Planning a trip to London and the Cotswolds ... I'll probably get the 5 day London Pass since it will save us double what we pay for 2 ... was looking at tickets to the Royal Observatory and they (like others) now require a timed entry ... I didn't see how you can get a timed entry ticket without paying for it, so my question is how do these places that require a timed entry work with the London Pass (or any other pass/discount)? ... don't need timed entry with the London Pass? ... hope and pray there is an available spot when you show up? ... anyone have experience with this? ... thanks.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
I don't have the exact answer for you but if nobody else replies by tomorrow I'll see what I can find.
I would like to ask you to do a trip report when you get back - I have heard of people losing money on the London Pass and I have heard of a few who say they will about break even (but want to do it because it saves getting individual tickets ahead) but yours is the first I have seen where you expect to save double the price. Please let us know what you ended up seeing and how you feel about the London Pass afterwards...
The timed entries are a vestige of covid - keeping numbers at a safe(r) level.
Posted by
OP
DFW TX, USA
457 posts
Thanks Nigel ... I'll let everyone know but a few caveats first ... my plan has myself/wife going to 14 places in 5 days (cost of 5-day tickets for 2 - £262 ... estimated costs for 2 tickets to 14 places - £547) ... sounds a little aggressive but since we are 'To See' and not 'To Be' travelers, it's not like we haven't done this before ... and it may take a while for the report since my trip isn't until April 2023 (since we aren't going anywhere until (in our minds) it is safe, I am living my trip through my planning as I accumulate all these things to see and do ... so this is not something I need to know now but more of curiosity for myself and possible use for those planning a trip in the near term).
Posted by
Spring Hill, FL, USA
14 posts
We have done the London Pass each time we visit and love it. It allows you to see your mustsees and then you can see others things you might not have planned. We loved the canal boat ride and have talked about that many times through the years. It was on the pass, so we did it! Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
DFW TX, USA
457 posts
So I did a little more digging and found these recent words of wisdom on Tripadvisor ... 'I bought the 2 day London Pass. Once I received I realized it did not allow you to book time slots at some of the busier attractions' ... 'The attractions don't allow pre-booking so you have to take pot luck as to whether you're allowed in or not!' ... 'Bought the pass, but no time slots available to book' ... fortunately, I have over a year before I go and can wait this out, hoping things open up and the timed entry systems are gone ... until then, I'll do more research and see which places I am interested in have timed entry, and see where we're at when the time comes to get the pass if it will be worth it or not.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8913 posts
https://londonpass.com/en-us/reservations
Here is how you can book some of the attractions in advance. I have used London Pass (pre-covid) and it did work well for me. Each person really needs to price it out for themselves.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
Only people with actual tickets can get timed admission at the Royal Obs which ensures admission.
London Pass holders must queue with non ticket holders and wait for a slot to be free.
They don't participate on the reservations page of the London Pass - only some places do.
Posted by
OP
DFW TX, USA
457 posts
Thanks for the info everyone ... thankfully I have time and can re-evaluate buying the pass later ... and hopefully all these Covid restrictions will be a over and we won't have to mess with timed entries.