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The Tower of London

The Tower of London, a World Heritage site, spans over 900 years of history and is home to the spectacular Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and legendary ravens. From the 11th century through to the present day the Tower of London has been the site for the Royal Mint, a fortress, a place of execution and imprisonment, a palace, a menagerie and an arsenal.

True to British life many traditions are still in place at the Tower including the Ceremony of the Keys, tickets for which you must book in advance. The ceremony has occurred every evening for the last 700 years - at 09.30pm the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) recognisable for their red outfits and elongated black hats, lock the gates of the Tower of London and deliver the keys to the Resident Govenor of the Tower. Another tradition upheld is the use of the bell in the Bell Tower - the bell is still rung but not to warn of danger as it once was, but to warn the visitors that it is time to leave.

Exhibits to visit whilst at the Tower of London

Crown and Diamonds Exhibit
The Crown Jewels have resided at the Tower of London since the 14th century. The regalia used to crown the sovereigns of England, is one of the most spectacular sights to be seen in London. From the Restoration to the present day this exhibit displays the development of British Crowns. Included in the extravagant display the very adornments worn proudly by the British Monarchy during Coronations and royal ceremonies, the exhibit also explores the history behind two of the most famous diamonds in the world - the Koh-i-Noor and the Cullinan diamonds.

The White Tower
The White Tower marks the start in history for the Tower of London. Built during the reign of William the Conqueror the White Tower is the reason the Tower of London is named as a tower and is the oldest complete building at the Tower of London. The building owes its name to Henry III who had the external walls whitewashed - hence the name White Tower.

The Bloody Tower
So named because it is believed to be where the 'Princes in the Tower' were imprisoned and murdered in 1483. Today it is furnished to appear as it would have back in the time of Sir Walter Ralegh's 13-year imprisonment after being charged with plotting against James I.

The Medieval Palace
Central to the Tower of London, the Medieval Palace once the residential home to the Kings of England is now a reconstruction of rooms as they would have appeared during the 13th and 14th centuries. The interior design and exhibitions allow the modern visitor to catch a glimpse of life as it once was.

The Yeoman Warder Tours
The Yeoman Warders (popularly known as 'Beefeaters') have occupied the Tower of London since the 14th century. Resplendent in their traditional garments, they are synonymous with the Tower of London. They will take you on a tour and tell the sinister and shocking tales that 900 years of history have collected within the towering walls.

The Tower of London is steeped in history and is well worth a visit whilst in London. The whole site can easily fill a day and if you book in advance you will skip the inevitable queues for this popular London attraction. When booked as part of a Theatre Breaks package, tickets for the Tower of London cost from £15 adult/£9 child.

The Tower of London Opening Hours

The Tower of London is open every day of the year except

1st March-31st October

Tuesday-Saturday	9am-6pm
Sunday-Monday	10am-6pm
Last admission	5pm

1st November-28th February

Tuesday-Saturday	9am-5pm
Sunday-Monday	10am-5pm
Last admission	4pm

The Tower of London Address and Directions

HM Tower of London
London
EC3N 4AB
England

The Tower of London is within close proximity to the Tower Hill tube sation (circle and district lines). From the tube station follow direct signs to the Tower of London.

London Attractions

Afternoon Tea
Take a break from the sightseeing and shopping of London, escape the crowds and wind down with pre-theatre Afternoon Tea. Relax in the elegant and beautiful surroundings of the dining room of St James's Restaurant in Fortnum and Mason

London Eye
One of the most recognisable landmarks in London, the British Airways London Eye has proved not only stylish in design but popular with visitors to London. Brainchild of David and Julia Barfield, the London Eye is the largest observation wheel

Lunch and Dinner Cruises
Pure elegance and luxury onboard with Bateaux London lunch and dinner cruises. Sail the River Thames either by the light of day or by twilight - sample the exquisite food prepared freshly onboard, served in a professional manner by helpful staff

Duck Tours
London Duck Tours is the sightseeing tour with a difference - a guided tour of both the City of Wesminster by road and a trip along the River Thames, all without ever leaving the comfort of your seat!

Globe Theatre Tour
The Globe Theatre tour offers visitors the unique opportunity to step back in time to the days of the bard. Friendly, knowledgeable tour guides will share the secrets of the world's most famous theatre with you.

Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace has been closely tied to the royal family since the fifteenth century. Take a break from the buzz of London and take a turn around one of the most beautiful palaces England has to offer

Jack the Ripper Tour
Experience the dark side of London with this three stage tour through the dim lit streets of London, see the capital city in a whole new way

Ian Fleming and James Bond Exhibition
To mark one hundred years since the birth of British writer Ian Fleming, a display of memorabilia from the Bond films to manuscripts and notes spanning his career will be on display at the Imperial War Museum

Kensington Palace
Visit Kensington Palace and enjoy the beautiful gardens that have been the home of the Royal family for three centuries. With fantastic original decor and wonderful tapestries, Kensington Palace is a wonderful day out.

London Aquarium
Dive deep into the exciting world of underwater life at the London Aquarium, one of Europe's largest collections of marine life.

The London Bridge Experience
Explore nearly two thousand years of history at The London Bridge Experience, one of London's newest and scariest attractions.

London Dungeon
Take a ride through Hell, experience the Great Fire of London and see all the grisly sights at London Dungeon. This amazing London attraction is the perfect add-on to your London theatre break.

London Zoo
London Zoo is one of London's most visited and popular attractions, with an assortment of wild and wonderful animals. London Zoo is a hive of activity - stimulate your mind and indulge your senses as you explore the many species of animals

Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds houses the most famous faces from recent times, as well as the biggest historical figures from times gone. The museum has been enthralling people all over the world for two hundred years with their wax work models

Original Bus Tour
This hop on, hop off service allows you the freedom to explore London and the many attractions at your leisure. You can use this service to transport you around the streets of London at the same time as learning a little of the capitals history

Planet Cruise
Planet Cruise is the exciting new way to enjoy a sight seeing cruise on the Thames with lunch at one of London's best-known restaurants. This offer provides a great opportunity to see some of London's most famous sights

River Pass
The London River Pass is a great way to pass the time crusing down the Thames. This way of travel allows you to stop and start your journey at your leisure, there are many London stops with the River Pass. The River pass is a cheap way of viewing London!

St Paul's Cathedral
Experience the majesty and awe-inspring beauty of St Paul's Cathedral from it's magnificent mosaic-covered dome to the Crypt containing Nelson, Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren's tombs. Add on a visit to St Pauls Cathedral to your theatre break today.

Tutankhamun And The Golden Age Of The Pharaohs
The O2 Arena has a brand new exhibition, Tutankhamun and the Age of the Golden Pharaohs has arrived at the o2 Bubble area - add this attraction to your Holiday Extras Theatre Break for a fantastic day out for all the family.

Attractions News

Chester Zoo charitable trust award
The charitable trust that runs Chester Zoo receive The Queens Award for Enterprise: sustainable development 2006

Gorilla Kingdom Opens at London Zoo
The new Gorilla Kingdom at ZSL London Zoo has been opened to the public, book ZSL London Zoo with Holiday Extras as part of your Theatre Break package to see this fantastic new enclosure.

London Zoo Breed 'Extinct' Dove
Bird keepers at London Zoo are celebrating the successful breeding of a Socorro Dove, extinct in the wild since 1972.

New Sweeney Todd feature
Visit The London Dungeons for a close shave of nightmare proportions with the new Sweeney Todd feature.

Rhinos are let loose
Port Lympne's two rare black rhinos were let loose in the newest attraction at the zoo: the African Safari Experience.

Baby Komodo Dragons at London Zoo
There are four new arrivals at London Zoo. The baby Komodo Dragons could almost be seen as household pets without the knowledge they will grow to be 100kg giants!

Il Divo at Warwick Castle
Il Divo, the dynamic quartet who combine opera and popular music are to perform at Warwick Castle on the 14th July.

London Theatre News

London Aquarium tickets now available.
From July 24th Holiday Extras will be offering yet another way for you to make the most of your trip to London. A trip to the London Aquarium is a perfect way to spend your spare time while in the capital

Marguerite now open.
Marguerite, an all new musical extravaganza brought to the stage by the makers of Les Miserables is now showing at the prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Jodie's performance schedule | I'd Do Anything winner to appear in six of eight weekly shows
Jodie Prenger, winner of the BBC's latest West End casting television programme I'd Do Anything may only be appearing in six of the eight weekly performances of Cameron Mackintosh's eagerly awaited revival of Oliver!

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Tower Of London