At £70.00 per person that strikes me as a complete rip-off. Then again if it helps reduce the amount of money I must pay as a taxpayer to support that bunch of dysfunctional scroungers, maybe it's a good thing...

I haven't been on an evening tour (I think they are a recent addition) but >>The 'Practical Information' page on the Royal Collection website shows tours exit via the garden to Grosvenor Place. I'm also curious if that's the same for day and evening tours.<<

It is . . .

janisj - thank you!

I went on a daytime guided tour last month. The small numbers on the tour means you get time to stand and look round each room thoroughly, rather than being herded through. There are no ropes so you can get right up to the paintings and furniture. You also get the drama of standing in front of the beautiful mirrored and gilded doors as they are pushed open to reveal yet another over the top room. If you're on the self-guide tour with the doors already open to create the flow-through, the rooms kind of merge together and you just don't get that "wow".

There was plenty of bubbly left at the end for more than one glass and a chance to ask the very knowledgeable and interesting guide more questions. Then we were then escorted across the forecourt at the front to leave though a pedestrian gate alongside the main gate, with tourists waving and taking photos of us. I normally loathe the word, but the whole thing was "awesome". Expensive, but imho, worth it.

Anice - Thanks! I enjoyed reading your brief description of the tour. The regular tour at 19.00/pp is definitely the most cost effective way to see the palace. I thought the smaller group and being there in the evening would be a slightly different experience so we're excited.