Steeped in history, the Tower of London is one of the capital's oldest structures, and one which appears to have effortlessly seen off the Great Fire of London in 1666, as well as the Blitz in World War II.
Today its biggest threat seems to be mass tourism, with more than a million pairs of feet pounding through its grounds every year. Compared to fires and wars though, feet shouldn't be too much of a problem.
The oldest part of the Tower of London was built in the latter part of the eleventh century by William the Conqueror. Over the years it has served as a fortress, a prison and a royal residence.
Today tourists flock there to see the Crown Jewels in all their glittering glory, as well as the Yeoman Warders, otherwise known as "Beefeaters", in their traditional costumes.
Regular opening hours see the Tower of London open until 5.30pm (4.30pm in the winter months), but from now through to the end of March 2011, special
Twilight Tours are being operated, presenting the Tower in, quite literally, a very different light.
With only lamps and the faint glow of the moon lighting your way, a resident Yeoman Warder will lead you around the grounds, regaling you with spellbinding Tower-related stories of years gone by.
With the grounds empty of the hordes of daytime tourists, it's sure to be a night to remember. Just don't forget to wrap up as the tour takes place outside.
Tours start at 7pm (until 8.30pm) and are scheduled for the following dates:
5, 12, 19, 26 January, 2011.
2, 9, 17, 23 February, 2011.
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 March, 2011.
Information on how to book tickets can be found
here.
