I've found out some info that there is some kind of an application to submit to got o the Ceremony, but where can I find and dowload the actual application??? Thanks in advance for help.
Posted by
525 posts
You can get the form from your local post office. Call first to make sure they have them. Some post offices say they do not carry them but call and ask them for the form...You also pay for a stamp. - I think. My husband and I were going to go two years ago but the time ran out to get the form from the post office so you can mail it in.
Have you been searching on Things to see and/or do in London or just googling the Ceremony of the Keys?
Posted by
London, UK
356 posts
You just need to write a letter according to the official site: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/ceremonyofthekeys.aspx
Posted by
525 posts
Sorry Larisa, It is the International Reply Coupons you can get from your local post office to enclose with your letter. I think they cost $1.00 or something close to that.
Below is what I took of the Ceremony of the keys site.
How to get tickets to the ceremony of the keys: Tickets are free, but you need to apply at least 2 months in advance (3 months for July - August) in writing to: The Ceremony of the Keys, Waterloo Block, HM Tower of London, London, England EC3N 4AB enclosing a stamped addressed envelope or a minimum of two International Reply Coupons (Coupon-responsé International), stating the date you would like and the names of the attendees. You can only apply for a maximum of 6 tickets during the summer (2 April - 31 October) and 15 during the winter (1 November - 1 April).
Opening times: Only members of the public who have applied for and received permit may attend. Visitors need to arrive at the West Gate by 21:30. Ceremony takes place at 21.53 throughout the year.
Admission charges: Tickets for the ceremony of the keys are free.
(2005) gate prices for the tower are: Adult £14.50, children 5 - 15 £9.50, children under 5 free, family tickets (2 adults and 3 children) £42.00, student (with ID) and senior citizen 60+ £11.00).
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
Do not be late-they will NOT let you in. But the Tower looked very pretty at night from the outside...
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
Hi Larisa, Miss B gave you great info. Regarding the envelope that you send with your request does not need stamps on it (do not put American stamps and the envelope), but you do need two International Reply Coupons. When you write make sure you give them the first date you would like also and second date. I would suggest you get there by 9:20pm just to make sure you aren't late. If you are even a minute late and every one else is inside they will not open the gates and let you in.
Posted by
OP
Fort Lauderdale, Fl, USA
2 posts
Thank you all for the replies! I really appreciate the info, and am going to go to the post office tomorrow. Larisa.
Posted by
Derry
175 posts
Hi Larisa, My wife and I went to the Ceremony last August. Wow - Underwhelmig! My suggestion would be that If you have seen and done everything else in London then go for it.
Posted by
Arlington, WA
993 posts
Larry is kinda sorta right. It can be a little underwhelming for some. But for a terminal anglophyle like me it was great to be in this place at night in the dark, Even for just the little while the ceremony took.
Posted by
Brangwin, Wa, USA
349 posts
I must reply after the underwhelming remark, I have been several times 5 ? ( with different friends ) and have always found it interesting . I pick sunday night not many other entertainment choices.
Posted by
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
191 posts
It wasn't 'exciting' per se, but it was one of the highlights of London for me...we thought it was pretty cool...
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2804 posts
I have been there five times with different people. Each time is was very interesting. The first time my oldest daughter was there she was seven. The Warder that took us around held her hand and gave her special attention, she always talks about that. Then several years later we were going and when I wrote to the Tower for tickets I mentioned that about Mr. Jackson. Well, he was the one that opened my letter and sent me the tickets. That night he was the one that the keys were given to. After is was finished, he annouced (saying our names) to stay when the rest left. We stayed and he talked to us for another 1/2 hour there in the tower, he told us things that a lot of people don't know. He was going to retire in two months and move to Cornwall. Our two daughters were 18 and 16 that night, they both had friends with them, we all still think of that special night.