Attractions
Madame Tussaud's
Madame Tussaud's is the most famous wax museum gallery in the world, with more than 400 life-sized models of stars, famous politicians, royals and sportsmen, as well as the most infamous criminals the world has known. Inside the Museum the 'Spirit of London' ride will take you through the city's history, introducing you to those figures that have shaped the London of today, while The Chamber of Horrors challenges visitors to enter and be terrified. Also at the site is Tussaud's Auditorium, one of the biggest in the world, ready to amaze visitors with its views of the universe.
Address: Marylebone Road
Telephone: (0)870 999 0046
Email:csc@madame-tussauds.com
Web site:www.madame-tussauds.com
Transport: Baker Street underground station, or buses 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159 and 274
Opening time: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. Auditorium: weekdays 12.30pm to 5.30pm, weekends 10.30am to 6pm
Admission: £23.99 (adults) and £19.99 (children), but cheaper after 5pm; includes The Chamber and a show in the Auditorium.
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The Tower of London
The Tower of London is perhaps as famous for its traditions as its imposing structure. It is guarded by a special band of Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, and dotted with several large, black birds - the Ravens. Legend has it that if the Ravens ever leave the Tower, a great tragedy will befall England, and to this day the birds are protected by Royal decree. The Tower's history dates back to the 11th century, and each new Monarch has played a role in its growth and development. It also houses Britain's crown jewels, a spectacular display of some of the world's finest gems and workmanship. The Tower is next to Tower Bridge, another famous London Landmark.
Address: Tower Hill
Telephone: (0)870 756 6060
Web site:www.hrp.org.uk
Transport: Tower Hill tube station, or buses 15, 42,78 or 100
Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday and Monday 10am to 6pm (March to October); Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday and Monday 10am to 5pm (November to February). Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day
Admission: £14.50 (adults), £9.50 (children under 16); concessions and discounts for advance booking available
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The Houses of Parliament
Originally built for Edward the Confessor more than 1,000 years ago, the Houses of Parliament, or Palace of Westminster, remained the principal residence of Britain's monarchs for the next 400 years. Thereafter it became the administrative center of the country. In 1834 the great fire burnt everything except Westminster Hall, and the present Gothic building was completed in the 1840s. It is perhaps most famous for the clock tower, St Stephens, which is commonly, but mistakenly called Big Ben, after the name of the bell inside. Although Parliament is closed to visitors during session, it is still a popular attraction to tourists for its exterior architecture.
