Attractions in North London

Tower of London

• The Tower of London is a castle and fortress founded by William the Conqueror in 1067. Historically, the site has been used as a royal residence, but it has a stronger reputation as a place of torture and death. The site includes several buildings set within two defensive walls and a moat. Take a close look at the Crown Jewels, the crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, and rings that belong to the reigning royal family. Observe an historical re-enactment, such as the Ceremony of the Keys, the traditional ritual to lock up and secure the Tower of London that has occurred every night for the last 700 years. The Tower of London is open every day of the year except for December 24 to 26 and January 1.

  Tower of London

  Tower Hill

  London

  EC3N 4AB

  +44 20 7488 5663

  hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon

Houses of Parliament

• The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster or Westminster Palace, is split into two houses: the House of Lords and the House of Commons. U.K. residents can visit the Houses of Parliament year-round, but non-residents can tour the Houses of Parliament only during the summer months and on Saturdays. Accompanied by a guide, the tours last about 75 minutes and cover the Commons and Lords Chambers, the Queen's Robing Room, the Royal Gallery and Westminster Hall. Tours in French, Spanish, Italian and German are available. Tours are not available on Sundays or on U.K. bank holidays.

  Houses of Parliament

  Westminster

  London

  SW1A 0AA

  +44 20 7219 3000

  Parliament.uk

St. James's Park

• St. James's Park is one of the Royal Parks of London and covers about 58 acres of land. Within its surroundings are three royal palaces -- Westminster Palace or the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace. St. James's Park has a lake with two islands called Duck Island and West Island. Pelicans, geese and ducks live there, and pelicans are fed daily between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m. The park has a children's playground, and deck chairs can be rented from April to September. The park is often used as a location for ceremonial occasions.

  The St. James's Park Office

  The Storeyard

  Horse Guards Road

  London

  SW1A 2BJ

  +44 20 7930 1793

  royalparks.org.uk