Timed Ticket Timing?

I think it depends.

Who's on the gate? How crowded is it? How early are you? Which country and city are you in (all of Europe is a broad brush).

I have seen in the UK, people turned away for wrong time at RHS gardens, and at the Tower of London. I have seen too-earlies sent back to the car park and told to come back in 15 minutes.

I have seen people let in. I personally got caught in roadworks and was half an hour late with a member ticket at a National Trust garden and was told "we'll make an exception for you this time" (I'm a regular there and was with my disabled wife who they recognise).

I'd try to be on time.

I maintain memberships in about fifteen museums and historic sites in the NY metro and New England areas ( many more which are covered by my cooperative memberships like ROAM and NARM ) A museums capacity and size , and as important - location , informs how attentive one has to be with timed entry . The Metropolitan , due to its huge capacity , is not much of a problem . Mystic Seaport is fairly loose , since it is largely an outdoor installation . But , two other examples would be of note . Small museums , both , but one will draw larger attendance ( particularly on holidays and weekends ) than the other - The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester , MA generally has a handful of visitors at any given time . The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge , MA can fill up , making accurate timed entry a distinct necessity .

Steven - I definitely understand the purpose and value of capacity control. I was just curious to see what people's experience with their enforcement has been.

Though I'll add... I'm involved with a public garden here in Dutchess County which had to implement a timed ticket for covid. This for an experience that is completely outdoors and on the busiest days sees maybe 75 people visit the 1,000-acre property.

And I practically grew up at the Mystic Seaport.

I turned up 40 minutes early for my timed slot at the V&A Museum in Scotland and was told to come back later. I guess it depends on how busy places are as to their flexibility.

I haven’t been late for anything timed, in case I am refused entry!

Scudder , My experiences are reflected in my post . I think it is advisable for visitors to assess a museum based on the issues I mentioned . As a forthcoming consideration , I'll be back in Paris late this coming summer , and one of my favorites is The Orsay . Given its popularity , and past experience , I will certainly procure advance , and likely timed , tickets for my visit . Like you , I am punctual to a fault , so I'll plan to be there early . Since you're from Southeastern CT , I'm sure you're familiar with Stonington Borough , one of my favorite places !

Steven- at the risk of hijacking my own thread… While I practically grew up at Mystic Seaport, I literally grew up in “The Boro”. It make for a charmed youth.

At some point ,we can talk , My wife and I discovered it nearly thirty years ago, a story behind it , I'll tell you about it . Nice to make your acquaintance ! My best , Steve