I can get tickets to tour the Palace either ahead of time or at the Palace. Does anybody know if it's a good idea to buy tickets in advance or if it's pretty easy to get in at the time desired just by walking up?

IME it was easy to buy tickets at the Palace when i went just after it opened for the first time and have gone by there subsequent Augusts i noticed little queues but i suppose it may depend on the time of day and day of week?

If you are in London a week or so and have flexibility re day/time of your tour it is fine to buy the tix once you are in London. But if you have a short time in London - I'd definitely book ahead. The day might be totally booked up and then you'd be out of luck.

Janis knows a whole lot more about this probably than i

but a few years back when i was writing a short blurb on Palace summer tours i called the Palace info line and they said you could get in any day just by showing up in their experience.

But things may have changed and jj i'm sure has reason for saying that some days could be fully booked and in any case you, like janis said if on a short time schedule, face at least a wait before entry.

I'm torn. I hate to purchase ahead in case the trip falls through. I have trip insurance, but would have to add this and some other things. We could be flexible, but it would be much better if we could go on the day I've planned. But I'll probably buy ahead because I like to be sure. You can see how I shilly shally! ;-)

Well if you are in London i think you can pop by the booth anytime to reserve for any day (not sure - maybe only for that day?) or order online once your trip is for sure.