Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to change currency for Scotland, I understand they have different notes?

No. The Scottish notes are different but you can use the English notes in Scotland and the Scottish notes in England ( and Wales)

Will I need to carry ID at all times?

Its a good idea to bring a photo copy of your passport. Here in the UK you don't have to carry ID but carrying a photo copy of your passport will get you discounts etc as proof of age.

I need to do laundry on this long busy trip, will it be available anywhere?

You will find a good laundry( not run by hotel) in Caernarfon. we have a few days here so its a good opportunity. York also has a similar set up. Talk to your PD

Will I get to try Fish and Chips?

Many of the pubs and restaurants have Fish and Chips on the Menu. On the optional day to Whitby you get to eat the freshest scrummy fish and chips all by the seaside.

Will I get a chance to visit Downton Abbey?

We don't visit Downton Abbey/ Highclere. However you might like to take the optional trip to Castle Howard which has been voted in the top ten Mansions in the World!

Will we see any sheep whist driving around the UK?

You will see so many you will see them in your sleep!!

I get travel sick, can I sit on the front row every day?

At GCT we operate a seat rotation system so you sit in a different row each day. This has been tried on all our world wide trips and proved to be the fairest. You may wish to speak to your doctor before travel for advice on motion sickness. Some old fashioned remedies are sitting on newspaper or a brown paper bag. eating ginger root. You might wish to try wrist sea bands or seasick pills.

Will there be plenty of bathroom stops?

Keeping everyone comfortable is an important part of travelling. We normally stop every 2 hours for a comfort break. Your PD will be an expert in the location of toilets! also be aware that our coaches also have restroom facilities... in the need of an emergency.

I want to go to the Ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London during my stay can I book tickets when I arrive?

No you must apply for the tickets by writing to the Tower here are the details

The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because, although the Monarch no longer resides at this royal palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do!
 

Requests for Tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys

Tickets are issued free of charge but, due to the popularity of the ceremony, it is necessary to follow the process below for applications.

Please apply in writing including the following with your letter:

  •   Names of all attendees

  •   Two possible dates you can attend. Check for availability opposite before sending your application to avoid disappointment. Dates may become fully booked due to the high demand for tickets before we receive your application.

  •   A self-addressed envelope together with the requisite British postage stamps, or a minimum of two 'Coupon-response international'. Please note that American or other non-British stamps are not valid in the UK. 

From 1 February 2014, applications received without an SAE will not be processed.

Please post applications to: Ceremony of the Keys Office Tower of London LONDON, EC3N 4AB Great Britain Tel: +44 (0)20 3166 6278. International Reply Coupons are readily available. 

Alternative options if you are unable to purchase IRC's:

You can pre-purchase postage across the world by selecting your postage country - Pre-purchase postage 

Please fill in your own address and print onto a label or envelope.


Please note: Each application is limited to a maximum of six persons between 1 April and 31 October inclusive. During the period 1 November to 31 March inclusive, each application will be limited to a maximum of fifteen persons. Applications from third parties (ie. Tour Organisers, Tour Guides, Hotels etc.) will not be processed. We regret that we cannot process applications made over the telephone, by e-mail or facsimile.

When attending the Ceremony of the Keys, please bring the original ticket issued by the Tower of London. Visitors will be admitted to the Tower under escort at 21:30 hrs (9:30pm) precisely.

Please note that late arrivals will not be admitted. The ceremony will conclude at 22:05 hrs (10.05pm) after which all visitors will be escorted to the exit. There are no toilet or refreshment facilities available. Photography is not permitted during any part of the ceremony.

- See more at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys#sthash.t62gNUWY.dpuf

 

I would like to visit Westminster Abbey, what are the opening times and where can I get tickets?

If you would like to visit Westminster Abbey, the best is to go on their website

https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us

 

This will give you details of entry prices, opening/closing times, guided tours and further descriptions of what you can explore inside the Abbey.