Marvel at the guards protecting the Crown Jewels
See the sentries posted outside the Jewel House and The King’s House. Marvel at their military dress, unique to each regiment.
As serving military personnel, the Tower Guard work alongside the Yeoman Warders and the Tower Wardens to protect the Crown Jewels and ensure the security of the Tower of London.
The Tower Guard take part in the three daily ceremonies: the Ceremonial Opening, the Ceremony of the Word and the Ceremony of the Keys.
During the Ceremony of the Keys, armed guards provide an escort for the Chief Yeoman Warder. Performed at exactly 21:52 every night for hundreds of years, this ancient ceremony locks the outer gates of the fortress for the night. The keys are delivered to the monarch's representative in the Tower, the Resident Governor.
Information for visitors
Please be aware that sentries on duty are serving military personnel.
Visitors are advised to be respectful and stand clear when the guards are marching and performing their official duties.
When
Open
Ticketing information
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Tower of London ticketsDifferent guard regiments on duty
Five Regiments of Foot Guards in the Household Division perform ceremonial public duties at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Windsor Castle. They are:
- The Grenadier Guards
- The Coldstream Guards
- The Scots Guards
- The Irish Guards
- The Welsh Guards
Other UK and Commonwealth regiments have also performed public duties at the Tower.
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)
- Things to see
- Tours and talks
Yeoman Warder tours
Discover captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture with our Yeoman Warder tours at the Tower of London.
- Available
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
The Crown Jewels
Discover the dazzling history of the Crown Jewels in the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibition.
- Open
- Allow one hour
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
Browse more History and stories
Edward Francis
Edward Francis, an enslaved African who lived at the Tower of London
Lady Jane Grey
Known as the ‘Nine Day Queen’, Lady Jane had the shortest reign in British history
Anne Boleyn
How did Anne Boleyn become queen and why did Henry VIII execute her?
Shop online
Shop Raven gifts
Legend has it that if the six ravens ever leave the Tower of London, the Tower and the kingdom will fall. These products have been inspired by the Ravens that live at the Tower of London.
From £3.00
Shop Tower of London gifts
Shop our products inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.
From £2.50
Tower of London White Tower luxury embroidered hanging decoration
Our exclusive premium decoration of the White Tower, the centre of the Tower of London. Built on the orders of William the Conqueror, the White Tower has now stood for almost 1000 years.
£30.00