Tower of London

Beafeaters, beheadings, ravens and lots of stairs; the Tower is in London's premier league of tourist traps attracting large crowds and long queues. In mid February, however, it was reasonably quiet and not a queue in site.

On entering it was clear that B's nappy was in need of change. The man in the tourist shop told me that there were no changing facilities; I found them in the disabled toilets behind the crown jewels.

We started with a walk round the wall. This takes you into many of the rooms used as prisons and one King's bedroom. I remember, as a child, being impressed by the graphiti carved into the stone on the wall by various inhabitants before their fateful walk up to the hill overlooking the tower; D, however, was uninterested but enjoyed looking out of the windows along the way with views of the Themes and Tower Bridge.

Next to the crown jewels; in the summer the queue can last for hours. In winter there was no queue at all. Many of the exhibits require lifting a child and one never got the feeling that they really liked what they saw. D did not think that, even if you asked REALLY nicely they would let you eat of one of the various imperial gold plates in the cafe. B, however, was very impressed with the security doors.

The White Tower houses exhibits from the Royal Armoury; lots of model horses and suits of armour. Also a lot of stairs "Unfortunately, in the 11th Century they didn't think of putting in lifts" I explain as we walk up another flight; "Why?" asks D. The top floor houses a hands on place where one can try out pulling an archery bow and lifting various swords and looking through the visor of a suit of armour. Both kids enjoyed this, but at only 2 B was too young to try things and D always needed lifting and or help.


What: Tower of London
Where: Near "Tower Hill" tube station; map
Cost: Adults: £15
When: Permanent (very permanent)
Going again: Yes, but probably when the kids have more of an understanding of the historical context.
Try: Hampton Court
Top tip: Don't turn up with a buggy, lots of stairs. If you can choose when to go choose a warmer winter day to miss the crowd.