cost to visit hampton court palace

TheBetterVacation.com

Everything about tourist attractions

Hampton Court Palace – tickets for guided tours, timings, FAQs

Located on the banks of the Thames, Hampton Court was given to Henry VIII by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey.

Nurtured and expanded by Henry VIII as his favorite palace, the Hampton Court Palace is blessed with Tudor treasures and 60 acres of glorious gardens.

Standing next to a Baroque palace built by William III and Mary II, the palace hosts the annual Hampton Court Palace Festival and Hampton Court Garden Festival.

As a Grade I listed royal palace, Hampton Court is a treasure trove of British history.

This article covers everything you must know before buying tickets for the Hampton Court Palace.

Top Hampton Court Palace Tickets

# Hampton Court Palace # Secrets of Hampton Court Palace guided tour tickets

# Hampton Court Palace private guided tour tickets

Table of contents

What to expect at hampton court palace, where to buy hampton court palace tickets, how online ticket works, cost of hampton court palace tickets, hampton court palace and gardens entrance tickets, secrets of hampton court palace guided tour tickets, hampton court palace private guided tour tickets, kew gardens and palace + hampton court palace, how to reach hampton court palace, hampton court palace timings, how long does hampton court palace take, best time to visit hampton court palace, faqs about  hampton court palace.

Take a dip into the world of Henry VIII when visiting the King’s apartments.

See the gorgeous fountains and beautiful seasonal displays of hundreds of thousands of flowering bulbs.

Witness the exuberant Baroque Hampton Court Palace, which beautifully exemplifies the highly ornate style of the Baroque period.

Feel a chill run through your spine while trudging through the Palace’s Haunted Gallery.

Visit the largest kitchens of Tudor England, at the Hampton Court Palace.

Marvel at the magnificence of the Great Hall at the heart of the Tudor palace at Hampton Court.

Back to Top

The tickets for Hampton Court Palace are available at the attraction or online in advance.

However, we recommend booking your tickets in advance to save the hassle of lining up at a counter and wasting time.

Additionally, booking tickets online can help you avail discounts and offers.  

Booking online also helps avoid last-minute disappointment and delays.

Go to the Hampton Court Palace booking page, select the number of tickets, your preferred date, and buy the tickets right away.

After the purchase, you will receive the tickets in your email. 

You do not necessarily need to take any printouts.

You can show the ticket on your smartphone and walk in on the day of your visit.

Bring your official photo ID.

The tickets for Hampton Court Palace are priced at £26 for all adults aged between 16 to 64 years. The tickets for children aged between 5 to 15 years are priced at £13.

The tickets for infants aged 4 or younger are free.

The tickets for all senior citizens aged 65 or older are priced at £21.

A ticket to the Hampton Court Palace gives you an opportunity to visit not one but two palaces.

This includes the magnificent Tudor palace of Henry VIII, standing next to the Baroque palace of William III and Mary II.

Explore 60 acres of beautiful palace gardens running down to the River Thames, which hosts the Hampton Court Flower Show.

Get to see the infamous Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments at Hampton Court Palace while walking through Henry VIII’s route from his private apartments to the Chapel.

Be amazed by the size and grandeur of the Great Hall, designed to proclaim Henry VIII’s power and splendor.

Saunter through the grand kitchens at the palace, which served over 800 meals a day during Henry VIII’s reign.

Visit the stunning Tudor Courtyard of Henry VIII’s majestic Palace, which hosts the Hampton Court Palace Festival over 2 weeks in June.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (16 to 64 years): £26 Child Ticket (5 to 15 years): £13 Infant Ticket (up to 4 years): Free Senior Ticket (65+ years): £21

Led by a historian guide from ‘Secrets of Henry VIII’s Palace,’ explore Hampton Court on a tailored tour of the palace.

Customize this tour according to your interests and get a premium, informed and amusing tour.

Trace King Henry’s decline from an athletic prince to a bloated tyrant.

Be fascinated by the eerie tales of ghosts, executions, and history.

Go to the Haunted Gallery and see the original paintings from the Royal Collection.

Learn about how a Dutch King ended up ruling Britain in 1688. Ticket Cost: £82 (at least 2 participants)

*Ticket cost changes with change in participants.

Have a local private guide take you on a guided tour of the Hampton Court Palace.

See the regal works of art in the palace’s baroque wing and marvel at the magnificent Great Hall.

Witness the architectural beauty of the hammer-beam roof, carved eavesdroppers, and the paradise ceiling of the Chapel. 

Begin at Henry VIII’s kitchens and end the tour with a stroll in the palace gardens visiting the old vine in the world. Ticket Cost: £100 (at least 2 participants)

Within 8 miles of the Hampton Court Palace is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world, Kew Gardens. 

See the conservatories with rare jungle plants and wander the overarching treetop walkway.

With art galleries and restaurants, there is always something to do at the magnificent 121-hectare gardens.

Visit the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world, Temperate House, which is home to 1,500 plant species.

Get a 10% discount on booking this combo ticket online.  Ticket Cost: £38

Save time & money! Buy London Pass and visit over 80+ attractions like ZSL London Zoo and London Bridge. Pick from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10-day passes and buckle up for a 1-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour. 

Hampton Court Palace is located at Hampton Ct Way, Molesey.

Address:   Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom. Get Directions

Hampton Court Palace is adjacent to the Hampton Court Palace (Stop F) , which can be reached by bus number 411.

The Hampton Court Train Station is within a mile of Hampton Court Palace, and it takes about 5 minutes to walk to the palace.

If you’re driving by car, turn on Google Maps and get started!

The palace is on the A308; you can park at the parking lot right outside the ticket office.

Entry to Hampton Court Palace is allowed between 10 am to 4.30 pm.

The Hampton Court Palace closes at 5.30 pm on all days.

The Magic Garden opens late at 11 am on certain dates throughout the year.

To have the best experience at the Hampton Court Palace, spending at least three hours at the palace is recommended.

Begin your tour from Henry VIII’s Apartments, which may take around 40 minutes.

The Chapel Royal and Tudor Kitchen, together, also need the same time. 

William III’s Apartments and Georgian story and the Queen’s apartments in the Baroque Palace on the first floor would take more than an hour to explore mindfully. 

The best time to visit Hampton Court Palace is in the morning during weekdays.

If you prefer a less crowded experience, winter to early spring can be the best time for you.

However, to ensure you experience the Magic Gardens, the end of November and early December might be the time for you, apart from the slightly chilly weather.

If you are okay with a more crowded experience, you can visit between March and October and see the gardens in all their glory.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Hampton Court Palace. 

Limited parking is available at the palace and costs under £2 per hour.

All toilets at the palace have disabled access.

Picnics are allowed in the Palace Gardens.

Bags or luggage can be stored in the on-site lockers.

Touching any painting or object is strictly prohibited.

Hampton Court is a 30-minute train ride from Waterloo. 

The Magic Garden entry is included in the admission ticket.

You can exit the site and come back in by showing your ticket to the Palace Hosts at either West Gate or at the entrance to The Rose Garden.

Wheelchairs and electric buggies are available.

You can stay however long you wish, depending on your entry time.

You are welcome to take photographs without flash apart from a few select places.

Source # Hrp.org.uk # Londontravelplanning.com # Thrillophilia.com The travel specialists  at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

Popular attractions in London

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in London

This article was researched & written by

Hanan Irfan

Hanan Irfan is fascinated by exhilarating treks, alpine lakes, landscape photography, and football. He loves trying different cuisines and meeting people from around the world. He's a sucker for solitude and sunsets, capturing memories on the run. His favorite cities: Tromsø, Reykjavik, and Seychelles

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

FireStorm Internet runs this website to provide the most accurate and up-to-day information about tourist attractions.

Our Address

FireStorm Internet, 203, 30C, Bollineni Hillside, Perumbakkam Main Road, Nookampalayam, Chennai, India. Pin Code: 600126

About Us The Team Contact Us Affiliate Disclaimer Content Policy HTML Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Helicopter Tours Food Tours Ghost Tours Stadium Tours Hop On Hop Off Tours Zoo Tickets Madame Tussauds Linq High Roller Summit One Vanderbilt

© 2024 FireStorm Internet

A Visitor's Guide to Hampton Court Palace in London

spgd / Getty Images 

Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1520s when King Henry VIII took over its development from Cardinal Wolsey, and its many royal occupants over the years have granted the palace its stunning furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.

Hampton Court Palace also contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection , which is the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This collection is on full display and contains material from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries.

In 1689, Sir Christopher Wren demolished large parts of the Tudor palace and began building a new palace for King William III and Queen Mary II, but by 1760, George III became king and abandoned Hampton Court as a royal residence.

In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens and state apartments to the public free of charge. It is no longer free (see ticket information) but is well worth a visit. The Hampton Court Palace estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens, requiring 200,000 flowering bulbs each year and another 40,000 plants grown in the nursery.

Hours of Operation, Photography Rules, and Audio Guides

Hampton Court Palace and the Formal Gardens are closed December 24, 25, and 26 each year while the Informal Gardens are closed December 25. Home Park is open year-round, however, the hours of operation are subject to change depending on the season, so always be sure to check the official website for more detailed information. 

General photography, without flash, for personal, non-commercial use is allowed within the palace and gardens, with the exception of the Chapel Royal and Royal Pew.

Audio guides are included in the ticket price and can be collected from the Information Center in the far left corner of Base Court. Languages offered for this service include English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Korean.

Directions: Getting to Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is next to the River Thames to the south west of London , and while there are WPSA riverboats to the palace from Westminster in the summer months—a journey that takes four hours—there are also a variety of other means of public and private transport that can get you there. Use  Journey Planner  or the Citymapper app to plan your route by public transport.

• Address:  Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9A
• Nearest tube stations: Richmond (R68 bus) or Hounslow East (111 bus)

Public Transit From London and Its Airports

South West Trains run services direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and the journey takes only 35 minutes, resulting in a 200 meter walk across the bridge from the station to the palace. The train service passes through Wimbledon station, where the London Underground District Line begins, and Hampton Court is in Travel Zone 6.

If you do travel by South West trains they have an offer for a combined travel and Palace ticket. That also means you've got your entry ticket in your hand so won't need to go to the Ticket Office when you arrive. Be sure to check out local bus routes for the following lines, which all run past Hampton Court Palace: 111, 216, 411, 451, 461, R68, and 513.

From Heathrow Airport take the 111 bus, from Gatwick Airport take a train from the airport station to Clapham Junction and change to the Hampton Court train, and from London City Airport, take the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, then catch the Hampton Court train from there.

Ticket Information, Accommodations, and Luggage Storage

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance from the Palace ticket office—located just inside the main gates on the left-hand side of the drive—or in advance from any staffed South West Trains station.

To save money on trips to Hampton Court Palace, you can buy a London Pass , which gives you unlimited admission to loads of top London attractions including Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London , or you can book online in advance on the official website and oftentimes score discounts on tickets.

If you're traveling with luggage or a backpack, Hampton Court Palace has some lockers, located off Clock Court, where hand baggage and small rucksacks or overnight bags can be left (locker size: 45cms wide x 45cms deep). A £1 coin is required to use them, which is returned after use. Large bags or suitcases may be left at your own risk in the Warders Office by the West Gate. Please speak to the Warders when you present your ticket if you would like to use this facility.

There are two self-catering apartments at the palace available to visitors for hire. Fish Court sleeps up to 6 people and the Georgian House sleeps up to 8 people. For bookings and information contact ​ The Landmark Trust .​

Hampton Court Palace Highlights

With over 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer all visitors, from the Tudor Kitchens to the famous Andrea Mantegna painting set "The Triumphs of Ceasar," you won't want to miss these highlights on your tour of the grounds.

From 1529, the Tudor Kitchens comprised 55 rooms, covered 3,000 sq ft, were staffed by 200 people providing 600 meals twice a day for the Royal court. What's more, King Henry VIII's court would have drunk an incredible 600 gallons of ale every year. Explore this section of the palace then venture into the Great Hall, England's last and greatest medieval hall which once served as King Henry VIII's dining hall for his staff and is still decorated with the tapestries hung to impress visiting ambassadors.

We always think of King Henry VIII as a large man with many wives but he was an attractive young man and was married to his first wife, the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, for 20 years and they were very much in love. They had 6 children die leaving him with no male heir and Henry saw this as God punishing him for marrying his brother's wife. Hence the story we know: the new Church of England was formed so he could divorce and his further five marriages in his quest to produce a male heir.

You'll also want to check out William III's and the Georgian Private Apartments, both of which were the results of different monarchs living in the palace. Mary II and her husband William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild a third of Hampton Court, which includes the "necessary office" (the king's toilet).

The Georgian Private apartments now host the Cartoon Gallery, which was designed to display the large Raphael cartoons, but instead features 17th-century copies as Queen Victoria gave the originals to the  Victoria and Albert Museum .

The Chapel Royal has been in continuous use for over 450 years, and it's constantly changed depending on who occupied the palace. When Cromwell lived at the palace he removed the ornate stained glass, and Queen Anne later put a wooden altar in front of the removed windows.

The Hampton Court Palace Gardens offer 60 acres of gardens that run down to the River Thames, with another 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Look out for the Privy Garden—King William III's garden restored to its 1702 glory, and the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768 by the celebrated gardener "Capability" Brown and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes that are sold in the palace shops in early September.

The Maze, the most visited attraction in the gardens, takes an average 20 minutes to reach the center. Also, look out for the Royal Tennis Courts , the oldest tennis court in England, which is still used daily.

Fun for All Ages: Family Activities

The Hampton Court Palace is a family-friendly attraction that entertains thousands of tourists each year and features activities focused on kids of all ages. For families with small children, or who are carrying buggies already, pushchairs or buggies may be taken around the palace and may also be left at the left luggage facility off Clock Court, which features a Buggy Park. Speak to a warder if you wish to use the lifts that are available for anyone unable to manage the stairs.

There is a Family Room off Base Court for the little ones to play freely within the confines of the palace. There is a similar children's play area in the Tiltyard Café, which is not available during school holidays, and there are also a variety of Family Trails available from the Information Centre for young children to do as they go around the palace.

However, not all the Family Trails are little ones. There are also some of older children that will enhance their knowledge of the Tudor period, and four family audio tours are available to guide children over 6 through the palace. During school holidays, the palace also offers costume guided events and craft activities that are aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Dressing up clothes are available in the Information Center, where you collect your free audio guide. There are costumes for the whole family and it can make it easier to spot each other when the Palace is busy if all of your party dresses up. However, guests cannot come in costume as there are costumed actors in the Palace every day and the staff doesn't want others to confuse you with them.

The Maze is also recommended for all ages, and admission to the Maze is included in your palace ticket. Don't forget the gardens are beautiful and a great place to have a family picnic—you can bring your own meal or buy sandwiches and snacks from the Tiltyard Cafe!

Hampton Court Palace Disabled Access Information

Hampton Court Palace is very large so be aware visitors wishing to see all of the palace interiors and the gardens will travel over two miles. Since Hampton Court Palace is a historic building with uneven surfaces, it may be difficult to traverse. However, many of the staircases are wide and shallow because of William III, who was asthmatic, built them so they would be easier for him to climb!

Most of the routes within the palace are accessible to visitors unable to climb stairs as there is an elevator to take visitors to the State Apartments on the first floor. Speak to any warder for assistance. Manual wheelchairs are available for use within the palace and single-person scooters are available for use in the gardens only, but neither can be booked in advance.

Visitors with disabilities are admitted at the standard rate but an accompanying carer, personal assistant, or a companion is given a free entry—please notify the admissions staff when purchasing your tickets if your accompanying person is a service person. Guide dogs are also welcome. 

There are accessible toilet facilities in Base Court, Fountain Court, on the first floor, in the Wilderness Garden, and the Tiltyard Cafe. Nine disabled car parking spaces are available on site on a first come, first served basis. Two of the four shops are accessible to wheelchair users: the Barrack Block Shop and the Garden Shop.

Those unable to get to the Young Henry VIII exhibition in the Wolsey Rooms can see a virtual tour—be sure to check out the full access details on the exhibit's official website.

Buckingham Palace Annual Summer Opening

48 Hours in Stratford upon Avon - A Pictorial Guide

Buckingham Palace: The Complete Guide

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

15 Terrific Day Trips From London

Westminster Abbey

Princess Diana's Childhood Home in Althorp

What to Do and See During One Week in London

Nymphenburg Palace: The Complete Guide

Anne Boleyn's Hever Castle: The Complete Guide

How to Enjoy a Quick Layover in London on a Budget

Chateau de Vincennes: The Complete Guide

Sightseeing on the Number 11 London Bus

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show: What You Need to Know

20 Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

10 Best Castles to Visit in England

Visiting Hampton Court Palace: 12 Top Attractions

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Historic Hampton Court Palace, on the north bank of the River Thames, is one of England's top tourist attractions, and should rank high on your UK travel itinerary. Located just a short rail ride to the southwest of Central London, this famous English landmark has been at the center of British history since the 16th century.

Hampton Court Palace was built in 1514 as a private residence for Cardinal Wolsey , an advisor to King Henry VIII and a Catholic bishop. Wolsey later gifted the palace to the king as a means to secure his rank in English society and in Henry's court.

Five of Henry's six wives lived here as his Queen, and the ghosts of the third and fifth – Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard – are said to still haunt the palace. It was also a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth I, whose lengthy reign from 1558 to 1603 saw England firmly cement its position on the world stage.

It was also here that Elizabeth was staying when news broke of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Charles I also lived here, both as King and as Oliver Cromwell's prisoner. The palace was opened to the public during Queen Victoria 's reign, and although no longer a royal residence, parts of it are occupied by individuals granted "grace and favor" apartments by the monarch.

Hampton Court Palace is a wonderful place to spend a day of exploration and offers numerous things to do. Highlights of popular tourist activities include participating in staged royal feasts, or taking in a medieval festival or flower show. Also fun are fishing adventures, unique overnight stays, and bicycle tours.

To learn more about these and other things to do when visiting this important piece of English history, check out our list of the top attractions, tips, and tours when visiting Hampton Court Palace.

See also: Where to Stay near Hampton Court Palace

1. Henry VIII's Apartments and the Great Hall

2. william iii's state & private apartments, 3. the chapel royal, 4. the tudor kitchens and cellars, 5. the clock court, 6. the royal gardens, 7. hampton court maze, 8. the king's guard chamber, 9. cumberland art gallery, 10. staying overnight at hampton court, 11. hampton court palace festival and flower show, 12. tennis, fishing, and golf, where to stay near hampton court palace, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to hampton court palace.

The State Apartments are a highlight of any visit to Hampton Court. A good place to begin your visit is in the Buttery, with its excellent film depicting the lives (and deaths) of Henry VIII's wives.

Highlights of the surviving sections of Henry's quarters consist of the magnificently decorated Great Hall and the Great Watching Chamber. Also worth seeing here are the King's Council Chamber and the Processional Route linking the rooms.

The Great Hall in particular is a worthy place to linger. Not only is it England's greatest medieval hall, it became one of the country's most famous theaters, even hosting Shakespeare 's company in 1603.

The apartments of King William III were designed by Christopher Wren. They were decorated throughout with beautiful and delicate wood carvings created by the 17th-century master craftsman Grinling Gibbons. In the State Apartments, the opulent Great Bedchamber wasn't where the king actually slept, but was where he dressed in the presence of his courtiers.

Downstairs in Williams III's Private Apartments, rooms are more livable and display his personal collections of favorite art. The apartments of Mary II have been restored as they would have appeared to George II's wife, Queen Caroline, between 1716 and 1737.

In continuous use for more than 450 years, Hampton Court's royal chapel has a breathtaking timber and plaster ceiling that is said to be perhaps the finest example of Tudor interior decoration in the palace. Also here are the historic Royal Pews, where Henry VIII sat as he read the accusations of his young wife Catherine Howard's supposed indiscretions before their marriage.

A replica of King Henry's Crown of State , the original of which was melted down by Cromwell, sits in the Royal Pew. Visitors can also attend Sunday services here. These include Holy Communion at 8:30am, Choral Matins at 11am, and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm.

The vast medieval kitchens and cellars at Hampton Court provide a fascinating insight into the logistics of having to feed the palace's 600 members of the court, who dined here twice daily. Built in 1530, the kitchens were a central part of palace life and employed numerous Master Cooks and their staff.

You can also visit the recently discovered 18th-century Chocolate Kitchen with its original braziers and equipment. Dining events are also regularly held here, allowing guests a unique opportunity to try the traditional period dishes prepared in the kitchens.

The famous Clock Court, located in the center of Hampton Court, is home to the spectacular astronomical clock . This mechanical marvel was made for Henry VIII in 1540.

The clock is connected to a set of three bells situated in the Belfry, the oldest dating to 1478 and presented to Cardinal Wolsey by the Knights of St. John. Made by French clockmaker Nicholas Oursian, this fascinating timepiece is certainly impressive in size. Measuring 15 feet across, it consists of three copper dials indicating the hour, month, and day, along with the signs of the zodiac, and even the position of the sun.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the palace's 60-acre grounds . Consisting of the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and the Wilderness, it's a particularly pleasant place to visit in springtime. Around mid-May, the more than one million bulbs here are in full bloom and provide a stunning backdrop to a visit to the palace.

Also of interest is the Great Vine, the largest grape vine in the world at more than 200 years old. It's 81 inches thick and still produces fruit. Other things to do include visiting the Lower Orangery, which contains Mantegna's masterpiece, The Triumph of Caesar , and having the kids try out the world's oldest maze.

Entering Hampton Court's huge maze will probably be the one time you won't mind getting lost in England.

Planted around 1689 and covering a third of an acre, this trapezoid maze contains half a mile of paths separated by thick hedges too tall to see over, and is the oldest such maze in the world.

The King's Guard Chamber offers a fascinating look at the arms and armor of Henry VIII's time.

The collection includes more than 2,840 muskets and pistols, swords and daggers, as well as pieces of armor all arranged in decorative patterns on the room's walls.

The newest addition to the attractions at Hampton Court is the Cumberland Art Gallery. The gallery displays some of the finest works from the Royal Collection.

Here, you'll see one of Rembrandt's self-portraits; a Grand Canal scene by Canaletto; and paintings by Holbein, van Dyck and Gainsborough. Entrance is included in Hampton Court Palace admission.

Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a palace? Well, wonder no longer! Now you can enjoy a sleepover in the imposing 18th-century Georgian House, an elegant building at Hampton Court Palace that was built as the kitchens for George, Prince of Wales. On the alley leading to Henry VIII's tennis court, the Georgian House has been renovated as a self-catering home that sleeps eight and has its own private walled garden.

Not only will you have the unique opportunity to wander the grounds after the gates have shut for the day, but you can make yourself at home to explore the gardens, courtyards, and public rooms of the palace during opening hours as often as you like.

You'll get to know the palace staff and become part of palace life yourself. For details and reservations, visit the Landmark Trust website. And be prepared to plan ahead, as these hot luxury accommodations book well-ahead.

Two major events take place inside the grounds of Hampton Court each year. For two weeks in June, the Hampton Court Palace Festival draws some of the biggest names in pop and classical music for concerts in the stunning setting of the palace. It's one of the country's most popular outdoor music events. For tickets and details, visit the Hampton Court Palace Festival website.

For a week in July, the already beautiful grounds are turned into a wonderland of colorful blooms with the week-long Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is the world's biggest annual flower show, filled with specially designed gardens, spectacular flower displays, and shopping for everything garden or flower-related. For dates and tickets, visit the Royal Horticultural Society website.

Sports enthusiasts won't be disappointed by a trip to Hampton Court. The palace's long association with tennis began in 1528 after Henry VIII built the country's first tennis court. Although the palace's tennis club is private, introductory lessons are available.

Golfers may find themselves sharing the greens with members of Hampton Court's large herd of deer, but they'll have the pleasure of playing on the only course in the country set in a Royal Park. Hampton Court Palace Golf Club is a 6,514-yard, par-71 course. Fishing is also popular on the grounds, in the waters of Hampton Court and Bushy Park, and annual permits are available from the ticket office.

We recommend these convenient hotels near Hampton Court Palace:

• The Mitre Hotel : 4-star B&B, beautiful riverside terrace, elegant decor, large rooms.
• The Lion Gate Mews : mid-range pricing, steps from the palace and park, lovely apartments, fully equipped kitchens.
• Tours and Tickets: As it's one of England's most popular sightseeing destinations, you can expect lines, especially during holiday periods. You can bypass these with priority admission, with a Skip the Line: Hampton Court Palace Entrance Ticket . This one-day pass allows you to arrive even at the busiest times and walk straight inside to explore on your own or join one of the free tours by authentically costumed guides. On a three-hour Hampton Court Bike Tour , you can explore the palace grounds and adjoining Bushy Park with a lively and well-informed guide. On the leisurely eight-mile ride, you'll see and learn about President Eisenhower's WWII base; King Henry VIII's former hunting grounds; and the Long Water canal, modeled after Versailles gardens, with fine palace views.
• For Kids: Actors playing the roles of King Henry VIII and his courtiers bring to life historic events that took place here (pick up a schedule as you enter), and a Family Trails tour leads you on a self-guided palace walk designed for children. Tickets for admission to the Magic Garden (a fun park for kids) and the Maze can be purchased separately without full palace admission.
• For Your Comfort: Prepare for a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the magnificent gardens. A luggage facility off Clock Court contains lockers.
• Getting To Hampton Court Palace: Buses run regularly from Kingston, and trains run every half hour from London's Waterloo station. A riverboat service operates from Westminster, Richmond-upon-Thames, and Kingston-upon-Thames in the summer.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey

Official site: www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

More on England

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

9 Reasons Not To Miss Elegant Hampton Court Palace In London

Mistervlad / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• History and Culture
• United Kingdom

Hampton Court Palace in London is grand, historic, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can freely wander, exploring life in a royal palace from the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian times.

Managed by Historic Royal Palaces , Hampton Court Palace can tell as many stories as you have time for.

My first visit was a family trip long ago, when our young daughter was studying the Tudors at school.

I had no idea it would be so wonderful. It was the first time I had visited a palace, and I was hooked. I joined Historic Royal Palaces, and I still visit whenever I can.

Here are a few reasons I love Hampton Court Palace.

Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock

1. It’s The Real Thing

Hampton Court Palace is an actual place where momentous things have happened. Many of them have to do with King Henry VIII, the best-known of the Tudors. For example, the Chapel Royal, which is open to visitors most days, played an important role in Henry’s life.

The pope wouldn’t permit an annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. After much argument, Henry decreed that England would no longer be a Catholic country. Generations of religious turmoil followed.

Hampton Court Palace was one of Henry’s many homes during these years. Imagine the many heated discussions he must have had right here.

Years later, Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, was sentenced to death for adultery. She pleaded unsuccessfully for mercy outside the Chapel Royal while the king prayed within. Catherine was executed by beheading.

In addition to all the real-life events that have happened here, plenty of movies have been filmed at Hampton Court Palace.

Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

2. You’ll Learn More About The King Who Had Six Wives

Henry VIII did indeed have six wives over many years.

“Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived,” is how children remember his wives.

Some people portray Henry as a jovial fellow, fond of the ladies. Others see him as a ruthless tyrant, obsessed with power and possessed of an overriding desire to preserve the Tudor family dynasty. You’ll be better able to judge after a visit to Hampton Court.

But Hampton Court isn’t only about the Tudors. The Stuarts and the Georgians are also part of the story, up to King George II.

zefart / Shutterstock

3. You’ll See How The Palace Was Altered Over The Years

The palace is a giant building with formal rooms, modest apartments, grand halls, long corridors, and staircases ranging from servants’ speedways to venues for magnificent works of art. There are three major courtyards and several smaller ones. Surrounding the palace are some outbuildings, acres of gardens, and the River Thames.

The two main parts of the building are the Tudor palace of Henry VIII and the baroque palace of the joint rulers King William III and Queen Mary II, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

From the ticket building, walk to the moat and through the impressive west gate into Base Court. This is the Tudor palace of the 1500s, all red brick and diamond shapes. The many ornate chimneys remind me of fisherman knit sweaters.

Later, you’ll see Clock Court and Fountain Court. The building style changes; white Portland stone enhances the brick. This is the baroque palace, which altered and partly replaced the Tudor palace.

Benjamin B / Shutterstock

4. It Fed Hundreds Without Electricity

Hampton Court Palace was like a hotel with a thousand rooms. When the reigning monarch was there, so were all the lords, ladies, ambassadors, visiting dignitaries, and others, as well as the many servants and staff needed to keep things going.

The energy and reality of their work shows up brilliantly in the Tudor kitchens , a highlight of any visit. In this great hall, with its high ceiling and massive fireplace, you can see how the Tudor cooks created elaborate banquets for hundreds of people. Some days, the fire will be burning, and if you are really lucky, you might see and smell meat roasting on the spit.

The Historic Royal Palaces organization has carefully researched and recreated Tudor recipes and cooking methods. On a visit, you’ll get to see some of the cooking utensils and ingredients used in the 1500s.

I like to start any visit by following the Kitchen Tour on the free audio guide.

marekusz / Shutterstock

5. You’ll Hear Stories From Costumed Docents

The costumed interpreters at Hampton Court are extremely good. They stay in character and wear highly detailed outfits. They’re approachable and will answer questions about their life and times. I’ve had the opportunity to meet King Henry VIII himself more than once.

Often, there are interactive mini-performances at different times of the day, in different parts of the palace, based on things that happened here. These always get me into the spirit of the place.

Jim Barton / Geograph.org ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

6. There’s Plenty For Children

Hampton Court Palace is used to having children visit, both with school groups and in families. There’s a big playground called the Magic Garden, a famous maze to get lost in, and plenty of space outdoors for those with a lot of energy.

The palace also offers self-guided interpretive adventures called Family Trails. Sometimes there are royal robes available at the audio-guide station for visitors large and small to try on.

Although there are some precious do-not-touch items here, for the most part, it’s easy to move through the palace without having to worry about breaking something irreplaceable.

Historic Royal Palaces does a good job of making their shops an extension of the site, offering, among other things, speciality items and well-chosen, relevant books and gifts. The Henry Shop is the most child friendly.

For food, I find the Tiltyard Cafe the most comfortable spot for people of all ages.

Vito DeFilippo / Shutterstock

7. It’s Simply Magnificent

Hampton Court Palace stopped serving as a royal residence in the 1700s, during the Georgian period. It still exudes luxury and wealth, however, even though the royal family is long gone.

My favorite Hampton Court treasures are the wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons . Created in the late 1600s and early 1700s, Gibbons’s work features lifelike, delicate garlands of fruit, flowers, and cherubs framing some of the doors and works of art in the baroque palace.

Another unique prize, the massive Abraham tapestries hanging in the Great Hall, were commissioned by King Henry VIII and woven in Brussels with threads of gold and silver.

The Tudor ceiling of the Chapel Royal has been repaired and restored over the years. It now looks much as it did in its heyday, a dazzling sky of golden stars. The organ here was commissioned by Queen Anne in the early 1700s and is still played.

The lovely ladies in the paintings along the Communication Gallery are the Windsor Beauties, and in the William III State Rooms, there’s another set, the Hampton Court Beauties.

For more fine art from the Royal Collection, visit the Cumberland Art Gallery .

The massive astronomical clock in Clock Court tells the time, the day, the month, the phases of the moon, the tides, and the sign of the zodiac. It’s simply magnificent. On this clock, the sun revolves around the Earth. That’s what people believed in 1540, when the clock was created.

Charles Bowman / Shutterstock

8. It’s Full Of Fascinating Remnants Of The Past

Many people have left their mark on Hampton Court Palace — literally. You can spot the formally carved initials of different kings and queens above the gates, on the ceilings, and on a wall outside.

The heraldic King’s Beasts lining the moat bridge are copies of a set originally sculpted for King Henry VIII. They represent the Tudor and Seymour ancestral families.

Bored servants, soldiers, guests — no one really knows — scratched graffiti on some of the stone window ledges and door frames. It’s interesting to wonder who traced their hand here or their initials there. So much of the palace is about royalty and famous people that it’s nice to see a common touch as well.

PlusONE / Shutterstock

9. The Restored Gardens Are Spectacular

Hampton Court’s gardens are worth a visit on their own, especially in the summer when the flowers are in bloom and the massive rose garden smells heavenly.

The Privy Garden of King William III is the authentic garden William would have had 300 years ago, had he lived. I admire all the research, archaeology, horticulture, and hard work that brought this lost garden back to life so vividly in the 1990s.

What To Know Before You Go

Hampton Court Palace is a flat site. The buildings have stairs. Elevators may be available upon request. Please check the website for the most current accessibility information .

There’s a train from Waterloo Station to Hampton Court Station. From elsewhere in London, you’ll need to use the Transport for London Journey Planner. There’s no Tube station at Hampton Court, but there are buses and a parking lot.

You’ll need at least a half day to tour Hampton Court Palace, but you could easily spend a full day there. Spend the evening or even stay the night in one of the nearby riverside towns. I love Richmond upon Thames, about 30 minutes by bus from the palace. It’s on the Tube’s District Line.

For more to see and do in London, see this page .

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Cost of visit to Hampton Court gardens goes from free to as much as £29

Dismayed locals and Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson are calling on palace to reconsider large fees

For those living in south London, a stroll next to the colourful flowerbeds in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace was until recently a free weekend activity all could enjoy.

But 18 months ago, locals were horrified to find the gates shut, as they were told they would have to pay up to £29 to visit the gardens in future.

The local MP, the Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson, has written to the palace to ask it to reconsider the large fees.

It now costs £26.30 for an adult to visit during the week and £29 at the weekends. For children it costs £13.10.

The palace, owned by the royal family, has blamed financial difficulties after the Covid pandemic for its locking of the gates for the first time in 185 years.

Although the gardens are privately owned by the royals, they have been treated as a public park since Queen Victoria opened them for her subjects in 1838 – but now the gardens are shut to those who cannot afford the fee.

The local campaigner Robert Palmer, 79, said he was shocked when the gardens he had strolled through for years were shuttered for non-paying customers. He said he used to particularly enjoy going to see the daffodils in spring.

“We were horrified, really, to find out what had happened without any consultation or anything,” he said. “I used to go at least once a week, and a lot of people did, it spreads through all the generations, all those gates are now closed. A lot of older people, people with disabilities, they could go in there and it was a safe environment. It had tarmacked paths so it was safe for people in wheelchairs, you didn’t have anyone coming up to you or anything like that.”

Palmer wrote to the queen last year asking for her help. “We did get a reply from her office but they just forwarded us on to Hampton Court.”

The campaigners are considering writing to King Charles after his coronation. “The present king probably has other matters on his mind at the moment but maybe he is closer to that sort of thing, he might be more amenable, we may write to him when he gets himself settled. Technically he could open the gate and let people in.”

For now, they are hoping an online petition will gain enough momentum for the palace to listen.

Wilson said: “The decision to introduce charges to enter the palace’s stunning grounds has brought nearly 185 years of free public access to this much-valued green space to an end and undone a commitment to the public made by Queen Victoria.

“For local residents, these gardens were a jewel among the many fantastic parks and open spaces in our area of London and, particularly for those with reduced mobility, the fact that much of the gardens is paved meant easier access to enjoy nature.

“Local Liberal Democrats urge Historic Royal Palaces to reverse this decision, or at the very least commit to removing charges again as soon as financially viable.”

A spokesperson for the palace said: “Our finances were badly hit by the pandemic. We reduced our staffing budgets by 40% and halved our operating budgets. This meant we were no longer able to do all the things we had previously done and difficult decisions had to be made, including limiting free access to a small proportion of our gardens.

“As we build back after the pandemic, our focus is on prioritising increasing free or heavily subsidised access for disadvantaged groups and school children. Later this year we will be introducing a free or very low (£1) ticket at all palaces and gardens for people who are on universal credit, pension credit or similar. We are also growing our community access scheme and subsidised school places. We will keep the current arrangements under ongoing review.”

A princely sum: how Hampton Court Palace prices compare with other parks

Kew Gardens, London: £22 for a full-priced adult ticket

RHS Wisley, Surrey: £18.10

Sissinghurst Castle, Kent: £16

Tintinhull Garden, Somerset: £7

Temple Newsam, West Yorkshire: £4.50

• Access to green space
• Hampton Court Palace
• Parks and green spaces
• Liberal Democrats

Most viewed

• Skip to content [Accesskey '1']
• Skip to navigation [Accesskey '2']
• Become a member

• At the show
• Visiting us
• Buy tickets
• Top things to do
• Exhibitor directory
• Food & Drink
• Talks & music
• Plan your visit
• Getting here
• Accessibility
• About the show

RHS Money-Saving Garden to help everyone keep growing

Money-saving gardener Anya Lautenbach shares her tips to grow more without spending a fortune at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Cost of living hits gardeners

 “If you have an existing, relatively mature garden you can create more than 300 plants a year through propagating.  And that’s without a greenhouse or specialist equipment … it’s almost another whole garden for free!” – Anya Lautenbach

The garden will show which hardworking plants, shrubs and trees will help give the best long-term value for money, while also supporting wildlife and helping the planet.  Including how to repurpose and reuse items instead of spending money on new stuff and how to turn waste into precious materials. 

More from the RHS

• Creating a budget-friendly garden
• Money-saving ideas for Spring
• Money-saving ideas for Autumn
• 7 grow your own on a budget tips

You may also be interested in...

• Buy tickets for RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival 2024
• Plan your visit to the show
• Discover food and drink options at the show

Join the RHS today and save 25%

RHS Membership

Members enjoy early booking and discounted tickets to RHS Shows.

You might also be interested in

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.