Cermony of the Keys

Check out this website: http://www.4london.info/londontowerceremonyofthekeys.htm I went and enjoyed it. After it was over I headed down by the Thames and got some great pictures of the Tower bridge all lit up. As for the post offices, I just called around until I found one that had what I needed and then made the trip. Have a great trip!

Karyn, Good question. I think whether it was worth it or not depends on what type of person you are and what you were seeking. What it is NOT is a substitute for touring the tower during normal hours. As the previous response mentions (via the link), the ceremony is very brief and only lets you in the outer wall for the locking ceremony. A lot of it is about atmosphere. If you'd enjoy walking the dark, spooky shadows of the castle at night; if the idea of witnessing a very old tradition appeals to you; if you're the type of person to ask a question during a brief Q&A session with a tower guard (ask for a ghost story!), then it's worthwhile. I personally enjoyed it, especially since I hadn't been in the Tower since my first London trip ten year previously. But I acknowledge that it was a lot of travel to get there, a lot of waiting to get in, and a lot of standing around craning my neck to see over the crowd, and then it was over in no time. So I can understand why it's not everyone's cup of tea. I suggest you try to find the reply coupons (make a phone call or two), but if you end up not being able to get them, don't feel like you're missing the greatest thing in England. There's plenty more to see and do, too. One other thought: in my post office in the Washington DC suburbs, the first postal worker had never heard of the coupons and insisted they didn't have them, but when I pressed the issue and spoke to a supervisor, I discovered they did in fact have them tucked away in a drawer somewhere. So keep asking!

The ceremony of the keys is an old tradition. Not very scenic. I think most people attend for the history of it. If you have never heard of it- its probably not for you

We did this in May 2009. I agree with the above that it is not a substitute for the daytime tour, it is rather unique. Our family all enjoyed it for the history of the ritual. Our post office gave me the run around for 2 months on the IRC's and I had begun 4 months before our trip to get them. I had a hard time with the IRC's and almost thought we were not going to make it in time. With that said, I'm glad we did it, it was unique and a good memory.

I think you would enjoy it...it has taken place at 9:53pm every night for over 600 years..has never missed a night even during the wars. You need to be there by 9:15pm to make sure you aren't late. They over the gate at 9:30pm to let the people in..they close it right away..if you walk up after it's close (they only keep it open for a couple minutes) then you will not be let in..I have seen happen a couple different times. Take the tube to Tower Hill. It's a great way to spend any evening in London.

Hi Karyn, Matt, above, is spot on concerning the ceremony. Some people on this net have attended several times and will continue to go in the future. I went once and am glad that I did but would not return. I actually received my requested date and entry pass without sending in an international reply coupon. I called and was simply asked to make a donation which I did. England/Fun!

we just went[INVALID]you are called by family name and enter at the West gate and walk over to the Traitors Gate and stand next to the Bloody Tower. Be sure to read about Traitors Gate and the Bloody Tower and the two princes before you go, so you know about the significance. It is worth it if you have a free evening. Easy to reach by the tube. FYI[INVALID]you can order the international reply coupons online thru the post office website[INVALID]you lick on postal stoer and then type in international reply coupon in the saerch box and they will pop up. they are $2.10 each and you get free delivery.