Changing The Guard

• Changing the Guard has been a British military tradition since 1660. It is a colorful morning ceremony that takes place outside Buckingham Palace in London, and at Windsor Castle, Windsor, except in very wet weather. The Guardsmen who take part are drawn from British Army Foot Guards. Their scarlet tunics and bearskin caps are recognizable worldwide, and the ceremony draws visitors from all over the world to Buckingham Palace, including children who are fascinated by the pomp and pageantry. The handover is accompanied by Guards bands that play military march music or popular music. Changing the Guard is one of the most photographed of British tourist attractions, and so are the Guards who stand at attention outside the Palace, four when the Queen is in residence, and two when she is away.
  
  

Tower of London

• The Tower of London is home to the White Tower, the Crown Jewels, the armor of King Henry VIII and the Medieval Palace, among other attractions. It is also famous for its Yeomen Warders and its ravens. In the White Tower, visitors can draw a bow, handle a sword, wear a gauntlet and lift a musket. The handsomely-costumed Yeomen Warders, also called "beefeaters," conduct tours of the Tower, and provide knowledgeable insights into history and folklore. There are special family trails built around Tower attractions with children in mind. The Medieval Palace family trail takes visitors through rooms once inhabited by royalty. Then there are the famous ravens at the Tower. Legend has it that the kingdom and the Tower would fall if the ravens ever left. Also of interest to children are the Tower cafes. Children's meals are available. So are takeaway items to be enjoyed picnic style.
  
  Tower of London
  London EC3N 4AB England
  Tel: 44 (0) 20 3166 6000
  Website: hrp.org.uk/AboutUs/ContactUs/Default.aspx
  
  

Madame Tussaud's

• Madame Tussaud's waxworks museum is filled with the life-sized likenesses of world famous personalities, from royalty to the notorious. Of particular interest to children are the special categories of figures, including "Sports Stars," "Pop Stars," and "Hollywood Stars." President Barack Obama is prominent among the "World Leaders" while the ranks of the "Hollywood Stars" include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and the "Pop Stars" feature Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley, among many others. Madame Tussaud's also has a cafe, gift shop and baby changing facilities.
  
  Madame Tussaud's
  Marylebone Road
  London NW1 5LR, England
  Tel: 44 (0) 870 999 0046
  Website: madametussauds.com/London/PlanYourVisit/GettingHere/Default.aspx