In planning our next trip we would like to tour Buckingham Palace; although, we would like to avoid the summer crowd. Our intent at this time is to travel the first couple of weeks of September. Can someone tell me if the summer crowds have subsided in the early parts of September? Our past travels have been later in the fall which was absolutely fabulous. Trying to decide between Buckingham Palace and traveling later in the fall.
Posted by
Houston, TX, USA
153 posts
The state rooms at Buckingham Palace are only open for 10 weeks (Saturday, 21 Jul 2018 - Sunday, 30 Sep 2018). The changing of the guard are other outside areas are open at all times.
https://tickets.royalcollection.org.uk/state-rooms-buckingham-palace/state-rooms
Posted by
New York
1206 posts
London is an international city and it is crowded anytime of the year. I have gone to London twice, the end of August and the beginning of September. It really will not matter too much when you go. What does matter is planning out your days and buying tkts in advance for things you really want to see.
I went last year and toured Buckingham Palace which I found amazing and well worth the money. I saw the inside of the Palace, the Queen's mews and the Queen's gallery. Spent a full day there. It was a highlight of my week in London.
Kids are back to school at the beginning of September.
Posted by
London
233 posts
To minimise crowds, go as late as you can in the afternoon. Of course that limits the amount of time you can linger, but I found that last hour of the day to really be quiet. In September the opening hours shorten slightly, so plan accordingly.
Posted by
alameda, ca, usa
2693 posts
Thanks to the comments here I finally decided I need to visit Buckingham Palace while there in late August, just bought my ticket from the official Royal Collection site. With a short window of opportunity that coincides with my trip it would be silly of me to pass it up, crowds or not.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I was there in late September a couple of years ago, entering in the morning, and I didn't think it was too crowded. It's a big place, you're not rushed through (unless it's late in the day I guess). I think you'll find most places less crowded in early-mid-September than in August. Later is better for reducing crowding, but iffier for weather.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14818 posts
To me the most crowded part is as you are entering the ticket area and going thru the security area. After people start listening to the audioguides they kind of get stretched out.
I've done the palace a couple of times in early Sept and it didn't seem bad. Both times I did the Royal Day out ticket as there was an exhibit I wanted to see at the Queens Gallery. There was a timed entry to the Gallery then the Mews and Palace were at my convenience. I did the Palace right after lunch both times and it didn't seem bad.
It's NOT like Versailles.
Posted by
USA
281 posts
When I return, I will not do that timed entry to that Queen's Gallery again. It added stress to our day, wasn't that big, so we'll probably spend our time in a gift shop :)
During the week is less crowded than during the weekends/holidays. I read on another forum that sunny days are more crowded than rainy days.
Have a great trip!