dwdvagamundo

We're about two weeks away from London, and I'm wondering whether prebooking any attractions in London (and later in Edinburgh) is worthwhile and, if so, how soon to do it?

I have rough schedule of what I want to see, and in London, only Hampton Court Palace is ticketed and the rest are free. No one likes standing in long lines, but we don't think a London Pass or equivalent is worthwhile, as most of what we want to see is free and we'll use Oystercard to get around. So I'm tempted to prepurchase Hampton Court Palace if that means we will be able to pick up tickets at "Will Call" and walk right in.

However, what we end up doing and when will be to a large extent up to the weather, so I don't want to get locked into too much too far ahead.

In Edinburgh, we'll want to see the Castle and Holyrood Palace. Based on your recommendations, we'd also take a Rabbie's tour to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond.

So, do you all see any advantage in prebooking the above places/events and, if so, how soon should we do so? Is a day or two before sufficient to get any benefit or should we do it now?

Thanks in advance.

David the Vagabond.

Kate

If you are talking about the free museums, then you just wonder in. There aren't any barriers so there's nothing to prebook. The exception is if you want to see one of the special 'blockbuster' exhibitions (which are ticketed and do cost money). For example, if you wanted to see the current Pompeii exhibition at the British Museum, you should most certainly prebook.

geetika

You might want to get the 3 day Historic Scotland Pass, valid for use over a 5 day period. This can be bought online and gives you free access to the Edinburgh and Stirling castles, also several other smaller places you might visit, you walk straight in and don't wait in line.

You'll be in Scotland early May, don't believe you'll need to book the Rabbies tour very much in advance, a couple of days should do.

Haven't been to Hampton Court recently so won't be help you there. Happy travels!

Kate

"wander". My typing today....

janisj

No need or advantage to pre-booking anything you mentioned. The historic Scotland pass can be bought at the first property you visit - they will give you the sales pitch whether you want to buy or not.

If you get to HCP near opening time (recommended) there won't be any lines to speak of.

Stirling is easily done on your own by train - I'd use Rabbies for places harder to get to like the highlands or Loch Lomond, etc.

dwdvagamundo

Thanks to all. I think I'm at the stage where I'm "overplanning."

We are thinking of Pompeii at the British Museum, but may risk booking this when we get to London.

We will certainly look into the Historic Scotland Pass.

The Rabbies tour we were thinking of goes to Loch Lomond (which I very much want to see), Trossachs and Stirling. My idea is that if I don't get to see enough of the last, I'll return with the car.

Again, thanks for your help.