Madame Tussaud's

Madame Tussaud's

The famous waxworks, started by Madame Tussaud in 1835, are one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, and usually have queues to match. Now they've introduced a fast-track booking scheme, you should be able to bypass the queues by pre-booking a time slot for a ?1 surcharge. Madame Tussaud learned her trade making death masks during the French Revolution, and those of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are displayed beside the actual blade that beheaded them. There are wax models of the famous and the infamous from every walk of life, some of which are amazingly lifelike.

The newest area is the Spirit of London where London's heritage is brought to life, guiding the visitor through major events in London's history.

Admission: adults £12; children under 16, £8.50; under five's go free and senior citizens £9.50. Admission prices for Madame Tussaud's and the London Planetarium: adult £14.45; children under 16 £10; senior citizens £11.30. Tickets booked in advance have a £1 booking fee.