• Tower of London - As the streets of London become quiet, meet the representative outside the Tower of London—a historic landmark where shadows lengthen, and the air is filled with centuries of secrets. Here, under the cover of night, enter after hours and meet the guide: a Yeoman Warder, also known as a Beefeater, whose insider tales bring the stone walls to life.

With the crowds dispersed and the city silent, step into one of London’s most notorious prisons and walk in the footsteps of traitors, royals, and the condemned. This after-hours experience unveils the Tower in a new light—dark, serene, and alive with echoes of the past.

• Byward Tower - The Byward Tower, one of the iconic entrances to the Tower of London. This 13th-century gateway once housed vigilant guards, its iron gate ready to drop and secure the fortress against intruders. Explore hidden guard rooms and learn how its narrow, winding staircases gave defenders an advantage during attacks.
• Traitors’ Gate - Stand before the infamous Traitors’ Gate, where the murky waters of the Thames once delivered prisoners to their fate. Imagine the creak of oars and the gentle splash of water as boats passed under its stone arch, carrying the accused—Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and many others—through this ominous entryway. The name alone sent chills down spines; for many, it was the final gateway, marking the end of freedom and the beginning of their destiny.
• White Tower - Next, approach the White Tower, the oldest and most imposing structure within the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this fortress has withstood centuries of history, serving as both a royal residence and a grim prison. From the outside, its immense stone walls and towering turrets captivate, each telling tales of power, intrigue, and the royal bloodshed that occurred within.
• Tower Green - As you approach Tower Green, you step into one of the most solemn and haunting parts of the Tower of London. This quiet, grass-filled courtyard may appear peaceful today, but it was once the site of some of England’s most notorious executions. Here, beneath the shadow of the White Tower, figures like Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey met their tragic ends.
• Church of St Peter ad Vincula - As you stand before the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, feel the weight of its grim past surround you. This chapel, steeped in tragedy, serves as the final resting place for some of history’s most ill-fated figures—still buried here today, their stories forever intertwined with the Tower’s dark legacy. The name “ad Vincula,” meaning “in chains,” serves as a haunting reminder of the suffering they endured within these cold stone walls—prisoners marked by betrayal, doomed to an untimely end.
• Bloody Tower - As you approach the Bloody Tower, its very name sends a chill through the air. This infamous structure is steeped in bloodshed, mystery, and untold secrets. Once a royal residence, it became forever linked to the tragic disappearances of the young Princes in the Tower, Edward V and his brother Richard, who vanished without a trace in 1483, sparking centuries of speculation.
• The Bell Tower - Once used to announce significant events, the Bell Tower is a must-see for those wanting to learn about the history of the Tower of London. It was within these cold, stone walls that Thomas More, the renowned statesman and martyr, was imprisoned before his tragic execution, and the tower is believed to have housed other prisoners of note. Many believe the tower’s cold walls still echo the suffering of those who were held within.
• Ceremony of the Keys - Your after-hours visit concludes with a centuries-old tradition—the Ceremony of the Keys, an exclusive experience that few are fortunate enough to witness. For over 700 years, this ritual has been performed each night to lock the Tower’s gates, a symbolic gesture of safeguarding the crown jewels and the fortress itself. The quiet reverence of the ceremony, with the flickering lanterns and the sound of the keys turning, will leave you with a sense of awe for a tradition that has endured through the centuries.

• Hear True Insider Stories from your Beefeater Guide
• Witness the Legendary Ceremony of the Keys
• Exclusive After-Hours Access to the Tower of London
• Journey Through History with an English, Speaking Expert
• Marvel at the Traitor’s Gate, White Tower, Chapel Royal ad Vincula and more!

• Hotel pick up / drop off
• Crown Jewels (not open after-hours)
• Gratuities (optional)

Discover the Tower of London in a unique way with this special after-hours tour. As the city settles and the crowds fade, explore the Tower’s outer grounds with a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) as your guide, sharing captivating stories that bring its dark history to life.

Stroll around the imposing White Tower, listen to the eerie tales of the notorious Traitors’ Gate, and envision the tragic destinies of those who passed through it. Marvel at the Tower Green, once the site of infamous executions, and feel the historical significance as you approach the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, the resting place of figures like Anne Boleyn. Uncover the mysteries of the Bloody Tower and Bell Tower.

Finally, observe the rare Ceremony of the Keys—a centuries-old ritual performed for over 700 years to secure the Tower’s gates. Watch as the Chief Warder, lantern in hand, locks the fortress, a symbolic gesture that concludes the day and maintains this living tradition rich in royal history.

• 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.
• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.