August Ceremony of the Keys sadness

Unfortunately they seem to be operating the queue hours before the ticketing start. I had the same experience in March

Sorry that happened, but good to know for our next visit to London as we didn't see the Ceremony last visit.

I realize that this is a bit disappointing, but the real question is , "Is the Ceremony of the Keys really worth all of the angst or is it the ticket scarcity that raises up interest?" I have gone twice. Once for myself, and once with friends on their first trip to London. It is a short and enjoyable experience, but not one that is a "must do" for most people. If I had never seen it, I wouldn't really be missing that much. You stand on the road inside the tower. They formally "lock up" the tower with lanterns, shouts, a giant keyring and guards. Then it is over.

I was one of the fortunate souls that secured tickets for the ceremony in August. However, I just found out I got the dates wrong and we cannot go! I know tehre's a way to forfeit your tickets, which would allow someone else to go instead. And, according to the website, forfeited tickets can be re-released. Does anyone know when that happens (e.g., every morning at 8 AM, on Mondays) or is it truly first come first served on the re-released tickets (e.g., as soon as I forfeit mine, they'll be posted on the website)? I know it's a long shot but I'd love a second chance at tickets.

Carol in Atlanta--I was on the site at 7:55 (and checked at 7:30 just in case) and the official queue with the countdown and your place and numbers ahead of you did not show until exactly 8 am. I suppose this works for them but with just 40 tickets x 31 days that's 1240 so I felt pretty doomed from the get-go. Of course there were a few days with tickets left--like the day after we get home!

Carol now retired--I do wonder if the hype and difficulty has led to more people wanting to go, though since you can't record or photograph anything top secret the influencer types probably lose interest quickly. The Warder in charge quickly disabuses everyone of the notion that they can even have their phone out at all. I love everything about the Tower--visit every trip--so this was something special to see, especially when I saw 2 of the ravens hanging out past their bedtime.

I don’t know if this is comfort to you, or just an observation:

I’m British, lived in London for a number of years, love the Tower of London, love history, used to be a paid-up member of Historic Royal Palaces, all that stuff.

I had only vaguely heard of the Ceremony of the Keys* until I read posts about it in this forum. It had never entered my consciousness as a thing that would be interesting to do, or somehow a must-see. I always wonder what percentage of the attendees are Rick Stevesians!

I do think that this forum (and to some extent Trip Advisor) has helped make it a “thing.”

There are so many brilliant things to see and do in London so don’t fret about the Ceremony of the Keys as you will find loads of other amazing and historic things to do.

*I think it might have been shown on TV and it just looked like a very short not that interesting thing that happened every day.

What about one of the after hours tours with a Yeoman Warder? I did one last fall and it was really interesting to see some of the behind the scenes areas and their pub and it hot is into St Peter Ad Vinicula. We were allowed to take photos and it was nice to see the Tower area without crowds.

Just to be clear, it doesn’t allow you into the jewels and that.

So true so many other things to do and see in London so don’t be sad.

I saw it ages ago and it was memorable only because of the no nonsense Jimmy Cagney like guard who booted a yank out for disrespect and annoyance. The idiot deserved it and his girlfriend grateful.