Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace

Nestled along the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture, rich history, and beautifully landscaped gardens. A visit to this iconic palace promises a royal experience filled with fascinating stories, stunning sights, and engaging activities.

From discounts to special events, this guide will answer any questions that you have about your visit. Tickets and Opening Times | How to Get There | Highlights of Hampton Court Palace | Attractions and Activities | Events | Food and Drink | Where to Stay | Accessibility

Hampton Court Palace tickets and opening times

It's advisable to book your Hampton Court Palace tickets online in advance to avoid queues and ensure availability, especially during peak times. Tickets can be purchased on the official website and include access to the palace, gardens, maze, and the Magic Garden.

Prices start from £13.60 for off-peak hours. If you meet certain criteria, you can be eligible for a £1 ticket.

Opening Hours: Hampton Court Palace is open year-round, but hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the palace opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The gardens and maze have similar opening hours, though the Magic Garden has shorter hours in the winter. Always check the website for the most current information before your visit.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is conveniently accessible from various locations in and around London. Whether you prefer travelling by train, car, or bus, here’s how to reach the palace:

By train

One of the easiest ways to get to Hampton Court Palace is by train. You can take a direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day. Once you arrive at Hampton Court Station, the palace is just a short, scenic walk across the Hampton Court Bridge.

By car

If you’re driving, Hampton Court Palace is accessible via the A308. Use the postcode KT8 9AU for GPS navigation. The palace offers visitor parking facilities, including accessible parking spaces near the entrance. It's worth noting that parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak visiting times and events, so plan to arrive early if possible.

By bus

Several bus routes serve Hampton Court Palace. The 111, 216, 411, 461, and R68 buses all stop near the palace. If you're coming from Kingston or Richmond, these bus services provide a convenient and direct route to the palace gates.

Highlights of Hampton Court Palace

The Tudor Palace

Here, you’ll have the chance to return to the 16th century as you explore the Tudor section of the palace, originally built for Cardinal Wolsey and later taken over by King Henry VIII. Don't miss the Great Hall, with its stunning hammer-beam roof and sumptuous tapestries. The Haunted Gallery, with its tales of ghostly apparitions, is sure to send a chill down your spine. To learn more about the history of this part of the palace, visit the website.

The Baroque Palace

Venture into the Baroque wing, designed by Sir Christopher Wren for William III and Mary II. The King's Apartments, with their lavish decorations and intricate details, offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the 17th-century royals. The Queen's Apartments are equally impressive.

The gardens

The 60 acres of gardens at Hampton Court Palace are a must-see. Wander through the formal palace gardens, including the beautiful Privy Garden, with its gorgeous plants and fountains.

The Great Vine, planted in 1768, is the largest grapevine in the world and still produces fruit today. For those who enjoy visiting vineyards, here’s a list of 12 of the best vineyards to enjoy wine tasting in the UK.

The gardens are a great location to enjoy a picnic. We provide a handy list of the best picnic blankets. Not sure what foods to pack? We’ve got that covered, too! Here’s an extensive list of 45 food ideas for picnics.

Special attractions and activities

The palace has various attractions and activities. The website provides a map that can help you navigate.

The Maze

Get lost in the world-famous Hampton Court Palace Maze, the oldest and largest surviving hedge maze in the UK. This fun and challenging attraction is perfect for visitors of all ages. Finding your way to the centre is an adventure in itself!

The Magic Garden

For families with children, the Magic Garden offers a whimsical and interactive play area inspired by Hampton Court's rich history. Kids can explore towers, battlements, and mythical beasts in this enchanting space.

Hampton Court Palace Golf Club

Just a short distance from the palace, the Hampton Court Palace Golf Club offers a beautiful and historic setting for a round of golf. It's a perfect way to relax and enjoy the stunning landscape surrounding the palace.

Seasonal events at Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace hosts a hub of exciting events throughout the year. Some of the highlights include:

• Ice Rink: During winter, enjoy ice skating with the palace as your backdrop. You’ll have the chance to indulge in an onsite cafe and bar. Ice rink tickets can be purchased.
• Hampton Court Festival: In the summer, experience live concert performances on the palace grounds.
• Flower Show: A must-see event for garden enthusiasts, showcasing exquisite floral displays.
• Food festival: From craft beers to street food, this event is a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
• Christmas: Celebrate the festive season with special events, decorations, and markets.
• Half marathon: This marathon begins and ends at the palace and attracts thousands of runners yearly. You’ll have the chance to participate in a scenic run through London.

Food and drink at Hampton Court Palace

After a day of exploration, relax and refuel at one of the palace's charming cafes and restaurants. The Tiltyard Café offers a range of delicious meals and snacks, with outdoor seating available in good weather. For a unique experience, try the Privy Kitchen Café, located in the heart of the Tudor Palace.

Where to stay near Hampton Court Palace

For campers staying at our Walton on Thames Club Site, Hampton Court Palace is a short 10-minute drive away and only 30 minutes away on public transport.

Our Chertsey Club Site is a short 27-minute drive away, making it another great option for anyone wanting to add visiting the Hampton Court Palace to their to-do list. Save up to 30% on Club Site prices by joining the Club.

Accessibility

Hampton Court Palace is committed to providing an enjoyable experience for all visitors, including those with disabilities. Here's what you need to know:

• Wheelchair access: The palace and gardens are wheelchair accessible, with designated routes ensuring ease of movement. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at no extra charge, but booking them in advance is recommended.
• Facilities: Accessible restrooms are located throughout the palace and gardens.
• Assistance: Trained assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the palace and gardens.
• Visual and hearing impairments: Braille guides and tactile exhibits are available for visitors with visual impairments, and induction loops are installed in key areas for those with hearing impairments.
• Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available near the entrance to the palace.

To learn more about how the palace caters to accessibility needs, visit the website.