Henry's Tudor walls, William's baroque dawn.
Hand-picked by our editors — only the best 5 guided experiences from 60 reviewed.
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3 hr 30 min
Glide past London's iconic riverbanks and lush countryside to Hampton Court Palace on a classic Thames cruise.
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5 hr 30 min
Escape to Henry VIII's legendary riverside palace — grand halls, Tudor kitchens, and a famous maze await.
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9 hr
A full-day royal escape visiting two legendary palaces, with a scenic London panoramic drive included.
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2 hr 30 min
Explore Henry VIII's palace with an expert guide, then indulge in a classic afternoon tea.
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5 hr
Step inside Henry VIII's legendary palace on an exclusive private tour with train travel included.
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Henry VIII seized hampton court palace from Cardinal Wolsey in 1529, then spent a fortune turning a churchman's mansion into a stage for his court.
Two architectures collide here: the red Tudor brick of the Great Hall and astronomical clock, and the cool baroque ranges Christopher Wren raised for William III and Mary II.
The site matters because few places hold two reigns so plainly side by side. The kitchens once fed eight hundred; the gardens still grow the Great Vine, planted in 1768. Today most visitors arrive on hampton court palace tours from london or as a day trip hampton court palace from london, while others reach it by river — hampton court palace by boat from Westminster, the slow approach Tudor courtiers once took. Whichever route, the palace rewards an unhurried hampton court palace tour.
"Few places hold two reigns so plainly side by side."
A step-by-step walkthrough of Hampton Court Palace tickets — what you'll see, how long each stage takes, and the details that matter.
You arrive between 10:00 and 11:30, before the coach groups, and pass beneath the gatehouse into Base Court. You climb to Henry's Great Hall, where the hammerbeam roof and Flemish tapestries still hang, then trace the processional route to the Chapel Royal.
You pause in the Tudor kitchens, where fires burn under iron spits, then cross into Wren's apartments and the King's Staircase. Outside, you walk the formal gardens to the Great Vine, then enter the maze — half a mile of hedge planted around 1700. A guided hampton court palace tour or a boat trip to hampton court palace makes the day longer but gentler. Adult off-peak entry is 27.20 GBP, covering palace, gardens, maze and magic garden.
Enter via Seymour Gate and pick up a free audio guide and palace map from the Undercroft shop before planning your route through the Tudor and Baroque sections.
Explore the State Apartments where Henry VIII held court, ending in the Great Hall with its hammerbeam roof and original 16th-century tapestries hung for Anne Boleyn.
Walk through the vast kitchen complex that once produced over 800 meals a day for Henry VIII's household, with costumed interpretation on weekends.
Discover the palace Christopher Wren designed for William III and Mary II, including the King's Staircase murals and Fountain Court.
Stroll through the 60-acre grounds, including the restored Privy Garden with its Tijou ironwork screen, the Great Fountain Garden, and the Great Vine planted in 1768.
Tackle the UK's oldest hedge maze — commissioned by William III around 1700 — then let children loose in the Magic Garden adventure playground.
The landmarks, rooms, and views travelers on Hampton Court Palace tours remember — all visible on a single visit.
The centrepiece of the Tudor palace, this great hall features a rare original hammerbeam roof and a set of eight large tapestries depicting the Story of Abraham, woven in the 1540s at a cost equivalent to a warship.
Commissioned by William III around 1700 and covering a third of an acre, this yew-hedged labyrinth is the oldest surviving hedge maze in the United Kingdom and still baffles roughly half a million visitors each year.
Once the largest domestic kitchens in Tudor England, this vast complex employed around 200 staff and produced over 800 meals a day for Henry VIII's household; the original fireplaces and roasting ranges remain in place.
Restored in the 1990s to its 1702 appearance, this formal baroque garden features the elaborate Tijou ironwork screen — twelve panels of wrought iron crafted by French smith Jean Tijou — along its southern boundary.
Planted in 1768 from a cutting at Valentine's Nursery in Essex, this Black Hamburg grape vine has a girth of over 1.2 metres at its base and still produces several hundred kilograms of grapes harvested each August.
Every Hampton Court Palace tour side-by-side — duration, what's included, how you redeem.
| Experience | From | Duration | Transfers | Pickup | Lunch | Tax inc. | Free cancel. | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Skip-the-line Most popular
Westminster to Hampton Court Thames River Cruise
|
— | 3 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €29 | Book → |
|
Premium Combo
Hampton Court Palace Half-Day Tour from London
|
London | 5 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €93 | Book → |
|
Standard Entry
London, Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace Day Tour
|
— | 9 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €103 | Book → |
|
Guided Experience
Hampton Court Palace: Guided Tour & Afternoon Tea
|
— | 2 hr 30 min | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €177 | Book → |
|
Luxury / Private
Hampton Court Palace Private Guided Tour with Train from London
|
London | 5 hr | — | — | — | — | ✓ | €393 | Book → |
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Practical details for Hampton Court Palace tickets straight from our verified partners — hours, access, rules, and how to get there.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Main visitor entry point while Great Gatehouse conservation is under way (until June 2026); just left of the historic Great Gatehouse
Open in Google MapsSouth Western Railway from London Waterloo direct to Hampton Court Station (Zone 6), every 30 min; buses 111, 216, 411 and R68 stop at the palace gates
From M25: exit 10 onto A307 or exit 12 onto A308; follow brown tourist signs to the palace
National Cycle Route 4 runs along Barge Walk towpath adjacent to the palace
Taxis may drop off and pick up at the palace gates; a mini-cab firm is located at Hampton Court Station
There is no formal dress code at Hampton Court Palace. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended, as visitors spend significant time outdoors across 60 acres of gardens. Sturdy, flat-soled footwear is strongly advised given the cobblestoned courtyards and extensive walking routes throughout the Tudor and Baroque sections of the palace.
In the interest of security, all visitors to Hampton Court Palace may be searched before entering the premises. Large suitcases, oversized luggage, and bulky items should be left elsewhere, as there is no left-luggage facility on-site. Compact day bags and small backpacks are generally fine.
Personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted throughout most of Hampton Court Palace, including the State Apartments, gardens, the Maze, and the Magic Garden. Flash photography and tripods are not allowed in the historic interiors. Commercial photography or filming requires prior written permission from Historic Royal Palaces.
Hampton Court Palace offers wheelchair-accessible routes through most of the State Apartments and gardens, with 10 designated accessible parking bays on-site. A self-led British Sign Language digital visitor guide is available to collect from the Undercroft shop. Carer tickets are available, and a Buggy Park is located off Clock Court for visitors with pushchairs. Quiet sessions in the Magic Garden are held periodically for neurodivergent and learning-disabled children and their families; on those days the Magic Garden opens at 11:00.
Mobile phones may be used for personal photography and audio purposes throughout the visit. Visitors are asked to keep phones on silent inside the historic interiors out of respect for other guests. The official Historic Royal Palaces app can supplement your visit with additional historical content.
Hampton Court Palace is well-suited to families; children can explore the Magic Garden adventure playground, complete with mythical beasts, battlements, and a secret grotto. A family audio guide version is available. The UK's oldest hedge maze — commissioned by William III around 1700 and covering a third of an acre — provides a memorable challenge for all ages. Pushchairs are welcome in the gardens, and a dedicated Buggy Park sits just off Clock Court.
Hampton Court Palace has several food and drink outlets within the ticketed site, including a café and a restaurant, all offering seasonally inspired, freshly prepared dishes. Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the palace. Outside food and drink may be consumed in the gardens but is not permitted in the historic State Apartments. In summer, fresh produce from the restored Royal Kitchen Garden is occasionally sold to visitors.
Dogs and other pets are not permitted within Hampton Court Palace, its courtyards, or the ticketed gardens. Trained assistance dogs are the only exception and are welcome throughout the site. Water bowls for assistance dogs may be requested from palace staff.
The Mantegna Gallery is fully closed throughout 2026 and is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2027, so visitors should plan their itinerary around this. A free audio guide is available for collection from the Undercroft shop and covers the Tudor Apartments, Baroque State Rooms, and gardens. Historic Royal Palaces membership starts from £65 per year and grants unlimited free entry, making it worthwhile for multiple visits.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU
Main visitor entry point while Great Gatehouse conservation is under way (until June 2026); just left of the historic Great Gatehouse
Get directions
Hampton Court Station, Station Road, East Molesey, KT8 0BZ
200 metres from the palace entrance; South Western Railway services from London Waterloo every 30 minutes
Get directionsBest time to go, insider tips, nearby landmarks, and the cancellation fine print — flip through to skim what matters to you.
How crowds, weather, and events shift across the year.
Gardens begin to bloom and crowds are lower than summer; ideal for the Privy Garden and Great Vine before peak-season queues build.
Long daylight hours and the Rose Garden at its peak; June school visits are possible but weekday mornings remain relatively calm.
Busiest period with school holidays; the Joust events and Dennis Adventure run in this window — book hampton court palace tickets well in advance.
Cooler temperatures, golden foliage in the 60-acre grounds, and noticeably thinner crowds after the school-holiday surge.
The Winter Palace experience transforms the interiors with festive displays; off-peak ticket prices apply on select term-time weekdays in December.
Small details that turn a good visit into a great one.
Walk-up tickets are available but limited, especially in summer and on school-holiday weekends. Pre-booking via the official Historic Royal Palaces site secures your time slot and guarantees the £27.20 adult off-peak price where applicable.
Hampton Court Palace opens at 10:00 Wednesday through Sunday; arriving in this window lets you reach the State Apartments and Great Hall before coach-tour groups arrive mid-morning.
Pick up the audio guide from the Undercroft shop immediately on entry — it is included with admission and covers all major areas. Bring your own headphones to avoid sharing earbuds.
In 2026 the Mantegna Gallery is fully closed and the Great Gatehouse is under scaffolding. The official website lists current route restrictions so you can plan which rooms to prioritise.
Historic cookery demonstrations take place in Henry VIII's Kitchens on weekends; check the What's On page for exact times so you can time your visit to the kitchens accordingly.
The cobblestoned Base Court and Clock Court are uneven underfoot, and a full exploration of the palace and 60-acre gardens typically involves several miles of walking.
Non-bookable sights within a short walk — free to visit, easy to pair.
600-acre Royal Park with herds of deer and the Chestnut Avenue; free entry year-round.
Historic open green immediately outside the palace gates, used for informal picnics and river views.
One of the oldest real tennis courts in England, dating from the 1620s and still in active use.
Scenic riverside footpath running east and west from the palace, popular for walking and cycling.
Historic market town centre with medieval Guildhall, independent shops and riverside restaurants.
Flexible, no hidden fees.
Tickets booked directly on the official Historic Royal Palaces website are subject to a strict no-refunds policy; however, date and time amendments for unused standard admission tickets can be made for an amendment fee by contacting the Contact Centre before the original visit date. Event tickets, special-offer tickets, and £1-concession tickets are non-amendable and non-refundable.
Hand-picked options within walking distance — pick a district for vibe, or a specific hotel for convenience.
Boutique riverside hotel directly beside the palace on the Thames; individually decorated rooms and a well-regarded restaurant.
Traditional coaching inn in Hampton Wick village with comfortable rooms; easy walking distance to the palace.
Full-service hotel in Kingston town centre with pool and fitness facilities.
Budget chain hotel in Teddington; good value for families visiting the palace area.
A range of mid-range and boutique options in Kingston town centre, all well-served by buses 111 and 216 to the palace.
Hampton Court Palace is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, with last admission at 16:30. The palace is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays throughout the year.
Adult off-peak admission to Hampton Court Palace is £27.20, which includes the palace, gardens, the Maze, and the Magic Garden. Peak prices apply during school holidays and certain high-demand dates — check the official Historic Royal Palaces website before booking.
No, Hampton Court Palace is closed every Monday and Tuesday. The palace opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30.
Arriving between 10:00 and 11:30 at opening time is the best strategy to beat crowds at Hampton Court Palace, particularly on weekends and school holidays. Weekday mornings from Wednesday to Friday are generally the quietest periods.
Personal, non-commercial photography is welcome throughout Hampton Court Palace and its gardens. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside the historic interiors, and commercial filming requires advance permission from Historic Royal Palaces.
Hampton Court Palace provides wheelchair-accessible routes through most areas, 10 designated accessible parking bays on-site, carer tickets, and a self-led BSL digital guide available from the Undercroft shop. Pushchairs are welcome in the gardens, with a dedicated Buggy Park off Clock Court.
Families visiting the royal palace will enjoy the Magic Garden adventure playground — featuring mythical beasts, battlements, and a secret grotto — as well as the UK's oldest hedge maze commissioned around 1700 by William III. A family-specific audio guide is available, and weekend cookery demonstrations in the Tudor Kitchens bring history to life for all ages.
South Western Railway runs direct trains from London Waterloo to Hampton Court Station every 30 minutes; the journey takes approximately 35 minutes and the station is just 200 metres from the palace entrance. Buses 111, 216, 411, and R68 also stop directly outside the gates.
Limited paid parking is available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis at £1.80 per hour (card payments only). During busy periods Historic Royal Palaces strongly advises travelling by train or bus, as spaces fill quickly.
Pets are not permitted within Hampton Court Palace, its courtyards, or the ticketed gardens. Trained assistance dogs are the only exception and are welcome throughout the site.
Tickets purchased directly through the Historic Royal Palaces website are strictly non-refundable. Date and time amendments to unused standard admission tickets can be made for an amendment fee by contacting the Contact Centre; event, special-offer, and £1-concession tickets cannot be changed or refunded.
Bushy Park, a 600-acre Royal Park with free entry and resident deer herds, is a 15-minute walk away. The historic Real Tennis Court dating from the 1620s is just inside the palace grounds, and the riverside town of Kingston upon Thames is a short bus ride away — making either a natural addition to a Hampton Court Palace tour.
