Spending Christmas to New Year's in London with my three boys, 9 to 17 years old. The boys are "into" medieval computer gaming, knights, castles, etc. We have tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, but this is very brief. Does anyone have a suggestion for finding a compelling medieval atmosphere either within London, or as a day trip, perhaps lunch and tour at a castle outside of the city? Also, I'd appreciate any comments on our tentative things to do, keeping in mind that we only have six days: Soanes Museum, British Museum, Les Mis at the Palace (my boys like the theatre), Wren's St. Paul's, London Walks (Ghosts or Jack the ripper), nightclub for the teenager, Tower of London, War Rooms, pubs, Trafalgar Square on New Year's, and the following for pass-by: Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Buckingham palace, Houses of Parliament. Thanks.

I recommend you look at Warwick Castle, in the midlands, a day trip out of London. THis is great for kids as they actually do lots of exhibitions to bring it alive. <BR> <BR>I think people have mentioned it before so you could do a search on the name. <BR> <BR>Kavey

Hi <BR>I have some sightseeing notes for London, including day trips and things for children; if you'd like to see them. email me. <BR> <BR>I also recommend Hampton Court Palace for the outdoor maze which is fun for all. I love Windsor Castle as well, but perhaps if I had to pick one for the kids I'd choose Hampton Court.

Warwick Castle a good idea, but getting to the castle will be slow due to ongoing rail checks after a fatal accident in October. Basically, trains are being forced to run to reduced timetables at much reduced speeds. Add to that the cost of taking 4 people and the fact you only have 6 days, I would advise staying closer to home and looking at Hampton Court. The Tower ceremony might be brief, but a full visit might be better. (On a dark, dank January day the atmosphere at the Tower would be suitably mediaeval.)

Joanne, by all means go to Warwick castle! It is very rich in Medieval history with an entire exhibit dedicated to Warwick the Kingmaker. They also have a medieval torture chamber that is the best of it's kind I have seen, I can imagine that boys would love that! It's also got a great Victorian exhibit and a haunted tower (Ghost was murdered on MY birthday so I get especially scared there!) Warwick is a couple of hours North west of London, and I am sure that you could easily take a bus, train or day tour. They may also do Medieval dinners at Warwick castle though I am not 100% sure of that. Have a great trip.

I would definately take some of London Walks' tours; their web site is <BR> <BR>http://london.walks.com/index.html