The Tower of London is rightly known as one of the...

The Tower of London is rightly known as one of the must see sights of London. I have been there a few times, most recently in March 2003. It is a good idea to get to the Tower as early as possible (not sure what time it actually opens though) and head straight for the Jewel House. It is quiet at this time of day and gives you an oppurtunity to get in and see the Crown Jewels without a crowd around you 'oohing' and 'aahing' After that you can set your own pace and explore the walls and the various buildings. I have never joined one of the Beefeater tours as I have a great love of history and therefore know a lot about events and people who inhabited the Tower. However the tour is the only way you can get into the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula and having never managed to do that before I tagged on to a tour just before they got to the chapel and was able to get inside. The restaurant inside the Tower is quite good but I did see all the school parties tucking into their packed lunches so that is also an option. Bottom line - it's expensive but well worth the visit.