I see that this can be added on to a tour of the Palace. If you have taken this option, please comment on whether you found the experience worthwhile. DH loves photographing flowers but IDK what might be blooming there in the latter part of August.
Posted by
1202 posts
We took it about 8 years ago, (in August) and I was so happy we did! I just thought it was such a unique experience and interesting to learn about. I was mesmerized by the high skyscrapers towering above the palace thinking someone's drinking their coffee or working in their office looking down on the Queen's (at the time!) garden. I don't remember what was blooming or wasn't. I say go for it!
ORDtraveler is correct. This isn't a meander in the gardens at whim tour. You are with a guide.
Posted by
Chicago
1403 posts
I did this just before Covid. Not sure if anything has changed, but I found the experience worth the time. We were led around in a group and given some commentary.
I was there in Sept- I don’t recall what was blooming, but I know there were blooms. I remember banana trees! I’m not sure how easy it would have been to spend loads of time photographing an individual flower. This is a restricted area and we were led around. I don’t remember restrictions on phones for photo taking, but phones for talking was not allowed - even in the waiting area before the tour began.
Sorry so vague on details! This was a good experience for me - I can still visualize the pathways. Just hazy on specifics!
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
711 posts
We did this tour last summer. We enjoyed it even though not a lot was in bloom (we were there in early to mid-September). But they ask you not to take any photographs as they do not want the chance of pictures of the private garden being posted to any social media site.
Posted by
OP
269 posts
Such helpful information! Even though photography is not permitted, the Garden Tour will be added to our ticket order. (Frankly, I am OK with no photos because DH interprets the adage to take time to smell the roses as to take time to film the roses!)
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2727 posts
I passed on touring the gardens when I visited the Palace a couple of years ago as I was pressed for time. If your husband enjoys floral photography I will suggest walking through St James' Park--it's free, and when I was there last year mid-August it was full of lovely blooming beds of flowers. Near one entrance (we entered that time coming from the Churchill War Rooms, and have meandered through from other entrances as well) there's the Duck Island Cottage surrounded by blooming shrubs and flowers. We were on the hunt for the pelicans, actually, but really enjoyed seeing everything in its summer splendor.