You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

Members-Only Ceremony of the Keys

Join this centuries-old tradition at the Tower of London

  • A special monthly event exclusively for Historic Royal Palaces members
  • Be greeted by a Yeoman Warder and watch an age-old traditional ceremony within the Tower's walls

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.

Important information for ticket holders

Visitors will be admitted to the Tower under escort at 21.30 precisely. Late arrivals will not be admitted.

The ceremony concludes at 22.05 after which all visitors are escorted to the exit. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities available. This event is held entirely outside so please wrap up warm and weather-proof.

Read more about The Ceremony of the Keys

When

08 December 2024; 19 January, 16 February, 23 March 2025

21:30

Ticketing information

Tickets for 08 December are sold out. Tickets for 19 January go on sale on 27 November at noon.

Price: £5.00

This is an exclusive members-only Ceremony of the Keys for named Historic Royal Palaces members only. All attendees must hold a valid membership at the time of the event.

Tickets to this event usually sell out fast. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.

Please note, member tickets for this event are limited to once per year.


Separate ticket (advance booking required)

Buy tickets online

Explore What's on

  • Tours and talks

Ceremony of the Keys

Be part of this ancient tradition, which has taken place every night for at least 700 years in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

  • Daily
  • From 21:30-22:05
  • Tower of London
  • Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Learn more

SOLD OUT

  • Events
  • For members

Members-Only Carol Service at the Chapel Royal

Join us in the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace this Christmastide to experience the majesty of the Chapel Royal Choir as they deliver a service of Christmas carols and lessons.

  • 09, 11 and 16 December 2024
  • Doors open at 19:00 for a 19:30 start
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Learn more

BOOKING SOON

  • For members
  • Events
  • Exhibition

Members-Only Preview Day: Dress Codes

Members are invited to an exclusive preview day of Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace that will share never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures.

  • 12 March 2025
  • 10:00 - 17:30 (last entry 16:30)
  • Kensington Palace
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more

Browse more History and stories

Tower of London Prison

It is known as an infamous prison, but it wasn't built to be one

The Tower of London and the First World War

The Tower of London played an important role in the First World War

A History of Royal Jubilees

In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, we look back at the history of royal jubilee celebrations through the ages.

Shop online

Shop Ravens

It is said that if the six ravens were ever to leave the Tower of London then the Tower and the kingdom will fall. Naturally, to preserve the kingdom six ravens are kept to live and protect the Tower of London.

From £2.50

Shop Tower of London

Shop our unique collection of gifts and souvenirs inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.

From £2.50

Shop Medieval

Step back in time with our medieval inspiration collection, full of fascinating ornaments and homewares for your collection.

From £3.50