Before you arrive at the castle you have chosen, have a game plan in place. Many castles have websites where you can research opening and closing times, determine if the tour will be self-guided or guided, learn what you will be able to see on the tour and determine the normal length of the tour. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact London's Visitor Centre directly. Request information by phone or mail.
Britain and London Visitor Centre (BLVC)
1 Lower Regent St, SW1 4XT
08701 LONDON
+44-0-8701-566-366
If you only have time to tour two castles in London, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London should be part of your agenda. Windsor Castle is one of the residences of the Queen of England. You can see the changing of the guard at 11:00 daily on scheduled days throughout the year. The priceless Crown of Jewels is housed in the Tower of London and should also be included on your itinerary.
Used both as a private residence and a royal office, the Windsor Castle has also been used for state visits and the state banquet. Windsor Castle has an on-site chapel with daily services open to all. The castle is open daily throughout the year and self-guided visits usually last two to three hours. You can select additional guided tours of the Castle Precincts and the Great Kitchen.
Windsor Castle
The Official Residences of the Queen
London SW1A 1AA
+44-0-20-7766-7304
royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=34
The Tower of London dates back to the 11th century and has housed many different occupants including prisoners, royalty and animals in a zoo. The Yeoman Warders offer Tower tours and insights that have been passed on from generation to generation. Viewing the ravens is a treat in itself, since they have been on the premises for hundreds of years. The tower is open every day except December 24-26.
Tower of London
Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB
+44-0-20-7709-0765
aboutbritain.com/TowerOfLondon.htm
