• Afternoon tea is served at most of the city's top hotels and department stores, and prices start at about 15 per person (about $24); tea at The Ritz runs 37 (about $59.50) and reservations are essential; (011-44) 20-7493-8181; www.theritzlondon.com.

• Windsor Castle is an easy daytrip from London. The train takes an hour from either Waterloo or Paddington stations [9 roundtrip (about $14.50); children half-price].

• The Changing of the Guard is at 11 a.m., daily except Sunday April through July and every other day the rest of the year. Admission and audio guide 15.50 (about $29; children 9 (about $14.50); (011-44) 20-7766-7304; www.royalcollection.org.uk.

• WWII buffs will be fascinated by the interconnected Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, where Churchill and his inner circle managed the war below the government treasury chambers. Admission 12.95 (about $20.75); children under 16 free; (011-44) 20-7766-0141; www.iwm.org.uk/cabinet.

• Start your visit to the Tower of London with a free, 60-minute guided tour led by a Yeoman Warder -- aka Beefeater -- who sets the stage in irreverent fashion; the tours are conducted every half-hour. On Saturdays, a tour of the White Tower oriented to children begins at 10 a.m. Admission 17 (about $28); children under 16 9.50 (about $12.25); (011-44) 84-4482-7799; www.hrp.org.uk.]

• The monumental British Museum possesses one of the world's great hordes. The museum's website features a children's-oriented itinerary. Admission is free; (011-44) 20-7323-8000; www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk.

• Located next to Covent Garden, London Transport Museum is a must for kids. Admission 10 (about $16.05); children 15 and under free; (011-44) 20-7379-6344; www.ltmuseum.co.uk.

• One-hour jet boat rides with Flying Fish Tours leave from St. Katherine Pier next to Tower of London. Tickets 29 (about $46.50), children 12 and under 20 (about $32); (011-44) 84-4991-5050; www.flyingfishtours.co.uk.

• Opened just after our visit, London's Science Museum has an exhibit running through Nov. 28, ''Wallace & Gromit's World of Crackling Ideas'' -- sure to be a hit for anyone in love with Techno-trousers or the Blend-O-Matic. Admission 9 (about $14.45); children 7 (about $11.25); (011-44) 87-0870-4868; www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.

INFORMATION

www.visitlondon.com. A family section under the site's ''People Like You'' section has good tips.

-- DAVID SWANSON