Has anyone ever gone to wave at the Royals on Christmas Day at Sandringham?

[ChallengingFigureANDUnrulyFlaps]

Hello all

Yes I know this is extremely uncool but I want to tick it off my bucket list. And yes, I know it's August.

I'd be coming from central Scotland. So swithering about whether to drive or take a train and where to stay.

Any tips please?

Thanks

I think it has become that recently with instagram but it used to be the things that you did after the terminal diagnosis (it is a relatively new term only about 25 years old and became famous with the film of the same name about 2 terminally ill men)

@LuckyPeonies me too!!

Please go with a thwacking great ‘Not my King’ placard. Republic will provide 😂

I’d never demean myself (nor be interested). I imagine them reminding the kids ‘don’t forget to wave at the peasants when we exit the church…’

Gosh! Lots of responses! Thanks very much!

My thought is to drive down and stay somewhere nearby. Then drive myself or walk as close as possible to the route the Royals walk. (Rather then trying to take public transport over Christmas)

Interested if anyone has done this and has an idea of what time to be there to bag a good spot etc.

And yes, clearly there are reasons why I am not spending Christmas with family and I am referring to a bucket list. Thank you to those of you who were sensitive re that.

"No because I have a life."

How insensitive can you get? It's a bucket list for fucks sake, sometimes it's better just to say nothing @Olympicfatigued

Not my bag but good for you, op. I think it’s mainly locals who go so you might have more luck on a FB group for the local area. Hope it works out!

I’ve always wondered about the people who do this!

If you do, come back to Mumsnet and do an AMA

Get your tin hat on OP

I think you should book somewhere to stay fairly soon and be prepared to be up early in the morning.

I would expect a good chance of finding somewhere in Cambridge, which is probably 90 minutes or so away. Or self catering in north Norfolk.

I think it's just because I've always liked history esp royal history. I bagged a great spot for the "Scottish Coronation" last year. I've visited all the major castles and palaces. It's a good way to see all the royals in one go and experience something I see on TV every year. I've done stints doing voluntary work on Christmas Day but I thought I'd just go for it this year.

I've also done all sorts of other things in an effort to complete bucket list eg been to Wimbledon, Vegas, met a few other celebs, thrown a coin in the Trevi Fountain, etc etc etc.

I'm sorry you're not well @ChallengingFigureANDUnrulyFlaps

I've stayed in a place near King's Lynn. But it's about 25 mins to Sandringham. Old Hunstanton might be a better bet for accommodation.

I recommend a visit to Sandringham anyway if you are a royalist or not. Its lovely in the summer and food from the estate is lovely. Personally I love Norfolk for a holiday. Definitely need a car but you could train/fly and hire one.

Make sure you bring with you a suitable cap to doff, and if you start growing out your forelock now it should be of a good tugging length by Christmas.

@ChallengingFigureANDUnrulyFlaps

Well if it floats your boat good for you, I hope you enjoy it!

Norfolk is a lovely place to spend Christmas. I do it every year. Never gone to Sandringham on Christmas Day though.

My friend does this almost every year.

she has said get there at 8.30 if you want to be in the front row.

if you want more details she has given me her email which I can dm to you.

I would love to do it, but will have to wait till the kids are no longer at home as we have things we do in the morning.

Thanks everyone, a quick search looks like a Premier Inn at Kings Lynn might be my best bet. Insanely cheap as well! And drive the 10 miles from there early in the morning.

@Pinkypup thanks, I can't seem to PM you - can you PM me?

If you are able to go for a stroll Sandringham estate is beautiful. Weather permitting!
I wonder when they close down the estate for the royals? Do they close it down? The house is lovely, and the church. If you had a long enough break you might be able to do the tourist sights.

I knew some people who would do this.

They tend to also go to the beach after the Midnight church service on Christmas Eve as well. If you’re coming that distance, you may as well do the whole experience.

I know someone who did this and sold her photo which paid for her next holiday! She lives somewhat locally outside of King’s Lynn.

There are some nice places to stay around - Woodlakes, Norfolk Woods, Nar Valley Cottages. Personally I wouldn’t want to do a hotel over that period.

Could you not.. wave at them at the Highland Games??

What else is on this bucket list of yours? I am intrigued.

Just stick Sandringham in air bnb. Comes up with a good number of bolthole nearby in Dersingham and Snettisham. Plenty of places I'd stay for Christmas.

I've always liked the idea of hiring a place for family for the Christmas week but I'd need a good Catholic church and so Norfolk not so good! 😀

If you come early enough, team it with a visit to Luminate at Sandringham to soak up the festive atmosphere. It’s magical

Sandringham House and Garden open from 23 March - 11 October

I kniw many people who have, I live about 20 minute drive away. You'll need a car, you can get to sandringham on public transport on Christmas day. Kings lynn and Hunstanton are the nearest towns.

Sandringham House and Garden open from 23 March - 11 October

That would need to be a very long break!