Sima

Hello All, <BR> <BR>I would like to know, how long does the Buckingham Palace tour take once you have the tickets? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance, <BR>Sima

ann speakman

I visited about 4 years ago and as I recall i was only there about two hours and that included a visit to the shop where i bought a white china cup and saucer that I still love!

Cindy

Sima <BR> <BR>There is no "guided tour" per se of Buckingham Palace. Once you enter you are free to wander through the rooms as long as you like. In each room (or staircase or hall whatever the case may be) are "guides" who will answer any questions you might have. When we toured Buckingham three years ago, we purchased the guide book; a bit pricey but well worth it. All the exhibits are identified and a short history given for each of the different rooms. If you decide to take the tour why not plan to go on a day when the Mews are open. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you'll enjoy the tour .. it is really fabulous! <BR> <BR>Cindy

betsy

Does anyone know the dates that the palace is open to the public? How do you obtain tickets? We leave for London on Wednesday!

Hillary

We leave for London on Wednesday too. I wouldn't mind knowing the answer to that question as well. What other things do you need advance tickets for? <BR>There is still time to arrange for them over the internet. <BR>

betsy

Hi Hil <BR> <BR>Wear a rose in your lapel so I can say hi to you at Gatwick! <BR> <BR>Betsy

alex

Sima et al <BR> <BR>In answer to the Q re opening times, please see the extract below from the Royal Family website - visit www.royal.gov.uk/palaces. You should note the limited opening times and the lack of internet booking. I have to say that when I visited a few years ago, i qas quite disappointed and the rooms were rather "gaudy" rather than impressive. I would recommend the Tower of London (get their early - tickets from any tube station), and any number of amazing museums/galleries - the Tate Modern, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, British Museum, Natural History Museum. If you get a chance to go to Brighton (1 hour from London by train) you could also visit the Royal Pavilion, also by the same architect (Nash) as Buckingham Palace and very impressive. Also,if you are in London on a weekend in July, the inside of Horseguards Parade will be open for the first time ever to the public at 10-4, on Sat/Sun free of charge with guided tours. I will certainly be going! <BR> <BR>___________ <BR> <BR>Buckingham Palace <BR>Annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms <BR> <BR>The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are used extensively by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family to receive and entertain their guests on State, ceremonial and Official occasions. These magnificent rooms, which contain some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, are only open to visitors for a limited period each year. <BR> <BR>Opened to visitors for the first time this year, the Ballroom is the largest room in Buckingham Palace. <BR> <BR>Open daily from 6 August to 1 October 2000. <BR> <BR>Tickets are available on the day or in advance, from 09.00, at the ticket office in Green Park from 29 July 2000. <BR> <BR>Admission Prices <BR>Adults £10.50 <BR>Over 60 £8.00 <BR>Under 17 £5.00 <BR>Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £25.50 <BR> <BR>Tickets can be bought in advance via the credit card telephone line and are £10.50 (no concessions). A £1.00 booking fee applies per transaction. <BR> <BR>Address: Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA <BR>Nearest underground stations: Green Park, Victoria, St. James's Park. <BR> <BR>24-hour information: (440) 20-7799 2331 <BR>General enquiries: (440) 20-7839 1377 <BR>Credit card booking: (440) 20-7321 2233 <BR>e-mail: [email protected] <BR> <BR> <BR>