Hampton Court Palace

The basics

Visitors commonly travel from London to Hampton Court Palace, either independently or as part of a royal palaces tour, often combining it with a stop at nearby Windsor Castle. Book priority entrance tickets to skip the line and spend more time exploring the grounds, or, for more context, choose a guided historical tour that walks you through the palace and formal gardens. Bike tours of the Hampton Court Palace grounds are another popular option.

Things to know before you go

• Red-coated guides roam the grounds, offering fascinating insights into the castle’s history and ensuring visitors keep their hands off the valuable furnishings. They provide engaging commentary, enriching the experience while maintaining the preservation of the palace’s delicate artifacts.

• Book your Hampton Court Palace tickets with timed entry in advance to skip the lines and ensure a seamless visit to the historic palace.

• Free Wi-Fi access is available.

• Much of the palace is wheelchair accessible, and disabled visitors may bring a caregiver free of charge.

• Hampton Court Palace entry is included in the London Pass.

How to get there

Hampton Court Palace sits in the royal borough of Richmond upon Thames, along the River Thames, just a short distance from London in the town of Surrey. It’s accessible by public transportation—Hampton Court Station is a 30-minute train ride away from Waterloo Station in central London. From the train station, it’s a short walk across the Hampton Court Bridge over the River Thames to the palace.

When to get there

Hampton Court Palace opens daily, with extended summer hours. Arriving early helps you beat crowds, while private tours offer a quieter, personalized experience. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are ideal for exploring, especially during peak season. Take advantage of off-peak times to fully appreciate the palace’s historic charm and serene atmosphere.

Royal palaces of England

For a taste of royal life, explore England’s iconic palaces beyond Hampton Court. Stroll through the opulent halls of Kensington Palace, the official residence of many British royals, or marvel at Buckingham Palace, the King’s London home. Venture further to Windsor Castle, a majestic fortress and the world’s oldest inhabited castle.

Ways to explore

An admission ticket to Hampton Court Palace grants you access to highlights such as the grand Great Hall, the palace’s grand centerpiece; the intriguing Haunted Gallery, which the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, allegedly haunts; Hampton Court Gardens, home to the world’s oldest puzzle maze; and The Magic Garden, a sprawling adventure playground. Private tours of the palace reveal the stories and scandals surrounding one of England’s most infamous kings and his six wives.

Hampton Court Palace is a popular day trip from London; tours save you the hassle of public transportation and tend to combine the baroque property with other attractions and activities, such as a trip to Windsor Castle or afternoon tea. Some excursions start at Hampton Court Palace before visiting Stonehenge or the historic spa town of Bath.

Accessibility

Some of Hampton Court Palace is accessible, though the palace’s historic nature means not all areas have step-free access—the website has a comprehensive access guide you can download. All restrooms are accessible. Wheelchairs and electric buggies are available for free loan. Service animals are permitted.

Age limits

None, the palace has a big adventure playground and is an excellent family day out.

What to pack

If you plan to explore the gardens, take a waterproof jacket and layers depending on the weather. You can bring a picnic to eat in the gardens.

What to wear

There’s no dress code, but comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the grounds.

Not allowed

Drones, smoking, eating and drinking in non-designated areas, ball games in the gardens, scooters, bikes, pets, tripods, selfie sticks

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, lockers, gift shop, cafés, snack kiosks

Address

Even though it feels a million miles from Central London, Hampton Court Palace is in Richmond, within easy reach of the capital. You can travel by car, public transport, or join a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

From central London, head west on the A4 towards Aldwych, continue through Knightsbridge and Hammersmith, take the A316 toward Richmond and Twickenham, and continue on the A316 until you reach the A307 exit for Kingston/Hampton Court Palace. Limited paid parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

The easiest way to reach Hampton Court Palace is by train from Waterloo station: take a South Western Railway train to Hampton Court station, then walk for about five minutes to the palace. The entire journey takes around 40 minutes.

Best times to visit

Arrive for opening time, typically 10am, as the palace and its grounds tend to get busier throughout the day.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are quieter than weekends, although it’s typically busy daily during school holidays or national holidays.

Best months to visit

March and November in the shoulder seasons are ideal. Many of Hampton Court’s highlights are indoors, so it’s an all-weather destination and a good option for rainy days.

Special events

The palace hosts rotating exhibitions, cooking classes, and themed guided tours year-round, along with the RHS Summer Flower Festival in July.