My husband and I will be traveling to London & Paris this fall. I understand you can prebook a ticket to go through Buckingham Palace. Has anyone been on this tour? Is it worthwhile to see?
Thanks for any response.

We took the tour of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace last year and thought it was a wonderful experience. Very well done with informative guides stategically placed *guides* who were well informed and knowledgable - and pleasant! We purchased our tickets the day of our tour (at the entrance to Green Park) and did not have to wait in line for more than 10 minutes (they keep everyone moving along and have a number of windows to purchase tickets). They are timed entry tickets, I believe we had to wait about a half hour until our group was allowed to enter - there are a number of helpful *guides* to answer questions and keep things moving along... The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open daily from 6 August to 4 October for this year. You can purchase your tickets for either that day or the next day at the ticket office in Green Park (which I believe opens at nine o'clock. I paid 9.5 pounds sterling and my mother (age 62) paid seven pounds sterling. If you purchase your tickets ahead of time, you do pay a booking fee. We did not encounter any problems purchasing our tickets - we allowed additional time to stand in line. The numbers I have from last year are as follows: 24-hour information: 44-171-799-231. General enquiries: 44-171-839-1377. Credit Card booking: 44-171-321-2233 We both purchased the guide book which was beautifully done in order to identify all of the artwork and read about the history of the rooms. It was wonderful. Enjoy!

Cindy: Thanks so much for your response. I appreciate the advice you gave us. I printed it out and will take it along to London. Thank you so very much again for your time.

Glad I could help - while you are "in the area" try and time your visit to Buckingham with Changing of the Guard AND Mounting of the Guard (guard changing at the Horse Guards Parade. It is a wonderful ceremony on horseback). The Royal Mews and Queen's Gallery (near Buckingham) are also worth seeing. One other suggestion - try and take in the Ceremony of the Keys - the official ceremony that takes place at the Tower of London. It is really fascinating! If you're interested let me know (we attended last year) and I can give you information.

Hiya!

Saw your post..I shall be in the UK in September...I sent off my request for the Ceremony of Keys at the beginning of this month..just out of curiousity, how soon would I recieve word on if I am going to be able to see this? (I asked for the 14th of September, alternate dates the 2nd, and 13th)

Cool on the Buckingham Palace thing..least I know I don't have to worry about getting tix in advance...

Thanks..

Scott: If my memory serves me correctly, it took about a month before I received my tickets. Sounds like you have allowed plenty of time - have a great time (I'm envious)

Cindy: Thanks again for your extra help with my trip to London. Yes, we would be interested in attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. What do I need to do to get tickets?

Sherrie: As far as I'm concerned, the Ceremony of the Keys is one of London's best kept secrets. The nightly ceremony is open to the public, free of charge, but you must make your application to attend in advance. As there are only a certain number of spectators that are given admittance try and write as far ahead as possible (at least six weeks' notice is required) to insure that you will get you first choice in dates. You are admitted into the Tower at precisely 9:35; a Yeoman Warder will explain the significance of the ceremony when the outer gates of the fortress are locked and the keys taken to the monarch's representative in the Tower (the Resident Governor). What an experience to witness the entire ceremony (the Yeoman Warder) walking down the cobblestone walk in the darkness with the keys jingling and carrying a centuries old lit lantren... Especially thrilling when the Chief Yeoman Warder and his escort meet up with the main Tower guard (same guard that guard Buckingham) on the steps leading up to Tower Green; the call "God Preserve Queen Elizabeth" and everyone answering "Amen".

Write for tickets to: Resident Governor, Queen's House, Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, England. Request tickets to Ceremony of the Keys, tell them how many you will need and list your first specific date choice with an alternate choice. Your request MUST be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope (Britich stamps only) or two International Reply Coupons (available at any post office). Have fun!

I went on the Buckingham palace tour while living in London last year. I think you would get a better deal and see more interesting things if you have the time to go to Hampton Court Palace. You have to take the british rail train there but it is easily found. You can easily spend the whole day there. There are several different areas to visit. The Tudor part of the palace, see where Henry the eighth went to chuch and lived for much of his rule. Then there is the Georgian section and others.Don't forget a visit to the tudor kitchen area using the audio wand. For the entrance fee you can either roam on your own or for no extra, go with one of the period dressed guides who are full of information. Take a picnic and have lunch in the beautiful grounds or visit one of the pubs just outside the gates. I am not sure if at that time of the year the river ferry back to Westminster pier would still be running but if so you can return to London central while enjoying the lovely scenery and seeing some of the outter areas of London. It really is a great day out.

Cindy & JJ: Thanks so much for your advice. I was just able to get back into the web today. Cindy I will write my request today for tickets. Also JJ...Thanks for your input. It sounds very interesting. I can't wait to go. Appreciate your help with our trip. Thank you very much.