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For
a full list of theatres in the UK. Click on to Showtime
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London &
Middlesex Pantomimes 2009/2010
Roll
up! Roll up! For
The Wessex Tourist Board's complete list of Christmas shows and family
pantomimes in London & Middlesex. Our round-up includes treats for
tiny tots, festive family productions and, of course, traditional
pantos. It wouldn't be Christmas without them
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| Aladdin |
Millfield Theatre
Silver Street, Edmonton, London, N18 1PJ 26th Nov 2009 to 3rd Jan
2010
A tale of exotic lands, Chinese laundries, genies, emperors and evil
sorcerers, magic lamps, caves and flying carpets. Booking is now open
to follow the antics of loveable rogue Aladdin and his long suffering
mother, the delightfully saucy Widow Twanky.
Website http://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/
Book Tickets Now
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| Aladdin
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Hackney
Empire , 291 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ 28th Nov 2009 to 9th Jan
2010
Expect familiar faces from London's West End as well our Hackney panto
regulars. Don't miss London's favourite holiday treat!
Website http://www.hackneyempire.co.uk/
Book Tickets Now |
| The Snowman |
The Peacock Theatre
, Portugal Street, LONDON, WC2A 2HT 2nd Dec 2009 to 10th Jan 2010
Music
and lyrics by Howard Blake, directed by Bill Alexander. Birmingham Rep
in Raymond Briggs's wordless tale of a lonely boy who builds a snowman
which magically comes alive one night, embellished with delicious
choreography by Robert North. Much of the second half is a dance
spectacular in which the boy meets Father Christmas in a winter
wonderland inhabited by snowmen from all over the globe. The highlight
comes when boy and Snowman 'fly' to the tune of Howard Blake's 'Walking
In The Air'. Age 2+. Website http://www.peacocktheatre.com/
Book Tickets Now |
| A Christmas Carol |
2Dec
2-Jan 10 2010 King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper St, London, N1
1QN Dec 2-Jan 10 2010
Phil Willmott's musical adaptation of Dickens's seasonal classic, set
to traditional carols and popular classical themes, sees the author
spinning his yarn to a crowd of onlookers in a Victorian backstreet.King's Head Theatre
website |
| The Life and
Adventures of Santa Claus |
Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, London, N12
0GA Dec 4-Jan 3 2010
This Christmas
tale by L Frank Baum, creator of 'The Wizard of Oz',
follows the story of Santa back to his roots as a boy raised by wood
nymphs, and imagines how he came up with the magical idea to deliver
presents to every boy and girl. It's presented here by Big Wooden
Horse. Age 4+. http://www.artsdepot.co.uk |
| Mrs
Wobble the Waitress |
Theatre Peckham, Havil St, London, SE5
7SD Dec 5-20 2009
Adapted and directed by Teresa Early, this precarious production based
on Janet and Allan Ahlberg's 'Happy Families' books, puts clumsy Mrs
Wobble in charge of soon to be flying sausage rolls and salads. Age
4+. http://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/
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Stick Man
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Soho
Theatre, 21 Dean St, London, W1D 3NE Dec
10-Jan 10 2010
Scamp Theatre present a puppet-led adaptation of Julia Donaldson and
Axel Scheffler's tale of a twiggy character, Stickman, who lives in his
stick family tree, with his stick lady love, and their three stick
children. Age 3+. website:http://www.sohotheatre.com/
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Splish Splash!
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Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage,
Cross St, London, N1 2DN Dec 10-Jan 31 2010
Written by Lyndie Wright and directed by Christopher Leith, the revival
of this puppetry piece from 2006 provides lots of interaction and an
opportunity for young children to enjoy a watery world. Age 2-5.
website: http://www.littleangeltheatre.com/
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Pied Piper
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Barbican Theatre, Silk St, London,
EC2Y 8DS Dec 10-Jan 2 2010
nspired by Robert Browning's poem 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin', Boy Blue
Entertainment's 'Hip-Hop Dance Revolution' mixes hip-hop moves,
breakdancing and soulful beats. The show won an Olivier award after its
first run at Stratford East. Website: http://www.barbican.org.uk/
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| Something
Else |
Chelsea
Theatre, Worldís End Place, London, SW10 0DR
Dec 1-23 2009
An adaptation of a children's picture book by Kathryn Cave and Chris
Riddell which explores the touching friendship between two unusual
creatures, Something and Something Else, from Tall Stories, the company
behind 'The Gruffalo'. Age 3+. Website:
http://www.chelseatheatre.org.uk/
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| Goldilocks
And The Three Bears |
Polka
Theatre, 240 The Broadway, London, SW19
1SB Until Feb 19 2010
The Polka's new, playful version of the fairytale, directed by Jonathan
Lloyd with music by Julian Butler (both of whom worked on 'How to Catch
a Star') is accessible to a wide range of audiences including visually
impaired children and there are special versions for children aged 1-2
(early booking advised). Age 3-5. Website: http://www.polkatheatre.com/
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| Christmas Baking Time |
Lyric Hammersmith, King St,
London, W6 0QL Nov 27-Jan 3 2010,
A multisensory experience for younger children from Oily Cart, with
seasonal baking aromas, doughy characters and snow storms of flour. Age
3-6.Website: http://www.lyric.co.uk/
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Dr Seuss's The Cat in the Hat
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National
Theatre, Cottesloe, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX Dec 11-Jan 18
2010,
Tickets are disappearing quickly for Dr Seuss's classic tale, adapted
and directed by Katie Mitchell for three to six year olds. It opens in
the National's Cottesloe and moves to the Young Vic in Jan. Website: http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
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| Cinderella |
Unicorn Theatre, Tooley St, London, SE1
2HZ
Dec 5-Jan 24 2010
Phil Porter,
the writer behind
last year's production of 'The Flying Machine', presents a new comedy
version of the classic fairytale, set in on a floating retirement home
for elderly magicians. Age 6+
website:. http://www.unicorntheatre.com/
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| Cinderella |
Jackson's Lane ,
269a Archway Road, London, N6 5AA 7th Dec 2009 to 3rd Jan 2010
In our brilliantly updated version, Cinderella finds herself
transported into a world of reality TV, fame and fashion as she seeks
her true love on Britain?s favourite talent show, set against a modern,
funky soundtrack. Website http://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/
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| Dick
Whittington |
South London
Theatre , 2a Norwood High Street, London SE27 9NS 8th Dec 2009 to
19th Dec 2009
Dick Whittington is out to seek his fortune! He’s off to London with
his faithful cat Puss and hopes to make some money, meet the girl of
his dreams, and who knows, maybe even someday become the Lord
Mayor. Website http://www.southlondontheatre.co.uk/
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| Aladdin |
Shaw Theatre ,
100-110, Euston Road, London, NW1 2AJ 10th Dec 2009 to 2nd Jan
2010
Rub the mystical, magical lamp, enter a creepy cave of wonders and be
transported on a fantastical flying carpet into the Stratocaster sphere
as we enter the wondrous world of Aladdin - the Rock and Roll
pantomime, from the creators of the Tweenies.
Website http://www.shaw-theatre.com/
Book Tickets Now |
| Cinderella |
Broadway Theatre
Catford , Catford Broadway Catford SE6 4RU 12th Dec 2009 to 3rd
Jan 2010
Starring CBBC's Otis Deley and with stunning sets and an array of
special effects and lavish scenery, Cinderella promises romance, comedy
and adventure. Website http://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/
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| Cinderella |
Beck
Theatre , Grange Road, HAYES, UB3 2UE 12th Dec 2009 to 3rd Jan
2010
Fairy Godmother, Ugly Sisters and Prince Charming too!
Cinderella at The Beck Theatre especially for you
With Buttons, glass slippers and pumpkins galore
It's a spectacular panto you're sure to adore. Website http://www.becktheatre.org.uk/
Book Tickets Now |
| Dick
Whittington |
The Rosemary Branch
Theatre , 2 Shepperton Road, London N1 3DT 18th Dec 2009 to 10th
Jan 2010
Charles Court Opera return for their third year at the Rosie bringing
you London's silliest, classiest and most intimate pantomime experience
with music from Mozart to Meatloaf and beyond... Website http://www.rosemarybranch.co.uk/
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| Goldilocks
And The Three Bears |
Chingford
Assembly Hall Theatre , Station Road, Chingford, London, E4 7EN
18th Dec 2009 to 20th Dec 2009
Boo the evil Squire, cheer on Robin Hood as the not so bright
Goldilocks gets lost in a wild forest and is held hostage by 3 cuddly
bears. London Borough Of Waltham Forest's official pantomime for Winter
2009. A real festive treat. Website http://www.walthamforestpanto.co.uk/
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| Shrek
&
The Beanstalk |
Millfield
Theatre , Silver Street, Edmonton, London, N18 1PJ 6th Jan 2010
to 10th Jan 2010
This modern prouduction is a uniqe fusion between the world of
pantomime and fairytale.Join Shrek, Donkey & Puss as they climb the
beanstalk to the land of Far Far Away to save Princess Fiona and the
shrekettes from the evil Fairy Godmother.
Website http://www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk/
Book Tickets Now |
| Rapunzel
|
Oldfield
Primary School , Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, Middlesex 7th Jan 2010
to 9th Jan 2010
Holy Cross Players proudly present their all new production. Tickets
from £5.50 to £7.50. The best value panto this festive
season!
Website http://www.holycrossplayers.org.uk/
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| Dick
Whittington |
The Greig City
Academy , High Street Hornsey N8 7NU 13th Jan 2010 to 16th Jan
2010
The Crouch End Players debut panto performance. Join Dick and Tommy,
his faithful cat, on their adventures in London and Morocco. Who will
win the day? Dick, his friends and the Good Fairy Bowbelle or the evil
King Rat? Website
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| Jack
and
the Beanstalk |
Brent
Town Hall , Forty Lane, Wembley, Middlesex , HA9 9HD 14th Jan
2010 to 17th Jan 2010
Come with Jack, as he embarks upon a fantastic journey, to a land where
Giants roar, Harps sing and Hens lay golden eggs!
Website http://www.thechameleons.co.uk/
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London Pantomimes
2009/2010
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Click below
to book your Tickets

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Click on your Interest
Early settlement
Following the virtual abandonment of the
Roman city, the area's strategic location on the River Thames meant
that the site was not deserted for long. From the late 5th century,
Anglo-Saxons began to inhabit the area.
There is almost no reliable evidence about
what happened in the London area during the Sub-Roman "Dark Age" period
from around 450 AD to 600
AD. Although early Anglo-Saxon settlement avoided the area immediately
around Londinium, there was occupation on a small scale of much of the
hinterland on both sides of the river. There is no contemporary
literary evidence, but the area must for some time have been an active
frontier between Saxons and Britons.
Lundenwic
Early Anglo-Saxon settlement in the London
area was not on the site of the abandoned Roman city, although the
Roman city walls remained intact.
Instead, by the 7th century a village and
trading centre named Lundenwic, was established approximately
one mile (1.6km) to the west of Londinium (named Lundenburh
or "London Fort" by the Saxons Probably using the mouth of the
River Fleet as a trading ship and fishing boat harbour.
Lundenwic in the early eighth century, was
described by the Venerable Bede as "a trading centre for many nations
who visit it by land and sea". The word "wic" was an Old English word for 'trading town' ,
so Lundenwic literally meant 'London trading town'.
Archaeologists were for many years
puzzled as to where early
Anglo-Saxon London was located, as they could find little evidence of
occupation within the Roman city walls from this period. However in the
1980s it was 'rediscovered' after extensive excavations were
reinterpreted as of an urban character by archaeologists Alan Vince and
Martin Biddle working independently . Recent
excavations in the Covent Garden
area have uncovered the extensive Anglo-Saxon settlement dating back
into the 7th century. The excavations show that the settlement covered
about 600,000 square metres, stretching from the present-day National
Gallery site in the west to Aldwych in the east.
By about 600 AD Anglo-Saxon England had
become divided into a number of small kingdoms (see Heptarchy) From the
mid-6th century, the London area was incorporated into the East Saxons kingdom, which extended as far
west as St Albans and included all of later Middlesex, and probably
Surrey too for a time.In 604 Saeberht of the East Saxons converted to
Christianity and London received Mellitus, its first post-Roman bishop.
At this time Essex owed allegiance to the Bretwalda Ethelbert of Kent, and it was under
Ethelbert that Mellitus founded the first St.
Paul's Cathedral, traditionally said to be on the site of an old
Roman Temple of Diana (although Christopher Wren
found no evidence of this). This would have only been a modest church
at first and may well have been destroyed after he was expelled from
the city by Saeberht's pagan successors in 616. Christianity did not
return until around 675 when Theodore of Tarsus installed St Eorconweald as bishop.
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The new town came under direct Mercian
control in c.670 as the East Saxon kingdom of which it had once been
part was gradually reduced in size and status. After the death of the
Mercian king Offa in 796, control of London was disputed between Mercia
and Wessex.
Viking attacks
Attacks from Vikings
became increasingly common from around 830 onwards. London was attacked
in 842 in a raid that was described by a chronicler as the "great
slaughter". In 851 another raid on London, reputedly involving 350
ships, came to plunder the city.
In 865 the Viking "Great Heathen Army"
launched a large scale invasion of East Anglia and soon overran East
Anglia, Mercia and Northumbria and came close to controlling most of
England. By 871
they had reached London, and are believed to have camped within the old
Roman walls during the winter of that year. Although it is unclear what
happened during this time, London may have come under Viking control
for a period.
In 878 however, English forces led by King
Alfred the Great defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington and
forced the Viking leader Guthrum to
sue for peace. The Treaty of Wedmore and the later Treaty of Alfred and
Guthrum divided England into Alfred's Saxon controlled kingdom and
Danish controlled Danelaw
Lundenburh
English rule in London was restored by 886.
King Alfred quickly set about establishing fortified towns or "Burhs"
across England to improve defences, London was no exception. Within ten
years, settlement within the old Roman walls was re-established, but
known as Lundenburh. The Roman walls were repaired and the
defensive ditch re-cut. This move was effectively the beginning of the
present City of London, the boundaries of which are still to some
extent defined by the ancient city walls.
As the focus of the city was moved back to
within the old Roman walls, the older settlement of Lundenwic
was largely abandoned and gained the name of Ealdwic or "old
settlement". The name survives today as Aldwych.
10th century
London
Alfred appointed his son-in-law Earl
Aethelred of Mercia, who was the heir to the destroyed Kingdom of
Mercia, as Governor of London and established two defended Boroughs to defend the bridge which was
probably rebuilt at this time. The southern end of the Bridge was
established as the Borough of Southwark or Suthringa Geworc
(defensive work of the men of Surrey) as it was originally known. From
this point, the City of London began to develop its own unique local
government.
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After Aethelred's death, London came
under the direct control of English kings. The Kingdom of England
established by Alfred was expanded by his son Edward the Elder who won
back much land from Danish control. By the early 10th century London
had become an important commercial centre. Although the capital of the
Kingdom of England was in Winchester, London became increasingly
important as a political centre. King Aethelstan held many Royal
Councils in London and issued laws from there. King Aethelred the Unready favoured London as
his capital and issued the Laws of London
there in 978.
The Vikings
return
It was during the reign of Aethelred that
Viking raids began again, led by King Sweyn Forkbeard of Denmark.
London was attacked unsuccessfully in 994, but numerous raids followed.
By 1013 London underwent a long siege and Aethelred fled abroad. King
Sven died but his son Canute continued the attacks, and the following
year overran the city.
Aethelred returned with his ally Olaf of
Norway to reclaim London. A Norse saga
tells of a battle during the Viking occupation where Aethelred returned
to attack Viking-occupied London. According to the saga, the Danes
lined London Bridge
and showered the attackers with spears. Undaunted, the attackers pulled
the roofs off nearby houses and held them over their heads in the
boats. Thus protected, they were able to get close enough to the bridge
to attach ropes to the piers and pull the bridge down, thus ending the
Viking occupation of London. There is some speculation that the nursery
rhyme "London Bridge is falling down" stems from this incident.
Following Aethelred's death in 1016, his
son Edmund Ironside
was declared king. The Vikings however returned and again placed London
under siege. Initially the city's defenders were able to hold back the
invaders. However, Edmund was eventually forced to share power with
Canute. When Edmund died Canute became the sole King of England. After
two short lived Danish kings, (Harold Harefoot and Harthacanute) the
Anglo-Saxon line was restored when Canute's stepson Edward the
Confessor
took up the throne in 1042.
Run up to
the Norman invasion
Following Edward's death, no clear heir was
apparent, and his cousin, Duke William of
Normandy, claimed the throne. The Royal Council, however, met in
the city and elected the dead King's brother-in-law, Harold Godwinson
(The Earl of Wessex)
as King. He was crowned in Westminster Abbey. William, outraged by
this, then sent an army to invade England. on 11th of October 1066
Harold marched his army out of London.At Hastings, on 15
October 1066, the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom ended and Norman England began.
The Kingdoms were demolished and replaced by counties.
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THE LANGUAGE
If you are coming to London you will need to know Rhyming Cockney
Slang- otherwise you will not understand what the natives are talking
about. Full Details are available on
http://www.cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk/rabbit
There is a handy transalator on the page.
What is Cockney rhyming slang?
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Cockney
rhyming slang is not a language but a collection of phrases used by
Cockneys and other Londoners.
What's a
Cockney?
St Mary Le Bow church in Cheapside, London
A true Cockney
is someone born within the sound of Bow Bells. (St Mary-le-Bow Church
in Cheapside, London).
However the
term Cockney is now loosely applied to many born outside this area as
long as they
have a "Cockney" accent or a Cockney heritage.
The
Cockney accent is heard less often in Central London these days but is
widely heard in the outer London boroughs, the London suburbs and all
across South East England. It is common in Bedfordshire towns like
Luton and Leighton Buzzard, and Essex towns such as Romford.
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What's Rhyming
Slang?
Rhyming Slang phrases are derived from
taking an expression which rhymes with a word and then using that
expression instead of the word. For example the word "look" rhymes with
"butcher's hook". In many cases the rhyming word is omitted - so you
won't find too many Londoners having a "bucher's hook" at this site,
but you might find a few having a "butcher's".
The
rhyming word is not always omitted so Cockney expressions can vary in
their construction, and it is simply a matter of convention which
version is used.
Some Cockney
rhyming slang for parts of the body
In
this list of example Cockney slang for parts of the body, you'll notice
that some expressions omit the rhyming word but others do not.
| English |
Rhymes
with |
Cockney |
| Feet |
Plates of meat |
Plates |
| Teeth |
Hampstead Heath |
Hampsteads |
| Legs |
Scotch eggs |
Scotches |
| Eyes |
Mince pies |
Minces |
| Arms |
Chalk Farms |
Chalk Farms |
| Hair |
Barnet Fair |
Barnet |
| Head |
Loaf of bread |
Loaf |
| Face |
Boat race |
Boat race |
| Mouth |
North and south |
North and south |
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Who uses
Cockney Rhyming Slang?
Cockney Rhyming Slang originated in the
East End of London. Some slang expressions have escaped from London and
are in popular use throughout the rest of Britain. For example "use
your loaf" is an everyday phrase for the British, but not too many
people realise it is Cockney Rhyming Slang ("loaf of bread: head").
There are many more examples of this unwitting use of Cockney Rhyming
Slang.
Television has raised awareness of Cockney
Rhyming Slang to far greater heights. Classic TV shows such as "Steptoe
and Son", "Minder", "Porridge" and "Only Fools and Horses" have done
much to spread the slang throughout Britain and to the rest of the
world.
Is Cockney
Rhyming Slang dead?
Not on your Nelly! Cockney Rhyming Slang
may have had its highs and lows but today it is in use
as never before.
In
the last few years hundreds of brand new slang expressions have been
invented - many betraying their modern roots, eg "Emma Freuds:
hemorrhoids"; (Emma Freud is a TV and radio broadcaster) and "Ayrton
Senna": tenner (10 pound note).
How is Cockney
slang developing?
Modern
Cockney slang that is being developed today tends to only rhyme words
with the names of celebrities or famous people. There
are very few new Cockney slang expressions that do not follow this
trend. The only one that has gained much ground recently that bucks
this trend is "Wind and Kite" meaning "Web site".
Cockney
expressions are being exported from London all over the world. Here at
cockneyrhymingslang.co.uk we get loads of enquiries from folks as far
afield as the USA, Canada and Japan, all wanting to know the meaning of
Cockney expressions.
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Accommodation
in London university halls
NEWLY AVAILABLE!
Staying in London
university accommodation is a convenient and
affordable way to stay in London. With brand-new rooms
(completed
in 2008) from £40, it is a comfortable and cost
effective alternative
to staying in a hostel or a hotel. We
currently have self-catered accommodation
in Victoria: an
extremely central location and a perfect starting point from which
to
explore the city, being walking distance from both Buckingham Palace
and the Houses of Parliament.Availability is mainly in the
summer vacation period (June, July,
August, September), when students clear their rooms. Rooms
typically
become available two to three months in advance, so please revisit
the
website within that period if nothing is available now.
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THE
LONDON BOROUGHS
ATTRACTIONS
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UK Attractions
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Central & The Boroughs
The Home Counties
Essex
in Course of Construction Click On
Specific Place
Click
Kent For
Comprehensive coverage of Kent & South East London Click On
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The London Sightseeing Pass offers free entry to 56 London
tourist attractions including Tower of London, Kensington Palace,
London Zoo and London Aquarium, plus loads more. A must for every
London visitor!
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