London
 

I am making arrangements for a trip to London in February, and would like some feedback from others that have been there recently. I was planning on going to see the famous No. 10 Downing Street, but read on a website that "At the end of Downing Street today, are a pair of iron gates to prevent the public access to the cul-de-sac, for security reasons." I was also having trouble finding how I can tour Parliament, as I found on the internet that US citizens are only allowed to tour during the summer months. Has anyone run into these same issues and what is the best way to tour these famous land marks and have an enjoyable trip. Are there any other restrictions at any other areas that I should be aware of?

I'm afraid you have current information. There are no tours of #10 Downing Street and exterior access is limited. Parliament is open for US visitors during the summer (August? maybe some of July?). Check the website.

London has tons to offer and I'm sure you have many other sites on your list. Surely it will still be an enjoyable trip.

I went to London for the first time in 1991 and the gates were there then as well. You could see the door but that's about it.

Do you want to just tour Parliament or see a debate? You can obtain a "card of introduction" to see the House of Commons when they are in session. The US Embassy gives out 4 a day. I went this past Nov. and got cards for 2 days actually. One for a day that I wasn't in town. I went the other day and it turned out that Commons didn't have a session that day but the House of Lords did. I did not need a card before hand, we just queued up. Although I did not get a tour of the whole place, the experience of entering the House of Lords and filling out visitor cards and being ushered to seats was pretty neat. Again, I did that in Nov. so I don't know if it is available in Feb. Check the US embassy website.

Be aware that the US embassy complex has barricades around it and security all around.

I just got back from London, and you do have the current info on #10 Downing Street. I did go up to the iron fence and took some pics. I can e-mail you some of the pics!! Let me know! You will love London...

As far as other restrictions, the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are only open during Aug & Sept when the Queen is not in residence, as that's when she goes to Balmoral.