What Is the Ceremony of the Keys?
The Ceremony of the Keys is the nightly locking ritual of the Tower of London — officially the oldest military ceremony in the world still performed on the original site. The ceremony takes place every night of the year, at exactly 21:53 (changed to precisely this time during World War II and never altered since). It lasts approximately 30 minutes.
The tradition dates to at least 1340. In over 700 years of recorded history, it has been interrupted precisely once: on the night of 16 April 1941, when a German bomb detonated in the Tower grounds, knocking the escort party off their feet. The keys were retrieved, the ceremony was completed, and a letter was sent to King George VI explaining the 30-minute delay. He replied that the circumstances were quite understandable.
The Ceremony — Step by Step
At 21:53, the Chief Yeoman Warder — dressed in the Tudor ceremonial uniform, carrying a lantern and the sovereign's keys — escorts a military escort drawn from the Tower garrison to lock the outer gates.
The party locks the outer gates in sequence, working their way back toward the Bloody Tower archway. As they approach, a sentry challenges them:
"Halt! Who comes there?"
"The Keys."
"Whose Keys?"
"King Charles's Keys."
"Pass, King Charles's Keys. All's well."
The escort presents arms. The Chief Yeoman Warder raises his bonnet and calls: "God preserve King Charles." The escort responds: "Amen." At 22:00, a bugler sounds the Last Post from the battlements. The Chief Yeoman Warder takes the keys to the Queen's (now King's) House for safekeeping. The ceremony is over. Visitors are escorted out.
Are Ceremony of the Keys Tickets Free?
Yes — attendance at the Ceremony of the Keys is free of charge. However, advance booking is mandatory. Tickets are issued by the Tower of London directly, via the official HRP website, and must be booked well in advance.
Tickets are NOT available through third-party booking platforms. They must be booked directly with the Tower of London through the official website: hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/ceremony-of-the-keys.
Tickets are typically released 2–3 months in advance. Popular dates (weekends, summer, Christmas) fill within hours of release. Check the HRP website frequently if you have a specific date in mind, and have your details ready to book immediately.
Practical Information for Attending
Arrival time
Visitors must arrive at the Tower's West Gate no later than 21:30. The gate closes promptly at 21:30 — there are no exceptions, and latecomers are turned away regardless of circumstances. Build in buffer time for Tube delays, traffic, or difficulty finding the West Gate entrance.
Where to go
The entry point for Ceremony of the Keys visitors is the West Gate on Tower Hill — the same general area as the main daytime entrance but specifically the West Gate. Signs will direct you on the night. Security checks are thorough — allow extra time.
What to wear
The ceremony takes place outdoors in the Tower's inner ward. Dress appropriately for the weather. Even in summer, evenings in London can be cool — bring a layer. In autumn and winter, a proper coat is essential. Heels on cobblestones are a bad idea.
Photography
Photography is permitted, but flash photography is absolutely not allowed during the ceremony itself — it disturbs the military escort and the atmosphere. The ceremony is performed under dim lantern light and modern low-light photography modes work adequately, but managing expectations is wise: you're there to experience it, not photograph it.
Can children attend?
Yes. Children are welcome at the Ceremony of the Keys. Each ticket covers one named adult or child — children need their own tickets. Given the 21:53 start time, this is better suited to older children (12+) who can stay alert and engaged at that hour.
The Ceremony of the Keys is, in my view, the single most affecting experience the Tower offers. It's brief, it's quiet, and in context — standing in the courtyard of a fortress that has been locked in exactly this way for 700 years — it carries real weight. The military escort is serious about the ceremony; this isn't performance for tourists. When the Last Post sounds from the battlements at 22:00 and the echo dies away, there's a genuine moment of stillness that's hard to describe. If you can get tickets, get them.
Can't Get Ceremony Tickets? Alternatives
If the Ceremony of the Keys is sold out for your dates (common), there are some alternatives:
- Join the waiting list — HRP operates a waiting list for cancellations. Cancellations do happen, particularly in the week before the event.
- Watch from outside — you can hear the Last Post from Tower Hill, outside the Tower walls. Not the same experience, but you'll know it's happening.
- Book a night tour — some evening tour packages include the Ceremony or are structured around the same evening slot. Check current options via the widget above.
- Extend your planning horizon — if you're visiting London six months from now, book ceremony tickets as soon as they're released and plan your trip around them.
Ceremony of the Keys FAQs
Yes — the ceremony is free of charge. Tickets must be booked in advance directly with the Tower of London via hrp.org.uk. No payment required.
The ceremony begins at exactly 21:53 every night. Visitors must arrive at the West Gate by 21:30 at the latest — latecomers are not admitted.
Not cancelled — but delayed once, in 1941, by a German bombing raid. The ceremony was completed with a 30-minute delay. In over 700 years, it has otherwise taken place every night without interruption.
Directly from the Tower of London via hrp.org.uk. Tickets are not available through third-party platforms. They're released approximately 2–3 months in advance and are free of charge.