Hi,
I am going to London end of July. I need your help on planning one day (out of 7 days trip) to the Buckingham Palace which includes The Changing of the guard, State Room and King's gallery. If possible I may want to goto the Churchill War Rooms afterwords.
I have just checked rct.uk website and the easiest ticket to Buckingham is 9:45am right now. I was told I should be there to watch the Change of guard around 10:45am. I want to know what is the first place I should go? For example, watch the Change of the guard first or The Buckingham tour? And when do I go to the King's Galley? How long does it will take for all these? This is my first time to London so I dont plan to look very closely so I can go back again. Do I have time to go to the Churchill War Rooms?
Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Chicagoland
609 posts
Typical tour length at Buckingham Palace is 2-2½ hours
I don't have fond memories of the Changing of the Palace Guards. You must arrive early to have a chance of seeing something, it is terrible crowded and, if anyone in your group is remotely on the short side in stature they will not see much.
IMO, for Pomp and Circumstances plus horses I like The Changing of the King's Lifeguards at Horse Guards Parade. It is several days of the week at 11am.
Arrive a few minutes early, see the activity and get some great pics. Then walk to Buckingham Palace through the lovely St James Park. You could always schedule these on 2 different mornings.
Don't overbook each day. Allow for some strolls and serendipity.
Posted by
1360 posts
It's been a few years since we've been, but if you are inside Buckingham Palace at 9:45am, you will not be able to be outside watching the Changing of the Guard at 10:45am. The Changing of the Guard is not part of any admission ticket. To watch that, you just stand outside the palace gates with the public. The Buckingham Palace tour gives you all the time you want to meander in the gallery and enjoy, so I would give loads of time between that and the Churchill War Rooms. You can always stroll, get fresh air and something to eat in between.
Posted by
Chicago
1565 posts
Just another data point for your planning. We just viewed The Edwardians exhibit at the King’s Gallery. Spent about 90 minutes - my travel partner would have been through faster. Good audio, very detailed. We didn’t need an advance ticket- you can monitor availability online.
The Royal Mews is very close if you are interested. There is a combined Mews and Gallery ticket.
Personally, I would save War rooms for another day if you have time available. There is a lot to absorb between the Palace and Gallery and more at the War Rooms.
Also, in my opinion, Guard changing is missable…. But not all would agree with me.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you very much, Jeanm, KD and ORDtraveler. I probably will go to see the Change of the guard first and then to the Buckingham. Okay I will not goto the War rooms that day. "Dont overbook each day".
Posted by
88 posts
The State Rooms
What do you think how many time we need? How long does it take, it it starts 12.30 pm?
Posted by
OP
3 posts
I have booked tickets to State Room (12pm) and King's Gallery (3pm). Where is a good place for lunch?
Posted by
Minnesota
138 posts
There is a garden cafe at Buckingham Palace just outside the palace after you complete the State Room tour. It offers light bites, sandwiches, cakes, tea, and ice cream. It looks over the garden area. It depends on what kind of a lunch you are looking for.
Posted by
London
464 posts
In that area, I really like Chez Antoinette: https://chezantoinette.co.uk/
It's less than a 10 min walk from the King's Gallery.
Posted by
Massachusetts
1405 posts
Within a short walk, you have many choices, depending on what you want to eat and how much time you wan to spend.
Pret A Manger
Shake Shack
Wagamama
Five Guys
Franco Manca Pizza