Iris_Grower

For those who have used the GBH Pass before in the London area,-- if there is a line do you wait in line or go to the front of the line?

Also re the use of cameras on any particular day,---is it safe to carry your camera with you even if you will be visiting a place that day that doesn't allow photography? (i.e.- do they make you leave your camera with someone or can you take it in your bag as long as it's not used)?

Iris_Grower

anyone?

rkkwan

In most western countries, they just have a honor system. I don't think I've been to any place that force you to check your camera. With thousands of tourists going to a site each day, that's simply not logistically possible, not to mention the liability problem.

Robin_hood

Hi Iris
I have purchased the GBH as well for our upcoming trip at the end of May. From what I understand, is that once you validate your pass (first time use) then there is no need to line up with those purchasing admission tics you just go to the entrance of the attraction. As for the camera, I too will be carrying one but will stow it away when the time is warranted to do so. Have a great trip. Robin

jay

you do get to go to the head of the line. the passes are a great value and get you into most sites acros britian and you also get a talking stick (you hold them up to your ear) for the tour. you also get a cool magazine during the year. have a great time. some places allow cameras some don't. if you have a digital and shoot pictures with the flash off usually you are fine. it is the flash that is the problem.

LynnieD

We have recently returned and found with the GBH Pass we did indeed need to line up. The ticket office notes your number and issues you a ticket for entry. This was true in London as well as Edinburgh

MelissaH

We used the GB Heritage Pass in London, Windsor, Oxford, Warwick, Stratford, etc. At almost every place, we had to show the pass and were issued a ticket for entry. No "jumping" line for us with the pass. (Although we did go in November which is off season so they may que different for peak)

As for the camera, we NEVER had it taken from us. We were advised when we could NOT take pictures with friendly warnings and/or polite statements to turn it off, etc.

Kayb95

The only place we've ever had to check our cameras was when we visited the Strangers Gallery at the Houses of Parliament.

I've heard they are pretty strict about it if you go to watch a trial at the Old Baily.

Daisy54

I've traveled with a GBHP several times - really saves you money if you like to visit historic sites like castles, It really depends on the attraction whether your GBHP gets you in quicker or not. For example at Edinburgh Castle there was a separate - and much shorter - line for pass holders, but at Warwick Castle we had to use the same long lines as the folks paying cash. So you'll have to look around when you arrive at the site.

As for cameras, if you're not allowed to take photos, keeping the camera in your bag will be fine, just be prepared to have it confiscated if you decide to break the no-photography rule. When we toured the state rooms of Buckingham Palace they gave us plastic bags at the door and requested we put our cameras in them for the duration.

April

The passes seem rather pricey to me. How many places would you have to visit to make them worthwhile? What kind of fees do you pay without the pass?

Daisy54

April - the entrance fees varys from site to site, the more popular places (Tower of London, Windsor Castle for example) cost more than smaller,less famous sites (£13.50 for the Tower). So it really depends what places you plan to see. On average, if you visit more than five GBGH pass sites it will start to be a savings over paying cash at the door. You can find lists of the sites covered by the GBHP at their section in the British Tourist Authority website - http://www.visitbritain.com/usa/attr...s/gbhplist.htm - and then look up the webites of the places you plan to visit to find out the cash entry prices. (However keep in mind that the attraction websites are sometimes behind and the entry fee may be higher by the time you get there.) Another advantage to getting the GBHP is that you can visit sites for free that you happen across but weren't planning on, or revisit places you've enjoyed in the past without feeling you've wasted your money. If you decide to get a pass, I've been very happy ordering them from British Travel International - http://www.britishtravel.com/ - they arrive quite fast and there's no shipping fee. You can also order BritRail passes from the same place if you decide to get them also.

pcheesy

We stood in line with the GBH Pass for them to copy the number. And Old Bailey would not let us in with a camera..so I wouldn't take it there.

Robin_hood

Hi April
We got our passes through www.railpass.com and they were on sale when we purchased them. I am not sure if they are still on sale or not?? It may be worth checking them out if you live in North America! Robin

Flutist

Thank you Robin hood for recommending www.railpass.com. The GB Heritage pass is still on sale at a considerable savings (I ordered 2 fifteen day passes.) It's a bit tricky to locate the pass on their website, but once found, the order form is user-friendly.

Robin_hood

Your Welcome Flutist, sorry I should have mentioned where to locate them. For anyone interested, you have to go to Britrail within the site to find the heritage passes. We ordered our railpasses, and london travel cards at the same time thus eliminating shipping charges. (hopefully, the rail won't be on strike when we arrive at the end of the month, also we are flying Air Canada and fingers crossed that they will not go into bankrupcy before then..it's a very touchy situation) Getting back to www.railpass.com, I had to call them with a couple of questions and they were absolutely wonderful to deal with. (toll free #) Regards Robin

leonberger

Just adding my "THANKS!!" for the tip on the GBH Passes. I just purchased them for my trip later this year - that discount was pretty good (even with the minimum $12.00 Fed Ex shipping charge).

You people are the best!

Gayle

(P.S., My apologies if this posts twice - I *thought* I sent it, but then it didn't show up...)

April

Thanks, Daisy54 and Robin_hood!

Robin_hood

Hi Everyone
Just me again. I just want to pass on the website for the GBH. This is a wonderful site absolutely filled with info. such as times, prices, location, history of attraction etc. It is invaluable when planning you holiday. You go to search by region and then you will have everything at your little finger tips. When you search and click on the place that interests you, it usually brings you to another box that when the site is clicked will take you to the site and all the info required. Have Fun
Robin
www.visitbritain.com/world/heritagepass/