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 Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB, Tel: 0870 756
6060, Open: 9am-6pm Mon-Sat and
10am-6pm Sun from Mar-Oct, 9am-5pm Tue-Sat and 10am-5pm Mon/Sun from Nov-Feb, Ticket
Information and Secure Online Booking, Website: www.hrp.org.uk, Tube: Tower Hill,
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As one of London's top attractions, The Tower of London is also among the oldest dating back to
1066. Home, not only to the Royal Crown Jewels but the famous, and regally attired Beefeaters who
guard them, it should be regarded as a "must see" on any London sightseeing trip.
Construction of the White Tower, the centrepiece castle keep, began in 1080
during the reign of William the Conqueror. Hoping to consolidate his hold on the English throne,
The Tower was purposely sited to defend against a waterborne assault on the Thames, offering
strategic protection to London and its valuable port facilities.
In later centuries, the Tower was extended by successive monarchs to create
the imposing fortress that you see today. Having also served as a prison, a place of execution (two
of Henry VIII's seven wives were beheaded here) and the Royal Mint, the Tower has a long and
diverse history.
Visitors will also see a number of ravens (with their wings clipped) within
the castle grounds. Legend has it that should the ravens ever fly away (hence the need to restrain
them) the White Tower will collapse. London
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Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column
 Trafalgar Square, WC2, Tube: Charing Cross,
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As the largest square in London, this impressive open space was built to commemorate the nation's
most illustrious seafarer, Admiral Horatio Nelson, who famously led the victory against the French
navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 (being fatally wounded during the engagement).
As well as being among the most architecturally significant of London's
landmarks, Trafalgar Square plays host to a number of other interesting buildings, namely the
South-African High Commission, Canada House and the National Gallery.
 Dominated by Nelson's column (which stands at a total height of 165ft),
the monument is flanked by two smaller bronze statues of British Army generals Napier and
Havelock.
Atop of the Column is the figure of Nelson himself, which stands some 17ft
(5m) tall. Famously, before his statue was secured into place, the 14 stonemasons who worked on the
project decided to hold an impromptu (and somewhat dangerous) dinner party on the statue's plinth. As
well as having a splendid panorama of London, they no doubt enjoyed their dinners of rump steak
too!
In recent years, Trafalgar Square has been the focal point of New Year
celebrations for tens of thousands of Londoners, despite police fears of overcrowding and injury.
Although four lions also guard the square, it has become a popular rallying point for
demonstrations (sometimes violent), the most infamous being the Poll-tax riots of
1989, More, recently a golden effigy of George Bush was toppled over in a day
long protest against the President's State Visit to Britain.
 While overseas, Trafalgar Square is synonymous with the legions of pigeons
that flock here, the Mayor of London (Ken Livingstone) has introduced a highly controversial
policy to reduce their numbers, primarily because of his fears (backed by scientific research) over
the spread of disease. Having dubbed them as "flying rats", The Mayor has banned feed sellers from
the square, whilst also discouraging tourists from handing out food. Although numbers have
indeed dropped, Mr Livingstone received hostile criticism for the policy, even being labelled a mass
murderer by animal rights activists.
In addition, the Mayor has also pedestrianised the northern end of
the square, with the area between Pall Mall East and Duncannon St. being paved over to create a European style open piazza with outdoor
cafes. And very nice it is too!
 Website: www.londontrocadero.com,
Open: 10:30am-midnight Mon-Fri, 10:30am-1am Sat-Sun, Free admission, Tube: Piccadilly Circus,
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Great for kids, but jarringly loud for adults, the London Trocadero is a haven for video game lovers, as
well as those hoping to reacquaint themselves with their lunches (courtesy of the Pepsi Max Drop
Ride). Subtle it isn't, with a neon/metal clad interior that's clearly not worried about winning
any design awards. In fact, aside from the attractions (which include the Funland theme park)
you're left wondering why there are so many escalators here! And, although admission is free, the
rides and games will cost a small fortune if you're thinking of taking the family. By way of
refreshments the Trocadero incorporates YO! Sushi, Ed's Easy Diner as well as Planet Hollywood and the Rainforest
café.
See also bridges. London
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