Hampton Court Palace brings together more than 500 years of royal history in one site on the River Thames. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey began transforming Hampton Court into a grand palace in 1514, and Henry VIII took it over in 1529. Today you can explore Tudor halls and kitchens, later Baroque state rooms, historic gardens, the Maze, major artworks, and family attractions.
Quick Answer
Allow about four to six hours for a relaxed Hampton Court Palace visit. The easiest route from central London is usually a train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station, followed by a five-minute walk. Book admission in advance, check the date-specific opening schedule, and leave time for both the palace interiors and gardens.
Key Takeaways
- Hampton Court Palace combines Henry VIII’s Tudor palace with the later Baroque palace created for William III and Mary II.
- Hampton Court station is about a five-minute walk away, with regular trains from London Waterloo.
- Ticket prices vary between peak and off-peak dates, so check the official price calendar before booking.
- Major highlights include the Great Hall, Henry VIII’s Kitchens, Chapel Royal, Cumberland Art Gallery, formal gardens, Maze, Great Vine, and Magic Garden.
- Opening hours, palace routes, gardens, events, and individual rooms can change by date.
Note: Historic England places the palace within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, while Historic Royal Palaces uses the visitor address Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. This explains why you may see both London and Surrey used when planning a trip.
Getting to Hampton Court Palace
For most visitors coming from central London, the train is the simplest option. National Rail services normally run from London Waterloo to Hampton Court every 30 minutes. The route also serves stations including Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Wimbledon, Surbiton, and Thames Ditton.
Hampton Court station is in London fare Zone 6, Oyster cards are accepted on the route, and the station is about a five-minute walk from the palace entrance. Rail engineering works can occasionally change or suspend the normal service, so check your journey shortly before travelling.
Official transport information is available from Historic Royal Palaces’ Hampton Court travel guide.
Travelling by boat
A riverboat can turn the journey into part of the day out, but it takes much longer than the train. Public seasonal services normally operate during the summer. Historic Royal Palaces lists approximate journey times of four hours from Westminster, two hours from Richmond-upon-Thames, and 45 minutes from Kingston-upon-Thames.
Always check the boat operator’s timetable before relying on this option because river services are seasonal and weather or river conditions can affect operations.
Driving and parking
Hampton Court Palace is on the A308. On-site parking is limited and works on a first-come, first-served basis. As of September 2026, the official palace car park charges £1.80 per hour and accepts card payments. Hampton Court Green and other nearby car parks provide alternatives when the palace car park is full.
There are 10 allocated Blue Badge spaces in the on-site car park. Drivers should also review the latest London Ultra Low Emission Zone information before travelling because nearby roads and the route taken when leaving the palace can affect whether a vehicle enters a charging zone.
Pro Tip: Unless you specifically want a river journey or need a car, the Waterloo-to-Hampton Court train is usually the easiest option because it avoids limited parking and leaves you only a short walk from the entrance.
Ticket Options and Prices
Hampton Court Palace uses peak and off-peak pricing. Until 27 November 2026, off-peak prices normally apply on weekdays excluding bank holidays, while peak prices apply on weekends and bank holidays.
| Ticket type | Off-peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £29.00 | £32.00 |
| Child age 5–15 | £14.50 | £16.00 |
| Child age 0–4 | Free | Free |
| Young person age 16–17 | £14.50 | £16.00 |
| Senior / full-time student 18+ | £23.50 | £25.50 |
| Disabled carer / companion | Free | Free |
A standard admission ticket includes all open public areas of the palace plus the gardens, courtyards, Maze, and Magic Garden when those attractions are open. Historic Royal Palaces also offers qualifying £1 tickets for people receiving certain benefits and discounted group admission.
Historic Royal Palaces membership starts from £65 per year and includes general admission to its palaces, subject to the membership conditions and event-specific booking rules.
Note: Prices change from 28 November 2026 when the Winter Palace programme begins. Always check the official Hampton Court Palace ticket page for your exact visit date before paying.
Opening Hours and the Best Time to Visit
Hampton Court Palace does not follow one simple year-round timetable. Opening days, closing times, last admission, garden access, and individual palace routes can vary by season and date.
During parts of September 2026, for example, palace and garden opening hours run from 10:00 to 17:30, but some dates or routes have different arrangements. Temporary closures are also scheduled for conservation work, private events, religious services, and seasonal programmes.
Check the official opening and closing times calendar shortly before travelling rather than relying on a general summer or winter timetable.
Arriving near opening time is useful if you want to see popular interiors before the busiest part of the day and still leave several hours for the gardens.
How Long to Spend at Hampton Court Palace
A quick visit can cover a few major rooms and part of the gardens in around three hours, but four to six hours is more comfortable for a first visit. Families who plan to use the Magic Garden or Maze may want most of the day.
A practical order is to explore Henry VIII’s Tudor rooms first, continue through the later royal apartments and galleries, stop for lunch, and then spend the afternoon in the formal gardens, Maze, Great Vine area, or Magic Garden.
- 2–3 hours: Great Hall, Tudor Kitchens, selected royal apartments, and one garden area.
- 4–6 hours: Main palace routes, galleries, gardens, Maze, and a café break.
- Full day: Best for families, garden lovers, special events, or visitors using a slower audio-guided route.
Exploring the Palace Grounds
The gardens are a major part of Hampton Court Palace, but they were not created by one designer or in one period. Successive monarchs reshaped them over centuries.
The Privy Garden seen today is a carefully researched recreation of William III’s formal Baroque garden of around 1702. It was reconstructed in the 1990s using historic accounts, archaeological evidence, original plant varieties, clipped topiary, statues, and the surviving Tijou Screen.
The Great Fountain Garden belongs to the Baroque transformation associated with William III and Mary II. Their designer Daniel Marot created a formal garden with fountains and radiating avenues of yew trees. Lancelot “Capability” Brown later served as head gardener at Hampton Court and allowed some of those yews to grow into the large forms seen today.
Brown also planted Hampton Court’s famous Great Vine in 1768. The Black Hamburg grapevine remains one of the palace gardens’ best-known historic features.
The Maze sits in the Wilderness and dates from the late 17th century. Historic Royal Palaces describes it as the world’s oldest puzzle maze. Entry is included with normal palace admission when the Maze is open.
Families should also look for the Magic Garden, an adventure playground inspired by Hampton Court’s history and heraldic creatures. Its hours can differ from the main palace schedule.
Must-See Attractions Within the Palace
The Great Hall is one of the most impressive surviving spaces from Henry VIII’s rebuilding of Hampton Court. Work on the present hall began in 1532. Its hammer-beam roof, stained glass, tapestries, and enormous scale give a strong sense of Tudor court life.
Henry VIII’s Kitchens are another essential stop. Cardinal Wolsey established the kitchen complex before Henry expanded it to serve a royal household numbering roughly 1,200 people. Exhibits explain the huge amounts of food, fuel, labour, and equipment required to feed the Tudor court.
The Chapel Royal is still a working royal chapel. Its richly decorated Tudor ceiling dates from Henry VIII’s reign. Current visitor arrangements allow the chapel to be viewed from the Royal Pew, while religious services and holy days can cause additional restrictions or short-notice closures.
Other important palace routes explore William III’s apartments, the Georgian court, and changing exhibitions. The Cumberland Art Gallery displays works principally from the Royal Collection, including paintings associated with artists such as Rembrandt, Caravaggio, and Van Dyck.
Current closure: As of September 2026, the Mantegna Gallery is closed until spring 2027. Historic Royal Palaces says two paintings from The Triumphs of Caesar can be viewed in the Georgian Story during the closure. Route availability can change, so review the official opening calendar before visiting.
Dining Options at Hampton Court Palace
Current food and drink options at Hampton Court Palace include the Tiltyard Café, Privy Kitchen Café, Wilderness Kiosk, Magic Garden Kiosk, and seasonal ice-cream carts. Catering areas are currently available to ticket holders.
The Tiltyard Café is the main choice for a fuller meal, serving drinks, cakes, sandwiches, soups, salads, and hot dishes, with options for children as well as vegan and vegetarian choices. Current published hours list the deli bar from 10:00 to 17:00 and hot-food service from 11:30 to 15:00, although operating times and menus can change.
The Wilderness and Magic Garden kiosks are useful for lighter refreshments when open. Check the official Hampton Court Palace eating page for current opening times and menus.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
One of the easiest ways to understand Hampton Court’s long history is to use the official audio guide. It is included in palace admission rather than being a paid rental.
Visitors can borrow a handheld audio-guide device free of charge from the Undercroft shop, subject to availability, or access the visitor guide and audio tours on their own phone. Bringing headphones and a portable charger is useful if you plan to use your own device.
The audio programme covers subjects such as Henry VIII’s Kitchens, Henry VIII’s apartments, William III’s apartments, the Georgian Court, the Chapel Royal, film locations, and family-friendly stories. Multiple languages are available.
Scheduled curator talks, guided experiences, garden tours, and specialist tours also take place, but they vary throughout the year and some require separate booking. Check the palace’s live What’s On calendar rather than assuming a particular guided tour will be running on your visit date.
Special Events and Exhibitions
Hampton Court Palace runs seasonal events, family activities, talks, historical interpretation, exhibitions, and garden programmes throughout the year. These events can make a repeat visit feel very different from a standard sightseeing day.
For autumn 2026, examples include Tudor Kitchen Weekends on selected weekends from 5 September to 18 October, garden history tours on selected September dates, and Halloween at Hampton Court Palace from 24 October to 1 November. Event dates, availability, and ticket requirements can change.
Before travelling, check the official Hampton Court Palace What’s On calendar to see what is included with admission and what needs a separate ticket.
Tips for Visiting With Children
Hampton Court Palace works well as a family day out because children can alternate indoor history with outdoor activities. The Maze and Magic Garden are the most obvious family attractions, while the official audio guide also includes a family-friendly tour.
Try to schedule demanding palace interiors earlier in the visit, when children have more energy, and save some outdoor time for later. Comfortable walking shoes are important because a full visit covers substantial distances across rooms, courtyards, and gardens.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing because a significant part of the experience is outdoors. A café or snack break can also make a long visit easier for younger children.
Historic Royal Palaces periodically offers Relaxed Mornings and other access-focused events for neurodivergent and learning-disabled children and their families. These are date-specific, so check the current events calendar when planning.
Accessibility and Facilities for Visitors With Disabilities
Hampton Court Palace has a range of accessibility measures, but the historic layout means access differs from one route to another. It is better to check the exact areas you want to visit than to assume every room is step-free.
Step-free areas include locations such as the Wilderness Garden, Base Court, Fountain Court, and the Kitchen Garden when it is open. A lift provides first-floor access to routes including the Tudor Apartments, Georgian Story, William III’s Apartments, and Cumberland Art Gallery.
Accessible toilets are available within the ticketed site, but Hampton Court Palace currently does not have a Changing Places toilet. Seating is available in several cafés, gardens, and indoor rooms.
The on-site car park has 10 Blue Badge bays. Trained assistance dogs, including medical alert dogs, are welcome inside the palace. Disabled carers or companions receive free admission under the current ticket structure.
Visitors with mobility, sensory, hearing, or vision requirements should read the official Hampton Court Palace accessibility information before travelling. Staff can also help with suitable routes on arrival.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do After Visiting Hampton Court Palace
Bushy Park is the easiest major attraction to combine with Hampton Court Palace. Historic Royal Palaces describes it as about a 15-minute walk away. The Royal Park has large open spaces, ponds, woodland, and free-roaming deer, making it a good choice for a walk after the palace.
Kingston upon Thames is another practical nearby stop. It has riverside walks, shops, cafés, restaurants, and transport connections back toward central London. Seasonal riverboats also connect Kingston and Hampton Court.
Kew Gardens, officially the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, is another excellent attraction for plant lovers, but it is farther away and should be treated as a separate destination rather than something immediately next door. Combining both large attractions in one day can feel rushed unless you intend to spend only a short time at each.
For the smoothest day, check palace opening hours, transport disruptions, temporary room closures, and event schedules shortly before leaving. These practical details change more often than the historical attractions themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hampton Court Palace?
Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace beside the River Thames. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey began transforming the site into a grand palace in 1514. Henry VIII took it over in 1529 and expanded it, while William III and Mary II later added major Baroque sections.
What are the opening hours of Hampton Court Palace?
Opening days and hours vary by date and season. Individual palace routes, gardens, and attractions may also have separate closures. Check the official Historic Royal Palaces opening calendar for your exact date rather than relying on a fixed summer or winter timetable.
How do I get to Hampton Court Palace?
The simplest public-transport option from central London is usually a train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station, which is around a five-minute walk from the palace. Buses, cars, bicycles, and seasonal riverboats are also options.
What can I see and do at Hampton Court Palace?
Highlights include the Great Hall, Henry VIII’s Kitchens, royal apartments, Chapel Royal, Cumberland Art Gallery, Privy Garden, Great Fountain Garden, Maze, Great Vine, and Magic Garden. Temporary exhibitions and seasonal events provide additional things to see.
How much are Hampton Court Palace tickets?
Until 27 November 2026, standard adult admission is £29 off-peak or £32 peak, while children aged 5–15 are £14.50 off-peak or £16 peak. Children aged 0–4 are free. Prices change from 28 November, so always confirm the current rate before booking.
How long should I spend at Hampton Court Palace?
Four to six hours is a good amount of time for a first visit. That gives you time for the major palace rooms, gardens, Maze, and a break. Families using the Magic Garden or visitors attending a special event may prefer a full day.
Are there any tips for visiting Hampton Court Palace?
Book ahead, check opening hours and route closures shortly before travelling, arrive early if possible, and wear comfortable shoes. If using the free audio tour on your phone, bring headphones and a portable charger. Allow extra time if you want to explore both the palace and gardens properly.
Sources
- Historic Royal Palaces — Tickets and Prices — current admission categories, peak and off-peak prices, ticket inclusions, and concession information.
- Historic Royal Palaces — Getting Here — trains, buses, seasonal riverboats, parking, cycling, and driving information.
- Historic Royal Palaces — Opening and Closing Times — current operating hours and temporary palace or route closures.
- Historic Royal Palaces — Accessibility — step-free routes, lifts, toilets, assistance dogs, seating, and access facilities.
- Historic Royal Palaces — Eating — current cafés, kiosks, food options, and published service times.
- Historic Royal Palaces — Hampton Court Gardens History — Privy Garden, Great Fountain Garden, Capability Brown, Great Vine, and historic garden development.
