Buckingham Palace

I went to a garden party at Buck House. It rained and we were ushered into one of the drawing rooms. Lots of lovely portraits, mostly by Winterhalter. Not terribly interesting gardens.

Went once under protest at lining the coffers of the royals. Thought it was rather tacky, the only thing that impressed me was an absolutely huge rug. have visited several palaces abroad and all were so much more impressive.

I also went to a garden party at Buckingham Palace. The (old) queen was there but there were so many tall people around her, I only got a glimpse by standing on my toes. We were told to wear hats/fascinators, mine kept falling off.

The grounds were lovely and it was fun to leave by a front door pretending we were important as we walked past the tourists...

I went when I was about 13. My grandfather got an MBE and we went with him. I remember the loos - awful, a bit like school.

Yes ,I have I went on a organised coach trip ,where we went around and viewed, think its operating soon for those who want to walk around the part they say and the grounds at the back .
You go through a security check,which involves removing things like money related items and thing such as your keys ,before you proceeded to do your tour ,armed with a guide book at a price ,and shop area in the grounds selling items related to the palace.
The group i was with the organiser, did it as deal on the coach trip ,after the walk around the palace we went to a hotel in the Strand and had a carvery roast dinner after and some free time before getting back on the coach home .
Mick

For Millie -- and that "afternoon tea" -- Google something like "afternoon tea near Buckingham Palace" and you'll get some helpful results.

You could also look up "afternoon tea at X" where X = Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nicholls, Fortnum&Mason, Liberty, Peter Jones (& probably a few more!). All come recommended. The search told me that Fortnums won the 'Time Out' award for 'Best tea' (they mean the experience, not the cuppa) in 2025. And Peter Jones (Sloane Square - not such a well known name to some?) apparently has fantastic views.

Masses of posh hotels also do the 'tea experience' of course. I didn't look up the prices as I didn't want to put a nearby wallet on life support!

Highgrove is a garden well worth visiting. It's only about three miles down the road from us and I've a friend who is a volunteer gardener one day a week. She was able to advise on times and days it's open to the public. It was absolutely stunning.

Jaberwok I agree with you, Highgrove really is wonderful. The extensive gardens are so enjoyable. The guides are very knowledgeable.
Each time I have visited we had coffee followed by lunch in the restaurant.
I've visited Buckingham Palace too.
My visit was the second year of being open to the public. We were able to take as much time as we wanted in each room and I felt we were treated with great respect by the people on duty.

Yes . Notlong after itopened to the public

We went to look around Highgrove gardens and also to a Christmas shopping event with afternoon tea.

DrWatson
Thank you for all your helpful suggestions.

I'm going to look at those and some nearby hotels also. Probably the cost will be a bit daunting but it's a special trip.

Jaberwok

Highgrove is a garden well worth visiting. It's only about three miles down the road from us and I've a friend who is a volunteer gardener one day a week. She was able to advise on times and days it's open to the public. It was absolutely stunning.

She volunteers? Can Charles not afford to pay enough gardeners?

Not a Royalist.

Did anybody see Cinderella in the Golden Coach?

Hope that scoundrel Andrew AWM does not try and sneak in for quick visit to see his Dad and borrow a few bob. Now that he his really down at heel.

My thoughts exactly, Witzend ! Outrageous.

WithNobsOnIt

Not a Royalist.

Did anybody see Cinderella in the Golden Coach?

Hope that scoundrel Andrew AWM does not try and sneak in for quick visit to see his Dad and borrow a few bob. Now that he his really down at heel.

I think you’ll find that Andrew MW’s dad is dead.

Ladyleftfieldlover

WithNobsOnIt

Not a Royalist.

Did anybody see Cinderella in the Golden Coach?

Hope that scoundrel Andrew AWM does not try and sneak in for quick visit to see his Dad and borrow a few bob. Now that he his really down at heel.

I think you’ll find that Andrew MW’s dad is dead.

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁