I got my tickets today!! VERY excited. We will be there friday march 13!!!

That's great! Be sure to get there w/ time to spare. They are very serious when they say "late comers will not be admitted".

I will!! and dress is casual?? any suggestions for a place to go after???

are there nightclubs for minors?? 17 and 18 - I wont let them go alone but they want to go out one night....

are there nightclubs for minors?? 17 and 18 - I wont let them go alone but they want to go out one night....>>>

18 isn't a minor - that one's an adult, and can go in anywhere that will let them in (and they can drink).

There is a large choice of u18 nightclubs. I'm not a lot of help as to where these are - but have a look on Time Out.

The area around The Tower isn't really the greatest for night life, but you aren't far from the west end.

Did you have trouble finding International Reply Coupons? I've visited several post offices and have been assured that "they are no longer sold."

I wish they sold the online!

Lauratg

lauratag: Complain to the supervisor at your PO branch - the staff that told you they are no longer sold is just being lazy. They are still sold -- but not every branch has them.

So, they should either direct you to the nearest branch that has them in stock - or they should order a couple for you.

oh2doula: Can't help w/ the under-18 bit (haven't been U-18 for a VERY long time! )

As for dress - anything - as long as it is warm (and and umbrella if it is raining). You will be outside, it is next to the river so even on nice nights it can be cool to downright cold in the Tower

You will LOVE it! There is a nice pub, kitty corner from the Tower. We usually go to dinner first, then do the Ceremony, then the pub. My children LOVED the Ceremony....they felt so "privileged" to be there, CW, you are so very lucky, ya know?

I did have some trouble getting the International Reply coupons - I live in a town of 5000 and work in a town of 12000 and they said they werent used anymore - even told them that I knew thats what they would tell me....

got online and YES they are still being used. My boyfriend was in st louis and was able to get them.

you might have to call around or raise a fuss!!

when i went to mail them i asked at my local post office and she told me that they werent available - I told her there were too in the envelope and when i was back at the post office in the town i work - she had checked and yes they do still use them.

dont give up!!!

Thanks for the advice JanisJ and oh2doula. I will definitely get more firm with the post office regarding the international reply coupons(not trying to hi-jack the thread!).

I hope you enjoy the ceremony -- please report back afterwards.

Lauratg

Oh, one more question--

How long did it take to hear back from the Tower and did you get your first choice of dates?

Lauratg

I heard back within a couple weeks and I did get my first date - when are you going??

For those of us just getting into this conversation would you please give us the info on how to request the Ceremony of the Keys tickets?

Also, what are International Reply Coupons?

Thanks and enjoy your trip!

Oh2doula--

I'll be there March 28 - April 6. Not too much after you. I'm hoping to avoid spring crowds, but we have to go when the kids are out of school!

lg

You have to have TWO international reply coupons to mail with your request to attend the ceremony. most post offices are saying they arent used anymore - yes they are - you might have to go to larger post office or be firm.

you write a letter requesting tickets to the ceremony - name/ age/ address of each person attending. Dates and alternative dates you would like to attend.

Ceremony of the keys
HM Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB

no children under 8

and then wait patiently.

if i have forgotten anything please add.

Thanks so much!