I recently saw that the state rooms of Buckingham Palace are open for tours from July through October, when the Queen is in Scotland. We will be there in September and my interest is piqued (?). For those of you how have done this, did you like it? Was it worthwhile? Is there a dress code for touring the palace?
Thank you!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
We did it four years ago and would definitely recommend it. It is more than just a tour through a few rooms. Probably a half day total. Includes the stables, carriages, Queen's art collection, etc. Don't think there is a specific dress code but there is nothing wrong with dress respectfully all the time.
Posted by
Greenville, SC, USA
9 posts
Hubby and I did it just this past September and really enjoyed seeing all the rooms. We definitely thought it was worth it. Get there early - we did and were able to buy our tickets and walk right in. The tour is audio guided, so you can sort of go at your own pace. There wasn't a dress code - we wore jeans and matched pretty much everyone else there.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA
2030 posts
Also did it a couple of years ago it is very good. Dress is tourist casual. I liked the art, the furnishings, the display of some of the queen's clothing, jewels and gifts, and the fact that you can go out into the back grounds. Which has a tearoom, a gift shop and a small pond you can walk around as well as the stables and carriages (which you can visit on their own, if you don't go on the palace tour)
Posted by
England
375 posts
We enjoyed the palace very much. I especially liked seeing the carriages up close. There happened to be an employee in the stables who spent some time informally chatting with us about the Queen's favorite horses. I was just wearing what I usually wear in the city: khaki type slacks and a knit top.
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Go in August and September to visit inside Buckingham Palace. I've been on these tours two or three times. They change every year, so you don't see the same displays twice. It's pleasant chatting with the wardens. They know all about what you are seeing. In one room there was a huge family portrait. I asked the warden who the people were. He said, "that fellow there was your favorite king." He knew I was American. It was George III as a boy.