How can I survive a pandemic travel ban? Memory Lane Time Travelling Agency is the only way to go. Time travel vicariously with me as I relive the glory days of a pre-COVID world. It’s early December 2012 and I’m travelling to London for a few days of sightseeing.

I decided to go to the Tower of London because every time I come to London (twice) I run out of time to visit it. Now that I have extra time in the UK (see Missed Tour of Egypt) I’m determined to make the most of it. I set off about 11.00 am, planning to stay most of the day. I knew how to get there because it is the same train station as the Ripper Tour which I had visited a few nights before.  The entry fee was a bit of a shock at £20.90, but it turned out to be well worth it

I started with the free Yeoman (Beef Eater) tour and that went into a chapel that can only be entered with the tour. The Tour Guide was great (the Ripper Tour guide had told us he was a Beef Eater during the day) and he was as entertaining as the Ripper guide That took 50 minutes and gave a general orientation of the site. 

Next, I went into the Crown Jewels display and was suitable impressed. The layout and audio-visual displays made it easy and enjoyable. These are the genuine Crown Jewels, not a copy for tourists.  After an afternoon tea stop returned to the inner walls, again entertaining and well set out.

Another break and on to the exotic animals (photo) display. Modern sculptures of these animals dot the castle grounds.

Finally to the armoury, after which time, it was 4.30 pm and closing time.

After arriving home, I went back out looking for something to eat that is not the product of a worldwide franchise. I settled for genuine London Fish and Chips.