Web your way to the Tower of London, palaces and more

Take a boat ride on the Thames, see royal palaces and visit the infamous Tower of London. There's a lot to see and do in London, and you can pick up valuable help for planning your visit by exploring a few key Web sites.

Even the royal family has a Web site these days. British Monarchy -- http://www.royal. gov.uk/ -- has volumes of information about Queen Elizabeth II and her family, as well as a history of the monarchy. Click on "Art & Residences" to learn about visiting some royal palaces and the Queen's Gallery.

Visit the Tower of London, part of Historic Royal Palaces -- www.hrp.org.uk/ -- to read about the Tower's history, the nightly Ceremony of the Keys, and exhibits. Also supplied here are guides to Hampton Court, Henry VIII's palace, and three other palaces. Be sure to visit "Links" for Web connections to English Heritage, which is responsible for historic properties all over England, the Royal Armouries, Kew Gardens and other sights to see. And save time to visit Westminster Abbey -- www.westminster-abbey.org/ -- site of royal coronations and burials.

The official visitors' guide to London, www.visitlondon.com features places and events all over the city, including theaters, clubs and concerts.

Get around the city like the Londoners do. Transport for London -- www.londontransport.co.uk/ -- includes the buses, trains, taxis, trams and "Tube" or the Underground, the London subway. Look at the bottom of the Tube page for "Tourists," a helpful guide for newcomers to navigating the system.

Before you go, get some useful tips for traveling into the city from the airports at London Town -- www.londontown.com/ -- along with info on Thames River boat trips and theater.