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Upload your photos. We may feature them.We've been asking top guidebook writers for their tips on alternatives to well known tourist attractions. Today's expert is Rob Humphreys, author of The Rough Guide to London.
The principal residence of the British monarchy, London's Buckingham Palace has terrible queues for visitors as it's only open to tours on selected days in the summer. It's expensive. Plus, it is architecturally undistinguished.Instead, go to Hampton Court Palace, by far the best of the royal palaces. It's got much more going for it: Top-notch Tudor & Georgian architecture (by Christopher Wren himself), much more history (think Henry VIII and his six wives), a vast art collection, beautiful gardens, and a maze. hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace.
Tip: Travel there as the royals used to by catching a boat from central London. About £15, or $25.
Note: Neither Rob Humphreys nor his publisher nor Budget Travel is criticizing anyone for visiting Buckingham Palace. Everyone agrees you can have fantastic experiences there. All we're trying to do here is recognize that—under some circumstances and for certain types of travelers—other attractions may have their own appeal and provide comparable experiences.
If you prefer to visit Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard is famous and quite a spectacle (with furry red hats and lots of pomp), but it is also always crowded. So be sure to come early to get a good viewing spot. The event starts at 11:30 in the morning typically, but check the schedule in advance. To visit the gallery and mews or for taking a guided tour, be sure to have cash on hand. Prices here.
A tip: In the shadow of Buckingham Palace is St. James Park, with free concerts and book readings in the summer (tube stop: St James's Park).
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No contest! Hampton Court is miles better than Buckingham Palace, which is about the 863rd most interesting site in London. You can't really see anything at the latter (except hordes of gawking tourists) since the Royal Family lives there, whereas at Hampton Court you have the run of the place, and you can have a jolly good time getting lost in the maze as well.
There are three other properties a few hours north of London in Derbyshire (the peaks district) that make for a nice overnight trip--you'll see some of the best architecture in GB in beautiful settings with 1/1000th of the crowds of London.
The first is Chatsworth, one of the grandest homes in England, filled with priceless works of art and with arguably the finest gardens in the country.
The second is Haddon Hall, the finest surviving example of medieval architecture in England. Like Chatsworth, its setting alone is worth the trip, and you get the run of the place.
The last is Harwick Hall, GB's finest Elizabethan estate, whose owner, the famous Bess of Hardwick, was so wealthy she bought the finest tapestries of the day and then went and hung artwork over them. Cheeky, she was.
http://www.chatsworth.org/
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-hardwickhall
http://www.haddonhall.co.uk/
Posted By TimmyTim on June 18, 2009, 3:54 PM
I'm all for advocating seeing beyond the usual tourist attractions. Personally I wouldn't bother visiting Buckingham Palace, I agree that Hampton Court is a much more interesting, less crowded attraction.
Posted By Karen Bryan on June 19, 2009, 7:25 AM
We visited Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard, and it was neat to watch, but it was VERY crowded and hard to see much, plus we could not actually tour the palace, of course. A couple days later, I took the train to Hampton Court (it's one of the last stops southwest out of Waterloo, way out in Zone 6 - about 45-50 minute train ride) and completely loved walking around the amazing house and beautiful gardens, and the cool hedge maze. I could totally see how this palace was created to rival Versailles; though, admittedly, Hampton Court is not as grandiose. You can walk through the palace and gardens at your own pace, without worrying about other people, which is very nice. The only thing I was surprised about was that there was surprisingly little furniture - many of the rooms seemed nearly empty, though there were still many paintings.
PS - If I may make a suggestion, if you like the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a very cool, close-up version takes place every night at the Tower of London when they have the Ceremony of the Keys. You do have to write to the Tower in advance to get tickets, but the tickets are FREE, and it is definitely something special to see, since not everyone gets to see it (visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceremony_of_the_Keys for a little more info and instructions on how to request tickets).
Posted By Anita on June 22, 2009, 4:36 PM
The changing of the guard at Windsor Castle, on alternate days at 11:00, weather permitting, is free and not as crowded.
Posted By kcwood on June 22, 2009, 5:23 PM
Several years ago we had the opportunity to take a tour of the inside of Buckingham Palace. Now that was an incredible experience! I don't know if they still do tours there but if they do I highly recommend taking it. The artwork alone is worth it!
Posted By Cande Lazenby Fudge on June 25, 2009, 11:51 AM
My favorite thing about Hampton Court is The Tudor kitchens. Learn about the palace's insatiable appetite for meat and beer, watch a cooking demonstration, or sink your own teeth into a dish fit for a king: http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/WhatsOn/tudorcookery.aspx
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