Tickets for touring Buckingham Palace
Apr 22, 2017, 5:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Tickets for touring Buckingham Palace
I will be in London in mid- September. I see that Buckingham Palace is open for tours during my visit.
1) Is there a way of securing tour tickets in advance of the date?
2) Is this worth doing? I think it probably is but perhaps some of you have more expert opinions.
TIA
1) Is there a way of securing tour tickets in advance of the date?
2) Is this worth doing? I think it probably is but perhaps some of you have more expert opinions.
TIA
Apr 22, 2017, 8:35 pm
#3
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"worth doing" is very subjective.
If you want to do it then do it. if you don't then don't.
I've done tours of places and thought "why on earth am I here this is awful" and done others where I wished the tour lasted longer.
If you want to do it then do it. if you don't then don't.
I've done tours of places and thought "why on earth am I here this is awful" and done others where I wished the tour lasted longer.
Apr 23, 2017, 3:59 pm
#5
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Apr 24, 2017, 5:49 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Chicago
Posts: 244
I went last September. Agreed that "worth it" is subjective, but I've been on a lot of palace/castle tours and it was a good one. I prefer a really old, practically ruined castle, but mother-in-law that went with me was absolutely in awe. The scarcity of availability makes me feel like it's something you must do if you happen to be there during the right season.
Apr 26, 2017, 6:00 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2014
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You walk through at your own pace, using the audio guide as and when you want to. There are signs indicating which part of the guide to listen to for various rooms and objects and for the main themed exhibition which is normally held in the ballroom and ball supper room. You could be through and out in 30/40 mins if you walk at pace and don't stop to listen to much. Or it could take 2 hours, maybe more, if you stop and look / listen to everything. It also does depend to an extent on how busy it is. The crowds can back up, particularly in the exhibition rooms, with 50+ people all seemingly intent on seeing each and every object.
Also, if you're an art lover you could easily spend and hour looking at the paintings in the Picture Gallery, very strong on old masters and the Dutch school.
Also, if you're an art lover you could easily spend and hour looking at the paintings in the Picture Gallery, very strong on old masters and the Dutch school.
Apr 26, 2017, 1:11 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2015
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Nice visit. Did it ~10 years ago.
If it is worth it is IMO subjective. There are certainly more impressive castles and palaces to look at and visit than BP. I found the Tower of London somewhat more interesting. Has IMO a more fascinating history and you get to see the Tower Bridge as well, which is definitely a plus too.
If it is worth it is IMO subjective. There are certainly more impressive castles and palaces to look at and visit than BP. I found the Tower of London somewhat more interesting. Has IMO a more fascinating history and you get to see the Tower Bridge as well, which is definitely a plus too.
Apr 26, 2017, 8:10 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2017
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You walk through at your own pace, using the audio guide as and when you want to. There are signs indicating which part of the guide to listen to for various rooms and objects and for the main themed exhibition which is normally held in the ballroom and ball supper room. You could be through and out in 30/40 mins if you walk at pace and don't stop to listen to much. Or it could take 2 hours, maybe more, if you stop and look / listen to everything. It also does depend to an extent on how busy it is. The crowds can back up, particularly in the exhibition rooms, with 50+ people all seemingly intent on seeing each and every object.
Also, if you're an art lover you could easily spend and hour looking at the paintings in the Picture Gallery, very strong on old masters and the Dutch school.
Also, if you're an art lover you could easily spend and hour looking at the paintings in the Picture Gallery, very strong on old masters and the Dutch school.
Apr 27, 2017, 9:20 am
#12
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: UK - Hampshire & London
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Happy to help.