London & Partners

Christmas comes early
SIGHTSEEING
Step inside...
IMAGE © WINTER WONDERLAND
As the festive season approaches, London is filled with
twinkling lights, pop-up ice rinks and Christmas cheer.
Head to Winter Wonderland (pictured) in Hyde Park
(p. 43) from 23 Nov for Christmas markets, Santa’s
grotto, an ice sculpture show and London’s largest
outdoor ice rink (10.00-22.00. Admission free. Hyde
Park, W2. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Ë Hyde
Park Corner). There are also outdoor rinks appearing in
historic locations throughout the city, such as the Tower
Of London’s moat from 17 Nov (p. 35) and Somerset
House’s neoclassical courtyard from 16 Nov (p. 33).
If you’re a fan of festive lights, see celebrities flick the
switch at Oxford Street (map B5) on 6 Nov, Regent
Street (map B5) on 13 Nov and Bond Street (map C4)
on 22 Nov. Rolling Stones-themed decorations adorn
Carnaby Street (map B5) from 8 Nov.
18.00; Sat 09.30-18.00; Sun
15.30-17.00. Church not open
to visitors during the hours of
service. Admission free; audio
tours £3.50; brass rubbing
from £4.50.
Trafalgar Square, WC2.
020 7766 1100.
smitf.org Ë t Charing
Cross. Map C6.
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
Sir Christopher Wren’s
300-year-old cathedral is
filled with stunning mosaics
and craftsmanship. Climb
the dome via the Whispering
Gallery to the Golden Gallery.
Explore the crypt, with its
monuments to famous
Britons, and watch Oculus:
An Eye Into St. Paul’s. Free
tours. Mon-Sat 08.30-16.30.
Admission £15, child £6.
St. Paul’s Churchyard, EC4.
020 7246 8357.
stpauls.co.uk
Ë St. Paul’s. Map B8.
THE TOWER BRIDGE
EXHIBITION
This breathtaking bridge,
designed in 1884, is one
of London’s most famous
landmarks, offering incredible
views. Not to be confused
with its unremarkable
neighbour London Bridge.
Daily 09.30-17.30. Admission
£8, child £3.40. Joint tickets
with The Monument available.
Tower Bridge Road, SE1.
020 7403 3761.
towerbridge.org.uk
Ë Tower Hill, or by boat
(p. 41). Map C9.
TOWER OF LONDON
The world-famous historic
landmark includes the
Bloody Tower, Traitors’ Gate
and the Jewel House,
containing the Crown
Jewels. Entrance includes
the Prisoners Of The Tower
exhibition plus costumed
tours. Visitors can attend
the nightly tradition of The
Ceremony Of The Keys
(p. 26) for free. At the Royal
Beasts exhibition, discover
why exotic creatures were
imprisoned in the tower.
From 17 Nov Ice At The
Tower. Glide around the
Tower’s moat. Mon-Sun
Adults: £3.00
Children: £1.50
Concessions: £2.00
Contact: 020 3642 6588
Open: 7 days a week
www.themonument.info
The Monument is provided by The City of London Corporation - a uniquely diverse organisation in that it not only promotes and upports
the City and provides it with a full range of services, but also provides wider services for London and for the nation as a whole.
November 2012|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com |
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