Seasonal ideas for groups: 2010
The White Tower and the "Fit for a King" exhibition
See some of the finest armour ever created, brought together for the first time in modern history. A new phased re-presentation of displays on all floors of the White Tower opens in March. Included will be armour, diplomatic gifts and other fascinating artifacts. A 'People and Treasures of the Tower' and 'Prisoners and Punishment' exhibits will also be on display
Hands on History at the Fortress
Throughout June and July, join the Tower as it prepares for war! Help shoot the mighty siege engine and test weapons and armour.
Test your skills as a Yeoman Archer and experience the drama of medieval combat! This permanent display has been developed with the Royal Armouries.
Siege and garrison
In 2010, the story of the Fortress continues to be told. See how the Tower was constructed to be a garrison acting as a deterrent to siege and attack. Themed displays and costumed events will start in April and May and throughout August and October. See ‘Fanfare’ for further details.
Costumed events are also very popular at the Tower. Over Easter (1st - 5th April) 'Colonel Blood and the Great Crown Jewels Robbery' is re-enacted interactively with our visitors. In 2010, more stories are being told of prisoners in the very rooms where they were held, and sometimes escaped! From 6th April through to 13th May, prisoners will also engage with our visitors, telling them their tales of woe and ask for help plotting their escape.
Group admission - the easy way!
Avoid any queue and instead go directly to the special group ticket office where you can collect your tickets. Then follow the signs to the group entrance. All coach drivers and Blue Badge Guides bringing groups are admitted free.
Guides and tours at the Tower
Audio guides
Discover the Tower with one of our audio guides and experience five different tours - chose stories about the Normans and before, and the Medieval Palace. Find out more about imprisonment and execution inside the Tower and be dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Finally, allow our Resident Govenor and Chief Yeoman Warder to tell you what it's really like to live inside a Royal Fortress.
Price: £4 for individuals; £3 for concessions and groups.
Languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Korean and Chinese Mandarin.
Special recommendations
Two new military ceremonies have been introduced for visitors to enjoy. The Opening Ceremony is for those early risers who, at 8.45am, can watch the military escort march accompanied by the Yeoman Sergeant to open the Tower for the day’s business. At 14.45 a Military Guard assembles for inspection and marches to the Byward Tower to collect ‘The Word’, the secret password for after-hours entry to the Tower.
Pre-booked groups can view the Opening Ceremony from within the Tower of London. This new event will ensure your customers have a unique experience that will be well worth the early start!
Private guided tours
You may arrange for a private guide for your group. However, only authorised Blue Badge Guides are permitted to guide at the Tower. To book a guide please contact one of the following organisations:
Association of Professional Tour Guides:
www.touristguides.org.uk
Guild of Registered Tourist Guides:
www.blue-badge-guides.com
