We are about to make our 15th trip to England but have never been to Buckingham Palace. We do like manors and grand houses. From the website I can't quite grasp whether you buy the ticket and then go through on your own or if you are toured. For those of you who have been there, would you recommend this?
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
I haven't gone on the tour yet, but recently booked the Buckingham palace state rooms tour. I believe it is self-guided. There seems to be a guided tour in the evening that is more expensive.
Posted by
OP
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
Do you think you can just buy a ticket the day you're there, or need to do in advance?
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
This is the site for visiting Buckingham Palace. As the State Rooms are only open for a limited period ie during end of July to end of September, the tickets sell very quickly. Also they are timed entry tickets. If you can commit to a day and time it is probably better to book ahead.
http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=30
Posted by
Everett, WA
1299 posts
When we toured, we bought the tickets the day we used them. We actually had not been planning on doing it, we just "happened" on lines of people waiting to go in. We walked over to the ticket booth and they sold us tickets for later that day. (I think we went in about an hour before the last entrance) By that time, the lines were gone and we walked right in. (so if you pre-order tickets, consider late in the day) I think it was self guided, but I also recall somebody telling us about some of the rooms so... The only wait we had was for a special exhibit of gifts the queen has received from other countries. It was optional and the wait wasn't too bad, so we did it. I thought it was pricey, but worth it since it was the only chance we would have to get inside the palace.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
I did this tour many years ago. The palace is open in September when the Queen is in Balmoral. I bought my ticket the day before. I remember that it was a guided tour. I enjoyed it. Pam
Posted by
Milwaukee
1 posts
You are guided through parts of the palace by a guide but the information is given from an included audioguide. Most of the tour is at your own pace. Whatever has continued to draw you to England you will find that BuckHouse has all the same charm and alure.