hampton court rooftop tour

Hampton Court Palace Tour

King Henry VIII’s grand palace sits in majesty beside the River Thames.

Join your Blue Badge guide for a day out with the Tudor, Stuart and Hanoverian dynasties on a private tour of Hampton Court.

This beautiful blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture features three courtyards – Base Court, Clock Court and Fountain Court. Base Court was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16 th century, but when his master the King started to covet the great palace,  the Cardinal quickly gifted it to the irascible monarch.  Clock Court features an astronomical clock showing everything from the phases of the moon to high water at London Bridge.

The magnificent Great Hall was built to impress and showcases a spectacular hammer beam timber roof and priceless Flemish tapestries.   Then on through Henry VIII’s apartments, with their superb collection of paintings and furniture to the Chapel Royal with its breathtaking fan-vaulted ceiling. The ghost of the fifth wife of Henry VIII, Queen Catherine Howard is still said to haunt this part of the building.

Alongside the well-told stories of royalty and the court, what about the servants?   Downstairs are the huge Tudor Kitchens, sometimes catering to 600 courtiers at a single sitting.   Your guide will show you how food was prepared 500 years ago:  a gluttonous feast of oxen, wild boar, sheep and calves – even a gilded cockatrice.

We now jump forward 150 years for a visit to King William III’s Apartments.   Designed by the great architect Sir Christopher Wren, they provide a glimpse into life in the Stuart court 300 years ago – a baroque palace to rival Versailles.

We finish with a private guided tour of the magnificent gardens of Hampton Court.   A time machine that takes us from a Tudor knot garden to an exquisite 18 th century Privy Garden, then on to the ornate topiary of the yew trees in the Great Fountain Gardens. Also see the Great Vine planted in 1768 (today the largest in the world) and the world-famous Great Maze.

If you require a guide with a private car to conduct your tour please tick above. This will send your request to one of our driver guides who are UK licensed, registered and insured.

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Hampton Court Palace Tour

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TOUR PRICES

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Prices are per car/minibus not per person and include your private tour guide, collection and return to your central London hotel and tax but not entrance fees where applicable, parking or meals unless stated. Please add £20 for collections from London Train Stations.

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

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About The Tour

Standing amid 60 acres of gardens and beautifully situated along the River Thames is Hampton Court Palace , a favourite residence of Henry Vlll. Its magnificent Great Hall is hung with sixteenth century tapestries, and the state apartments of succeeding monarchs are furnished with pictures from the Royal Collection. With the most complete sixteenth century kitchens in Europe, a Haunted Gallery (the ghosts of Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard supposedly haunt the Palace), Orangery, Henry VIII's astronomical clock, Tudor tennis court and the oldest maze in England, Hampton Court Palace is one of the most intriguing of all the survivals from an intriguing age.

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Hampton Court Palace Tour

• Examines the impressive Hampton Court, as well as the history of Henry VIII and other memorable residents
• Led by a local British historian, visit the Tudor frontage, Great Hall, and huge kitchens

Hampton Court Tour

" our guide's knowledge of history kept us all captivated. it felt like reading a book you didn’t want to put down.", a royal residence, royal opulence, to the gardens.

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Hampton Court Palace | Tickets and 2 For 1 Deals

This post provides details about Hampton Court Palace.

We include how to get tickets, what to see, guided tours, and other details you might want to know in order to plan out your trip.

• Tickets & Tours

Plan Your Trip

• Things to See Here
• Other Royal Palaces

Lying on the western banks of the River Thames sits one of the largest and most beautiful palatial residences in the United Kingdom: Hampton Court Palace.

Originally built by Cardinal Wolsey in the 16th century, King Henry VIII took over the Palace and it has remained in the hands of the Crown ever since.

A popular visitor attraction for first-timers and those who already know London alike, Hampton Court is one of the most magical destinations in London.

There are a lot of interesting things to see and do here, including fun activities, costumed guided tours, art galleries, special exhibitions, and many other attractions.

If you want to visit this historic landmark, it will be necessary to purchase tickets for admission.

Tickets include access to pretty much everything in the palace, so there’s no need to pay extra for specific attractions.

Tickets and Tours

Admission to Hampton Court Palace includes access to the following attractions:

• Hampton Court Palace
• The Gardens
• The Courtyards
• Magic Garden

Cumberland Art Gallery

Mantegna gallery.

• The King’s Gallery

Haunted Gallery

Here are the current ticket prices as of March 2024:

• £27.20/Adults (18-64)
• £13.60/Children (5-15)
• £21.80/Senior
• £45.60/Family (1 Adult, 3 Children)
• £71.70/Family (2 Adults, 3 Children)

Purchase tickets to Hampton Court Palace or learn more .

Concession tickets are valid for senior citizens (65+), full-time students, and youth visitors between the ages of 16-17.

Children under the age of 5 are welcome for free with the accompaniment of an adult.

Hampton Court Palace Tours

Guided tours are provided for free to ticket holders at Hampton Court Palace. You must book a tour ahead of time using this booking form .

All of the tour guides are qualified at Institute of Tourist Guiding Level 2.

While on these guided tours, you can expect to learn about a lot of different subjects such as the history of Henry VIII, ghost stories, the origins of the palace, and much more.

There are also private guided tours, but prices start at £132 in addition to the ticket costs.

If you are interested in this option, check this list of private tours at Hampton Court Palace .

In addition to these options, there are also audio guides to help you find your way around the palace and learn about its history.

This service is included with the cost of your ticket to Hampton Court Palace.

During the warmer months, you can also expect rooftop tours which give visitors a great look at the Hampton Court Gardens and the history of the palace while enjoying the best view in the area.

Finally, Hampton Court Palace also provides guided tours for the blind and deaf. Blind visitors can take advantage of their Describer Escorted visits while Deaf guests can take tours with guides who will use British Sign Language (BSL).

Tip from the Tourists

Planning your day at Hampton Court Palace? One of our Facebook Group members shared a golden nugget of advice: you can thoroughly enjoy the palace in just a half-day. This means you can still fit in another palace visit or London attraction on the same day. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone!

Concerning the journey, a traveler advises that Hampton Court Palace is just a short train ride from Waterloo. They remarked on the palace's 'breathtaking beauty' and how the ease of access makes it a trip worth taking more than once.

When it’s time for a bite, don’t miss out on the palace's cafés for some tasty treats. Based on recommendations from our visitors, even something as simple as a lamb dish at the Tiltyard Café has left lasting impressions, making it a memorable part of the palace experience.

Hampton Court Palace Deals

There are several ways to save money on tickets to Hampton Court Palace.

This section covers some of the best deals and some options that may become available in the future as well.

1. 2 For 1 Hampton Court Palace Tickets

This is one of the easiest and best concessions on Hampton Court Palace Tickets. All you have to do is use the TfL network to travel to this historic attraction and provide proof with the TfL Oyster app.

You can take advantage of this deal up to 3 times in one transaction, which means you can get 6 tickets for the price of just 3!

This offer is only valid for standard daytime admission, and it is offered 7 days a week. There are only a few restricted dates throughout the year, and you can learn more about them here .

2. Use a Tourist Pass

Hampton Court Palace is included on multiple London tourist passes at no extra cost.

If you’re already planning to visit several attractions in the city, this could be a great way to save money on everything. 

Tickets to this historic palace are currently offered by the following tourist pass services:

• The London Pass
• London Explorer Pass

For more information, check our post covering each London tourist pass available.

3. Family Tickets

If you’re visiting with your kids, you could save a lot of money by purchasing a family ticket.

Hampton Court Palace currently offers two family ticket options:

Each ticket provides a price cut of £18.90 off the standard admission prices.

4. Concession

The concession price of £20.90 is a price cut of £5.10. The following guests are eligible for this price point:

• Senior Citizens (65+)
• Youth/Teens (16-17)
• Full-Time Students (w/ Student ID)

5. Promo Sites

Hampton Court Palace is often listed on websites such as Groupon and Discount London .

Depending on when you check, they may have very good deals on tickets, and they might also be offering additional promo codes for an extra 10% - 20% off.

6. AAA Offer/Credit Card Offer

In the past, AAA has offered its members exclusive offers on admission to Hampton Court Palace.

You’ll have to check ahead of time to see if this deal is still active, but it’s a great opportunity to save money.

Similarly, many credit card companies offer additional concessions for their customers which work in much the same way.

Make sure to check your credit card website for any possible deals at Hampton Court Palace before you head out.

Hampton Court Palace is located southwest of London near the river Thames. Although it isn’t directly in the city center, you can reach this historic site using public transportation.

The easiest option is to take the train to Hampton Court Station. 

If you’re traveling from the center of London, it should only take about 30-35 minutes to get here.

Don’t forget to check our post on how to use the London Underground for more information.

In addition to this option, there is also a shuttle bus from Windsor Castle to Hampton Court Palace which will take you between the two landmarks with ease.

Travel time is around 30-35 minutes and this service is available from March to October.

Visitors who want to take the public bus can use the following lines to reach this location: 111, 216, 411, 461, 513.

They also offer river cruise services which will bring you to this historic site during the warmer months.

From April to October, you can take a cruise from Richmond to Hampton Court Palace.

If you’re closer to Westminster and Big Ben, there is also a river cruise service that will take you to Hampton Court Palace, but it’s much slower at around 3-4 hours in length.

If time is of the essence, we recommend using the tube or shuttle bus.

Considering a unique approach to your Hampton Court Palace visit? Members of our Facebook Travel Community have brought up the idea of a Thames River taxi as a scenic alternative to traditional transport. Although it may take longer, the opportunity to enjoy the views along the river adds a special touch to the experience. Another traveler is planning to extend their palace adventure with an overnight stay, suggesting that the journey by river offers a leisurely and picturesque return to London.

Opening Hours

Hampton Court Palace is open daily with the exception of December 24th - 26th. Here are the timetables you can expect throughout the year:

• March - November: 10am - 6pm
• November - March: 10am - 4.30pm

The last admittance is approximately 1 hour before closing, so shave an hour off the closing time to get a sense of when you can visit.

Things to See at Hampton Court Palace

There are a lot of things to see and do at Hampton Court Palace, and this section will detail some of the best attractions in the area.

Admission to each of these locations is included with the cost of a ticket.

The Great Hall

This hall was designed as a show of power and prestige to impress the guests of Henry VIII.

The roof was built in the Hammer-beam style, and if you look closely you’ll spot Anne Boleyn’s initials and coat-of-arms.

The walls are covered in a series of tapestries which depict the life of the biblical figure Abraham.

Hampton Court Gardens

At 60 acres in size, the formal gardens here are not only beautiful, but also quite massive.

As a matter of fact, the total expanse of the gardens includes 750 acres of parkland!

There are several individual gardens and other things to see here, including the following locations:

• East Front Gardens
• Lower Orangery Garden
• The Privy Garden
• The Kitchen Garden
• 20th Century Garden
• The Wilderness
• The Great Vine (World’s Largest Grape Vine)

A visit to the Hampton Court Gardens isn't just about the flowers and fountains. A member of our Facebook Community recalls the unique experience of sampling grapes from the Great Vine, which is not only a delightful treat but also a piece of the palace’s living history. Pairing these with cheese and crackers made for an unforgettable dining experience under the boughs of the world’s largest grapevine.

For those torn between multiple attractions, a seasoned visitor in our group shares a valuable tip: while it’s tempting to pack your day with numerous sights, it might be best to choose one and savor the experience. Hampton Court Palace, with its vast gardens and rich history, is her top pick, a place so beloved that it calls her back on every trip.

Henry VIII’s Kitchens

These were the largest kitchens in Tudor England, with more than 200 cooks and other people working to prepare over 800 meals per day.

So much food was prepared here that they burnt 1.3 million logs just to keep the cauldrons boiling and spits roasting. 

On the other end of the spectrum, a member of our Facebook Group , another traveler, shares their perspective, pointing out that while the kitchens are a sight to behold, some parts of the palace might feel less opulent than expected. This candid insight reminds us that each visitor's experience is unique, and managing expectations can be key to enjoying all that Hampton Court has to offer.

William III’s Apartments

Located at the top of the King’s staircase, these state apartments were once owned by William III, but his own private apartments were actually downstairs.

The state apartments include several different chambers you can usually visit:

• The Guard Chamber
• The Presence Chamber
• The Eating Room
• The Privy Chamber
• The Great Bedchamber
• The Little Bedroom

The Magic Garden

This is a special garden designed for younger visitors and their families, with plenty of room to run and play.

There are aso slides, a gigantic dragon statue for kids to climb on, and several other fun activities for children.

Think of it like a gigantic playground, and it’s all included in the price of admission!

Families will be delighted to know, as mentioned by a member in our Facebook Tavel Group , that Hampton Court Palace offers more than just historical exploration. The Magic Garden is a fantastic adventure for children, with features that ignite the imagination and allow for a fun-filled break for the little ones. It’s a perfect spot for families to relax and let the kids play, making the palace visit enjoyable for all ages.

Chapel Royal

Religious services have been held here for hundreds of years, and the chapel is still in use to this day.

The interior of this chapel was remodeled in 1710 by Christopher Wren, who also rebuilt St. Paul’s Cathedral and other notable sites in London after the Great Fire of 1666.

The vaulted ceilings were actually installed by Henry VIII in the 1530s.

You’ll find a period accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII in the Royal Pew of Chapel Royal.  

This gallery might not seem spooky at first glance, but there is actually a legend about a ghost that might haunt this hall.

In 1541, Henry VIII’s fifth wife Catherine Howard was charged with adultery. 

It is said that when she discovered this, she ran along the length of this gallery hoping to find her husband in the chapel.

Unfortunately, she was caught by the guards before she could make it the whole distance.

Today, some say her ghost has been seen running through the gallery screaming for mercy.

For Tudor history enthusiasts, a visit to Hampton Court Palace comes highly recommended by our Facebook Travel Community . As one visitor aptly put it, the palace is not only a testament to the grandeur of Henry VIII's era but also a place where the beauty of its gardens and the fun of its maze are an absolute must-see. It's a full package of historical depth and delightful exploration.

This art gallery houses a variety of pieces from the Royal Collection.

Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1500s - 1700s, which was a period in which there were many great and important artists creating amazing works of art. 

After the palace was no longer used as a residence for royalty, it was used as an art gallery, and this is the modern day extension of the purpose this palace once served.

This gallery focuses on the Triumphs of Caesar, nine large paintings by Andrea Mantegna, one of the most well-known artists of the Italian Renaissance.

These paintings depict Roman ruler Julius Caesar on a triumphal chariot as he returned from a successful military campaign.

Commissioned in 1700 by William III, this is actually the oldest surviving hedge maze in the United Kingdom.

The maze is well known for confusing visitors, but it usually takes around 20 minutes to reach the centre.

But will you be able to find your way back out just as quickly?

Our Facebook Group recommends Hampton Court Palace as a fantastic day trip destination, especially for families. She points out that in addition to the historical marvels, there's plenty of outdoor space for kids to play, including the famous maze. She also notes the tours are engaging for all ages and not overly lengthy, and suggests considering the optional boat ride for a different view of the palace and its surroundings.

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Hampton Court Palace Tour

Explore historic Hampton Court Palace and its stunning landscaped gardens

A Hampton C0urt Palace Tour is unmissable because . . .

Hampton Court is one of our most impressive Royal Palaces with spectacular gardens sweeping down to the banks of the River Thames. The creation of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Hampton Court was where he lived and entertained in splendour. Too much splendour perhaps, for his King, Henry VIII, who became jealous. Wolsey solved the problem by gifting Hampton Court to Henry, who made it even grander and more luxurious. Henry’s impressive Tudor Palace was very nearly lost, however, when successive monarchs decided to refashion it into a grand French-style Palace. Fortunately, they didn’t have the money to see it through, leaving us with a magnificent Palace of two halves!

The must-sees during a Hampton Court Palace Tour includes. . .

• The huge Tudor Kitchens and wine cellars, catering to 600 people at one sitting.
• The Great Hall, scene of magnificent feasts and pageants.
• The Chapel Royal, where Henry VIII experienced both joy and heartbreak.
• The corridor said to be haunted by the ghost of Queen Catherine Howard.
• The wood-panelled Georgian Apartments revealing the public and private lives of George II and Queen Caroline.
• The more intimate King William III Apartments offering a fascinating glimpse into life at court 300 years ago.
• The astronomical clock showing everything from the phases of the moon to high water at London Bridge.
• The spectacular Gardens, including the breathtaking Privy Garden and the Great Vine.
• The world-famous Great Maze, great fun for kids from eight to eighty.

Book a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and learn all about life at Hampton Court Palace during its heyday.

Here’s what you’ll enjoy with a Blue Badge Tourist Guide

• A guided tour of the highlights and the hidden gems
• Expert knowledge of the Palace’s history
• Fascinating accounts of life at the Tudor Court
• Insights into Royal marriages, divorces, and conflicts
• A chance to stroll through the magnificent gardens
• A tour tailored to the interests and needs of your group

Please bear in mind that these are not public tours, but private tours conducted by specialist Blue Badge Tourist Guides who will charge a separate fee, details of which can be found on our  Fees  page.

Let us 'Match' you with one of our Blue Badge Tourist Guides who are:

• Friendly, professional and used to dealing with groups of all ages and sizes
• Holders of the prestigious Blue Badge (the highest Tourist Guiding qualification in the UK)
• Able to use special entrances at certain well known attractions to avoid waiting in long lines
• Able to offer tours in over 30 different languages

Simply input your tour request details in the form below. When you have finished, hit the Green ‘Submit to Match’ button. Your request will be instantly emailed to three highly qualified and enthusiastic London Blue Badge Tourist Guides, matching your criteria. They will then email you confirming availability, pricing and suggestions for the tour itself. So let one of our 500+ Blue Badge Tourist Guides make your stay in London a special one.

Short notice request! We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but generally try to give at least two days notice.

Date of tour: Flexible dates Coming to London for a whole week? Let the guide know that the date is flexible, so they can suggest an upcoming event or a less crowded time for the tour. (+/- 3 days)

Language: Albanian Bulgarian Chinese (Cantonese) Chinese (Mandarin) Croatian Czech Danish Dutch/Flemish English Finnish French German Greek Hebrew Hindi Hungarian Italian Japanese Korean Lithuanian Polish Portuguese Romanian Russian Slovak Spanish Swedish Swiss-German Taiwanese Turkish Welsh

Duration: Morning Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to finish by 13:00 Afternoon Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start by 13:30 All Day Full days are up to 9 hours, usually finishing no later than 18:00 Evening Only Half day tour up to 4 hours maximum, usually expected to start no earlier than 18:00

Travel by: Walking & Public Transportation Tour Explore London by walking and a variety of public transport (Underground, Black Cab, London double decker bus or even riverboat) Cycling Tour Cycle around London with a professional Guide. Bring your own bicycle or request the Guide to help you hire one. Driving Tour Get driven around in style by a professional Driver Guide. Usually for groups of up to 7 people. Coach Tour A tour for larger groups (typically 20+). Please tell the Guide if you have your own coach and driver, or request the Guide to help you hire one.

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Win an exclusive rooftop tour of Hampton Court Palace

The prize includes lunch at the Tiltyard café overlooking the gardens, one-year family membership to Historic Royal Palaces and tickets for Kensington Palace

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