The Royal Observatory Greenwich + London Eye

The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church.   A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.)   The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw.  The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery.   The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.  

Enjoy Warwick Castle outside it's busiest times with this great value promo offer for parents and grandparents with toddlers! Only available in advance: book now to SAVE! Highlights: See majestic Birds of Prey take to the skies Face fun challenges in the Horrible Histories adventure maze Set off on an interactive walk-through trail on ‘The Conqueror’s Fortress’ Enjoy sensory attractions such as The Kingmaker and Time Tower Explore 64 acres of landscaped grounds and gardens and come face to face with the Castle’s Peacocks. This ticket includes: Entry to the Castle, Grounds and Gardens (excluding the Castle Dungeon). Practical Information: Baby changing and bottle warming facilities on site Excludes School holidays & weekends. Please click here for our any day offer. ​ You must print your e-ticket off and bring it with you in order to be granted access to the attraction. Visit Warwick Castle to experience the fun of real history! Full to the turrets with dazzling shows and attractions, spellbinding story-telling and fun experiences all year-round, Warwick Castle is an action-packed and unforgettable family experience …

TOWER BRIDGE Over 100 years ago, the Victorians built a bridge that has become one of London's most famous landmarks. High level walkways were built to allow people to cross the Thames whilst the Bridge was lifted to let tall ships sail past. Today these Walkways act as viewing galleries, giving visitors the most spectacular views across an ever changing London skyline. Visitors enter Tower Bridge Exhibition via the North Tower. They are then transported by lift to the top of the Tower (47 metres above the Thames) where they have a unique opportunity to see the Bridge’s steel skeleton from within. A short film explains the history and provenance of the Bridge and then there is the chance to admire the spectacular views – from both covered Walkways. On the east Walkway there are fantastic views of the Docklands and from the west Walkway you can see the new GLA building, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, the city, the Pool of London and Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance. Interactive computerised kiosks and graphic panels explain the significance of the views to visitors, as well as providing more information on the history and building of the Bridge. The interactive material and graphic panels are written in seven languages and an audio loop for the hard of hearing is also in place for the video show. There is another film to view in the South Tower before descending for the short walk to the historical Engine Rooms, included in your ticket price. Victorian Engine Rooms These provide a fascinating insight into late 19th century engineering. Installed for the completion of Tower Bridge in 1894, these huge, and beautifully maintained, coal-driven engines were used to power the thousands of bascule Bridge lifts performed until 1976. Although lifts are now operated by electricity, the original steam engines are still in place. The Engine Rooms give visitors a chance to experiment with models demonstrating the technology behind the Bridge. There are also some amazing photographs of the Bridge throughout its lifetime – including a revealing picture of the heavy steel structure of the Bridge as the stone cladding was installed over it.

A Gatronomic Discovery  CREATIVE CUISINE : Bustronome offers a highly worked and inventive cuisine. Specially invited grand chefs regularly offer new culinary experiences. A WORLD OF FLAVORS : Specially composed tasting menus offer between 4 and 6 courses. Dishes are combined with the most beautiful views  of Paris. MADE TO MEASURE : Amongst the specialities available on demand  are delicious French pastries such as one would find  in a traditional tea room. Delicious views of Paris A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MOST  BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN PARIS : From the panoramic terrace, passengers  can enjoy the most beautiful views of Paris,  including its squares, avenues and monuments. A CHIC, COSY ATMOSPHERE : With conviviality and sharing at the center  of the Bustronome experience, we do not, unless specifically requested, offer commentated tours. A 360° VIEW : The Bustronome stands out thanks to its  exceptional panoramic glass terrace, offering  striking views across the French capital.

Winter: Daily Departure time: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00 or 09:00 / 10:00 / 12:00 / 13:00 / 15;00 Departure from Pyramides Agency: 2 rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris Important Operation Information: In 2018, Eiffel Tower will renovate its lifts. The renovation will last at least 12 months and implies that one lift will be out of service during this period. We will keep you informed of any further notice.               

The onsite Crystal Café serves sumptuous food, indulgent homemade sweet treats, decadent fresh coffee and hot chocolate. The Crystal Café is open seven days a week, a daytime cafe, the Crystal Café is all about great food using nothing but the best locally sourced seasonal produce supporting as many Irish suppliers as possible along the way. With delicious breakfast and lunch service every day, the Crystal Cafe is a hugely popular destination. And we have great coffee, tea and pastries just about all day long.