Ceremony of the Keys

Be part of this 700 year old ancient ceremony!

Tickets are issued free of charge but, due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to follow the process below to apply for tickets.

A Yeoman Warder standing in front of the White Tower at night

Introduction

The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because, although the Monarch no longer resides at this royal palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do!

Please note that the Ceremony of the Keys is fully booked on the following dates;

July 2013
Fully booked - please do not submit any more applications for this month

August 2013
Fully booked - please do not submit any more applications for this month

September 2013
Fully booked - please do not submit any more applications for this month

October 2013
Fully booked on 2-7, 11, 15-18, 23 and 29

November 2013
Fully booked on 8, 13, 21

December 2013
Fully booked on 11-12 and 25

Please note updates are posted on this page as soon as possible, however we cannot guarantee a date will still be free when we receive your application due to the great demand for tickets.

Further information

Requests for Tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys

Tickets are issued free of charge but, due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to follow the process below for applications.

Please apply in writing including the following with your letter:

Names of all attendees
Two possible dates you can attend for at least two months in advance (three months in advance if you wish to attend in June, July and August)
A self-addressed envelope together with the requisite British postage stamps, or a minimum of two 'Coupon-response international'. Please note that American or other non-British stamps are not valid in the UK.

Please post applications to: Ceremony of the Keys Office Tower of London LONDON, EC3N 4AB Great Britain Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 6278 International Reply Coupons are readily available.

Applications from the United States of America
Please click on the pdf at the bottom right of this page titled Essential information for applications from USA for advice and help.

Please note: Groups are limited to a maximum of six persons between 1 April and 31 October inclusive. During the period 1 November to 31 March inclusive, groups will be limited to a maximum of fifteen persons. Applications from third parties (ie. Tour Organisers, Tour Guides, Hotels etc.) will not be processed. We regret that we cannot process applications made over the telephone, by e-mail or facsimile.

Attending the Ceremony of the Keys

Please bring the original ticket issued by the Tower of London. Visitors will be admitted to the Tower under escort at 21:30 hrs (9:30pm) precisely.

Please note that due to the traditional nature of this event, late arrivals will not be admitted. The ceremony will conclude at 22:05 hrs (10.05pm) after which all visitors will be escorted to the exit. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities available. Photography is not permitted during any part of the ceremony.