Thames, while witnessing and being part of living history is an experience I will forever cherish.
Written April 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gil L
chicago, il431 contributions
Jun 2023
Great experience to see this ceremony at the Tower of London at night with only a few other tourists around. Have to plan ahead of time and wake up early to log onto the website to purchase tickets more than a month ahead of time. In addition to seeing the ceremony, we also had the opportunity to learn more about the guards at the Tower of London.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nocoftc
Fort Collins, CO16 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a cool thing to do in London! We booked online before we traveled and the tickets are not expensive but they go fast. We only had two nights that we could attend so felt fortunate that we were able to attend. It's fun to be part of a small group there after everyone else has gone home. The yeoman warder had interesting and colorful stories about the history of the tower and the ceremony of the keys. It was actually quite moving!
Written September 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ScottyGee81
Manchester, UK667 contributions
Mar 2022
We saw this on the website while booking our tower entrance, it sounded intriguing and reviews were 5 stars.
We headed back to the tower gates at 9.15pm thinking we would probably be the only one's there, how wrong were we! There were about 40 other people waiting already.
The 'Ceremony' was quite private, informative, historic and we felt privileged
of being escorted in and out of the tower, all for only £5 we couldn't believe it. Well worth doing.
We headed back to the tower gates at 9.15pm thinking we would probably be the only one's there, how wrong were we! There were about 40 other people waiting already.
The 'Ceremony' was quite private, informative, historic and we felt privileged
of being escorted in and out of the tower, all for only £5 we couldn't believe it. Well worth doing.
Written March 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaytonJG
Centerville, OH3,032 contributions
Mar 2022
Even though we scheduled to visit the Tower of London later in my vacation, I had a free night in my itinerary and so I booked Ceremony of Keys tickets online. Great value at only 5 GBP per person. The gates at 9:30 PM and there was about 50 folks with reservations. I'm a jerk and don't remember the Yeoman Warder's name, but he was thoroughly entertaining. It was a very quick tour, because we were there to witness the Ceremony. Everybody was allowed to ask questions. After the ceremony, we were escorted out. I thought it was the best value entertainment of my entire trip. And it complemented my Tower visit later in theweek.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
susan m
Falkirk District, UK3,670 contributions
Jun 2022
Having wanted to experience this ceremony for years we managed to secure tickets when visiting London this time. The tickets get released once per month and after watching for days managed to get 2nd choice date. For only £5 this must be one of the best value experiences in London.
Visitors are admitted at 9.30 pm after a name check from the Yeoman Warder.A brief history of the Tower is given before proceeding to Traitors Gate where you watch the ceremony. The Warder explains what will happen during your visit. The view isn't brilliant as visitors have to keep clear of the area where the escort pass,however we were right in front where the guard challenges the party with the keys. During our visit it was the Gurkas who formed the escort party.
The visitors then proceed following the guard to listen to the last post beside the White Tower. The Warder than answers any questions which was interesting. It was very atmospheric being within the tower walls with the white tower flood lit with so few people around.
Visitors are admitted at 9.30 pm after a name check from the Yeoman Warder.A brief history of the Tower is given before proceeding to Traitors Gate where you watch the ceremony. The Warder explains what will happen during your visit. The view isn't brilliant as visitors have to keep clear of the area where the escort pass,however we were right in front where the guard challenges the party with the keys. During our visit it was the Gurkas who formed the escort party.
The visitors then proceed following the guard to listen to the last post beside the White Tower. The Warder than answers any questions which was interesting. It was very atmospheric being within the tower walls with the white tower flood lit with so few people around.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hayley I
Glasgow, UK5 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Ceremony of the key has always been on my London bucket list for years and this year i was lucky enough to get tickets. It did not disappoin. Its a must see thing to do and be part of centuries tradition. Yeoman Warder Darren Hardie was first class explaining the ceremony, what happens during it and stories of the Tower. Thank you for a great memorable experience.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave T
1 contribution
Where can I book the Keys Ceremony for August?
TravellinDawg
Athens, GA113 contributions
Go to the official website for Historical Royal Paces. (Trip Advisor will not allow me to link the website.). Once the tickets go on sale, you have to buy them very quickly. You can buy up to 6 tickets under one name. The named person must be in attendance at the ceremony.
I return to London each year and I regularly use the same tour guide. He assisted in buying these tickets on our behalf.
Mary F
Saint Petersburg, United States1 contribution
Hi, I need some help. For the past couple of months I have been trying to get 4 tickets for April 24, April 25, or April 26. Obviously these go very quickly and many, many months ahead of time. Does anyone know if there is a place that people post tickets that they have that they can not longer use for whatever reason?
Kim W
Gippsland, Australia260 contributions
Sadly, Mary, you have left it too late. You need to book 12-18 months in advance as they only allow a handful of people each night.
You MAY be lucky to take advantage of a cancellation BUT it is very unlikely. There are too many waiting for the chance.
Is my email confirmation all I need to gain entry for ceremony of the keys tonight
Andrea
Tidworth, UK1,088 contributions
Yes it is all i took with me & they have a list with the lead party’s name on it as well
Hi I have an e ticket for ceremony of the keys for me my son and 2 grandsons for tonight. Is the one email confirmation all I need to be allowed entry.
Howlo
Buckingham, UK9,525 contributions
As long as you are with your group, all will get in, enjoy, great evening.
Footprints213313
Long Beach, NC
how do you get tickets
Lin W
Ashford, UK2 contributions
hi, tickets are booked up a while in advance, you need to book them online, you will not be allowed in without a booking. Names are called and bookings checked. it is really well worth it. Good luck :)
mary e
Bowling Green, KY56 contributions
How are you able to get the tickets? Hopefully we will be in London this year for the Trooping of the Color and this is something that we very much wish to do.
Dr Rob
Wenzhou, China771 contributions
Hello - this is from the website - Tickets are limited, and are usually sold out at least 12 months in advance (currently sold out until January 2019).
I tried topmost the website link but its not allowed - you can find it on google.
Sorry that you will not be able to see this. My Brother in Law was the Yeoman sergeant who performed the ceremony, unfortunately he has been very ill this year and has had to retire.
Buckingham Palace is also good trip - also I recommend the Jack the Ripper Walk which starts at Tower Hill Tube station. Make sure the guide is a Yeoman Warder as that is the best trip.
Put the Wetherspoons APP on your smartphone - Wetherspoons is a chain of pubs. There are many in London using in very nice historic buildings (The is one near the Tower of London - The Liberty Bounds) the key thing is - even in central London you can get good value food there. A decent meal and a free pint of beer for about £6 or £7. Great value for that part of London.
Have a good holiday.
Sue O
Sydney, Australia149 contributions
Tickets are free and booked out a year in advance. (I'll be in London in April but fully sold out on website). Surely sometimes people book tickets and then don't collect/use them? Are unclaimed tickets available at the Tower each night?
Lee S
Australia2,576 contributions
I am sorry to say when people don't turn up their spots are not used & the group is smaller, they book about 1 year in advance and pay 1 pound to reserve they place so why not turn up ?? isn't a shame.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCeremony of the Keys - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ceremony of the Keys
- Hotels near Ceremony of the Keys:
- (0.03 mi) Chamber Street Apartment 10
- (0.05 mi) Tower Suites by Blue Orchid
- (0.10 mi) Leonardo Royal Hotel London City
- (0.08 mi) citizenM Tower of London Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Novotel London Tower Bridge
- Restaurants near Ceremony of the Keys:
- (0.01 mi) Piccadilly Whip Ice Cream and Coffee Emporium
- (0.03 mi) The Skyline London
- (0.03 mi) Cento Alla Torre
- (0.09 mi) Devine Restaurant Coffee Bar
- (0.07 mi) The Minories
Ceremony of the Keys Information
Excellent Reviews | 307 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 33 |
Ceremony of the Keys Photos | 52 |