My research suggests that I book an entrance date and time for a tour of Buckingham Palace. I am always leary of paying for somethng online. Is this process safe? I am going through the royal website? Also, where do i pick up the tickets. There is not enough time for them to be mailed to me. Thank you.
Posted by
Redding, California
244 posts
It is safe to purchase them on the website. We purchased our tickets a couple of months ago and toured Buckingham Palace last week. It was amazing! You pick up the tickets on the left side of Buckingham Palace. There are tents and large signs for you to follow. Very easy, just get there a little early to pick up the tickets. You will enjoy the tour! We loved it!
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14822 posts
Completely agree it is safe. I've ordered each year for the last 3 years. I print out the confirmation email and take it with me. Sometimes there is a queue to pick up tickets so allow yourselves some time. I only did the Queens Gallery this time which has an exhibit on gardens in art which was very interesting. If you have an interest and also want to see the Royal Mews (where the coaches and horses are stabled) get the Royal Day out to visit all 3. This does take a good bit of the day so it also depends on how many days you have available in London.
The audio guide for the palace is excellent and comes with your entry ticket.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Here is the official website for tickets. Just click on "Visit" and the drop down menu will show you the different locations that can be toured. Thousands of people buy their tickets from this website, including many people on this forum, and it is perfectly safe. The Queen is quite reputable as far as I know!
Posted by
824 posts
Sherry,
We took the Buckingham Palace tour in 2011 and just loved it. It was probably the highlight of our London trip.
The process is perfectly safe as long as you do it from a secure network. Never make online purchases or banking transactions from a public or unsecured wireless (WIFI) network. Preferably, always work from your home and WIRED network for security reasons...
You will receive vouchers for the entrance tickets which you exchange at the venue. Show up 15 minutes ahead of your time slot and stand in line. They will collect your voucher and issue tickets...
Security into the palace is via airport style security so no backpacks (or any size/kind) and small shoulder bags only. No liquids of food allowed.
When facing the front of the Palace (in front of the gates), the entrance for the tour in on the right side of the building. It really can't be missed due to signage, the temporary buildings set up for security/queueing, and all the people standing in line to purchase tickets (because they were afraid to purchase online).
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We visited Buckingham Palace two weeks ago and bought tickets at a kiosk near the entrance. After getting the tickets we proceeded to the entry where you will go through security--line moved quickly and you will get audio phones which are excellent. You will tour about fourteen rooms--and will not be disappointed. There is a choice of a ticket that combines Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery along with the Palace. We had previously toured the mews so skipped it. QG was a bit underwhelming. I think the sign at the entry indicated visits will be allowed until 9/27.
Posted by
London, England.
662 posts
When facing the front of the Palace (in front of the gates), the entrance for the tour in on the LEFT side of the building.
Posted by
824 posts
Thanks to Mike for correcting me. I must of been having a geospatially-challenged moment.
Posted by
OP
Coquitlam, B.C., Canada
67 posts
Thank you everyone. I have purchased our tickets and am so excited about our visit next week. I appreciate all of your helpful information.