London Things to Do Tips by Aleyd

I originally was not going to go to Madame Tussaud's. But, anyone I knew who had been there had told me it is not to be missed. After having spent an afternoon in Madame Tussaud's I am so glad I 'bit the bullet' and paid the entry price. Even by myself it was a fun, light-hearted experience, which was a nice change from the more serious museums I had been to. The first room you see is decked out like a night club. The wax figures are scattered throughout the room, and you literally stumble over them. Lots of fun photo opportunities. The display with world leaders (past & present), royalty and sports stars is a little more sombre, but still very cool. Can have your picture taken (GBP 6 for standard large photo) with a number of the wax figures, including the Queen and Prince William.

Madame Tussauds' usual opening hours are:

Weekdays: 9.30 - 17.30

Weekends: 9.00 - 18.00

Entrance prices (including Chamber of Horrors):

Adults (before 5pm): GBP 23.99
Child (before 5pm): GBP 19.99
Senior (before 5pm): GBP 20.99

Adults (after 5pm): GBP 15.00
Child (after 5pm): GBP 11.00
Senior (after 5pm): GBP 13.00

Entrance prices (not including Chamber of Horrors):

Adults (before 5pm): GBP 21.99
Child (before 5pm): GBP 17.99
Senior (before 5pm): GBP 18.99

Adults (after 5pm): GBP 13.00
Child (after 5pm): GBP 9.00
Senior (after 5pm): GBP 11.00

Note: some of the London Sightseeing Buses offer discounted entry to Madame Tussaud's and other sites.

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Phone: +44 (0) 870 999 0046
Address: Marylebone Road, NW1
Directions: East along Marlebone Road from Baker Street tube station. Can't miss it.
Website: http://www.madame-tussauds.com
Other Contact: csc@madame-tussauds.com

The Beef-Eater tour is a definate must see. I have been told by a friend that they won't give their tours in the rain. Just after you enter through the main gate you see a sign with a clock that shows when the next tour is being conducted. Believe all the Beef-Eater tours are in English. The tour, which is included in your entry price lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour. The Beef-Eaters wear distinctive dark blue and red outfits, live on site, and have all been in the Armed Services for over 20 years. The tour takes you around the major sites, including Traitor's Gate, Scaffold Site and Tower Green. The only building you go into is the Chapel. You can only enter the Chapel on a Beef-Eater tour. The guide will point out all of the Tower of London buildings, explain what their is to see, as well as the relevant history. The Beef-Eater guide I got definately loved his job and the history of the place. Was a great way to start my day at the Tower of London.

I didn't think I'd like the Crown Jewels, but I was definately mistaken. The exhibit features footage of Queen Elizabeth's coronation (the first time I had seen it, so it was fascinating), information on the jewels, and the jewels themselves. A slow conveyor belt takes you down each side of the jewel cabinet. It wasn't too busy when I was there so I could have kept going around as long as I wanted to.

The central tower (White Tower) houses arms and armour. Quite a good collection from varies time periods. Was particularily impressed with Henry VIII's suits of armour. (Photos allowed)

The Bloody Tower contains a display about the 'Princes in the Tower', which is quite small. Would not bother if time was limited.

There is a cafe on site where you can buy hot and cold food and drinks.

Adult gate price = GBP 14.00
Child (under 16) gate price = GBP 9.50
Students' and Senior Citizens' gate price = GBP 11.00
Family (up to 2 adults + 3 kids) gate price = GBP 42.00

I got my reduced price ticket from one of the London Sightseeing Bus companies.

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Phone: 0870 756 6060
Address: Tower Hill, EC3
Directions: Tower Hill tube - very close to tube station - just follow the signs
Website: http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/tower_home.asp

Tours of the Globe Theatre begin every 15-30 minutes during opening hours. There is no need for individuals to book. These tours last about 45 minutes. The guide runs through the history of the original Globe, reconstruction of the Globe, as well as talking about the plays that have been performed there. The tour takes you in to the stands (both ground and first floors) as well as in to the middle section when the peasants used to stand. Before taking the tour I really had no idea just how big and ornate a theatre it was, or the fact that it was just one of many theatres in that area during its time.

As well as the highly informative guided tour of the Globe Theatre, there is a museum which shows the reconstruction of the Globe, the recent productions that have run there, as well as information on the original Globe. It includes both static and interactive displays.

Plays will be showing at the Globe Theatre between 5th May 2006 and 8th October 2006.

Admission to the museum and for the guided tour is GBP 9.00 for adults, GBP 7.50 for seniors and students, and GBP 6.50 for kids.

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Phone: +44 (0)20 7902 1400
Address: Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside
Directions: There are many tube stations in the vacinity of the Globe Theatre, including Mansion House, Blackfriars, Cannon Street, London Bridge, Southwark, St Pauls and Bank.
Website: http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/
Other Contact: info@shakespearesglobe.com

!!! UNDER CONSTRUCTION !!!

Harrod's is essentially a large and beautiful department store.

Harrod's has a section which sells Harrod's merchandise. This includes items for babies and children, teddy bears and much more.

I was very impressed with the fresh food section. The variety of cheeses, sushi, salads and meats was amazing.

Opening hours: 1000 to 2000 Mon-Sat and 1200 to 1800 Sun

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Phone: 020 7730 1234
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
Website: http://www.harrods.com/Cultures/en-GB/homepageindex.htm
Other Contact: Fax: 020 7581 0470