Yes! I'd add that the sales themselves are often during working hours, but there's viewings in the days/weeks leading up to the sales which are a SUPERB way to view some world-class art for free.

There's also a lot of surprisingly affordable work available (hundreds/low thousands for prints from famous artists). And you can always consign it back to the auction house and get the majority of your investment back (and then some, if you're lucky).

I've just left the auction trade, sadly never made it to a London saleroom to work but viewed some nice sale at Bonham's Bond street (Modern British and Irish art for me). I'd second your comments though that everyone should go down and view a few, they're a great day out.