Hampton Court Palace
A magnificent royal palace steeped in Tudor and Baroque history, featuring stunning gardens and the famous Hampton Court Maze.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Hampton Court Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent royal palace steeped in Tudor and Baroque history, featuring stunning gardens and the famous Hampton Court Maze.
"Hampton Court Palace is one of the best old/historic attractions in London, more interesting than the Tower or Greenwich."
🎯 Train to Hampton Court
Take the train directly to Hampton Court station. Use contactless payment for the best fare. :train_2:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance online, especially during busy periods. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tudor Kitchens
South side of the palace
Step back in time and explore the vast, atmospheric kitchens that once fed Henry VIII's court. Imagine the hustle and bustle of Tudor life!
The Great Hall
Central palace area
Marvel at the magnificent hammer-beam roof and intricate tapestries in this grand medieval hall, a testament to Tudor architectural ambition.
King's State Apartments
West side of the palace
Wander through opulent rooms showcasing the grandeur of the Stuart era, with stunning artworks and period furnishings.
The Gardens
Surrounding the palace
Explore the meticulously manicured Privy Garden, the famous Maze, and the vast Baroque gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
+1Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Getting There: Train is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Train to Hampton Court
Take the train directly to Hampton Court station. Use contactless payment for the best fare. +1 :train_2:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance online, especially during busy periods. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking exploring the palace and vast gardens. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Use Citymapper App
This app provides excellent step-by-step directions for navigating public transport in London. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Train to Hampton Court
Take the train directly to Hampton Court station. Use contactless payment for the best fare. +1 :train_2:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry by booking tickets in advance online, especially during busy periods. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking exploring the palace and vast gardens. :athletic_shoe:
📱 Use Citymapper App
This app provides excellent step-by-step directions for navigating public transport in London. :iphone:
👻 Ghost Stories
Ask about the palace's resident ghosts; some visitors find the spooky tales fascinating!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hampton Court Palace for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens, offering a captivating glimpse into Tudor and Baroque England. While some find it a bit far from central London, the journey is manageable and the experience is widely considered well worth the trip. The Maze and Tudor Kitchens are frequently highlighted as memorable attractions.
"It was a fantastic day out. Parking at the station was easy and reasonable and the closest distance. I was obsessed with all the stunning ceilings. Great food to buy on site but lots of family’s had brought picnics and there was a seated shelter outdoor area you can use to eat too. Lovely staff and hugely interesting to visit!"
Lucy Clossick Thomson
"Fantastic day out. Large area to walk around and enjoy the riverside breeze. Wish they allowed people to more upper floors of the palace. Staff were very friendly and polite. Parking is limited, had to park far from the palace and walk it. Cafe stopped serving hot food by the time we went in(4:30pm) therefore had to settle with sandwiches.
Ticket prices bit expensive for the experience. Overall, history lover would enjoy this palace."
mahfuzur rahman
"Great place to hang out with friends and family, we went for the food festival which was held at the palace courtyard. We got a chance to visit the palace from inside as well and we got to know about the super structure and connections with the Indian army 🪖 , we saw the chocolate room and many more rooms with artifacts, dinning hall, portraits of King George. At the courtyard we had various options of food and drinks, we bought many great items which were displayed at the stalls. We enjoyed the live band as well in the evening as we were exhausted by visiting all the stalls. There were many activities for kids as it was a bank holiday the park was quite buzzing but still the staff handled it smoothly."
Rishabh Somvanshi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo directly to Hampton Court station. This journey takes about 35-40 minutes. You can use your contactless card or Oyster card for the fare, as Hampton Court station is in Zone 6. +1 Alternatively, you can take a river cruise from Richmond or Westminster for a scenic journey.
Yes, Hampton Court station is located in Transport for London (TfL) Zone 6, meaning you can use your contactless payment card or Oyster card for travel from central London.
While trains are the most direct route, several bus routes serve the area around Hampton Court Palace. For example, the SL7 bus can take you to Heathrow.
Taking the train is generally faster and more direct. However, a river cruise offers a more leisurely and scenic experience, especially from Richmond.
From Paddington Station, take the Bakerloo Line (brown) southbound to Waterloo Station. At Waterloo, transfer to a South Western Railway train heading to Hampton Court.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. While some visitors report no issues with walk-up tickets, pre-booking is safer.
Yes, if you are a member of Historic Royal Palaces, you get free entry. For non-members, look out for potential 2 for 1 entry offers if traveling by train.
Based on visitor experiences, Hampton Court Palace is generally not very strict about exact entry times. If your tickets are staggered, you can usually enter together without issue.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Historic Royal Palaces website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times for your planned visit.
An Oyster card or contactless payment is used for the train fare to Hampton Court station, not for palace entry itself. Palace tickets need to be purchased separately.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the atmospheric Tudor Kitchens, the magnificent Great Hall, the opulent King's State Apartments, and the beautiful gardens, including the famous Maze.
Yes, Hampton Court Palace is very family-friendly. Kids often enjoy exploring the Maze, dressing up in Tudor costumes, and learning about Henry VIII's life.
Hampton Court Palace is vast. To fully explore the palace and gardens, plan for at least half a day, or a full day if you want to take your time and enjoy everything.
Yes, free audio guides are available and highly recommended to enhance your understanding of the palace's history and stories.
The Hampton Court Maze is a famous yew hedge maze that can be quite challenging and fun to navigate. It's a popular attraction for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants within the palace grounds offering a range of options, from light snacks to full meals. You can also find dining options in the nearby town of Kingston.
Picnic areas are often available in the palace gardens, allowing you to bring your own food and enjoy a meal amidst the beautiful surroundings. Check the official website for specific policies.
The cafes typically offer sandwiches, salads, pastries, and hot meals, catering to a variety of tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the palace, but usually without flash to protect the historic interiors and artworks. Always check for specific signage in each area.
The gardens, especially the Privy Garden and the Maze, offer stunning photo opportunities. The Great Hall and the exterior courtyards are also very photogenic.
Yes, drone usage is typically prohibited over historic sites like Hampton Court Palace to ensure the safety and preservation of the property and its visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family-friendly activities and costumed interpreters who bring history to life. The vast gardens provide plenty of space for children to run around and explore. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the grounds, making it a full day of adventure without breaking the bank.
🏛️ History Buffs
The palace offers a unique glimpse into Tudor and Stuart court life, with detailed exhibits and informative audio guides. Beyond the Tudor era, explore the Baroque additions by William and Mary, and learn about the palace's role through different centuries. The historical accuracy of the reconstructions and the sheer scale of the palace provide an immersive experience that brings the past vividly to life.
🚶♀️ Garden Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the herbaceous borders teeming with pollinators and the chance to get lost (and found!) in the famous Maze. Whether you're interested in formal gardens, historic plant collections, or simply a beautiful place to wander, Hampton Court's grounds are sure to impress.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Royal Residence Through the Ages
The palace continued to be a favored royal residence through the Tudor and Stuart periods. William III and Mary II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to design a new Baroque palace to rival Versailles, adding the grand East Front and State Apartments that visitors see today. While the focus shifted to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace in later centuries, Hampton Court remained a royal property and eventually opened to the public.
Today, visitors can explore distinct architectural styles, from the Tudor Great Hall to the Baroque apartments, offering a tangible journey through centuries of British royal history. The palace is also known for its haunting tales, with several resident ghosts rumored to roam its corridors, adding an extra layer of intrigue for visitors.
Exploring the Magnificent Gardens
+1No visit is complete without attempting to conquer the famous Hampton Court Maze. Planted in the late 17th century, it's one of the oldest surviving hedge mazes in the world and provides a fun challenge for all ages. Beyond these, the palace grounds include the Great Vine, the world's largest grape vine, and the beautiful Flower Garden, which is particularly vibrant in spring and summer.
These gardens are not just for show; they are living spaces that attract abundant wildlife. The herbaceous border, for instance, is a haven for pollinators like butterflies and bees, showcasing the palace's commitment to biodiversity.
Whether you're a keen gardener or simply enjoy a beautiful landscape, the palace gardens offer a tranquil and picturesque escape. Navigating to Hampton Court Palace
Crucially, Hampton Court station is located within London's Zone 6, making it accessible with a standard Oyster card or contactless payment. This is often the cheapest and easiest way to pay for your fare. Avoid taking trains to Kingston and then arranging onward transport, as this is less direct and can be more expensive.
For those seeking a more scenic route, a river cruise up the Thames from Westminster or Richmond offers a delightful alternative. While slower, it provides unique views of the riverside and a more leisurely start to your palace visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit