visit hampton court palace gardens

Introduction The Vikings used the River Thames to reach and raid London. William the Conqueror when he took England as his personal property built a castle at either end of the walled city to protect it. As time passed, castles were…

The Wolsey Era One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

Hampton Court under King Henry VIII Remodelling and Extension Wolsey had 400 in his staff, Henry had more than twice that many, and if he had visitors, there was no telling how many would be there to empty the larder and fill the garde-robes. The first…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

The Gardens of Hampton Court Today

The dimensions are substantial: 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of park, and eight thousand trees. Great Vine The Great Vine has particular interest. Started from a cutting by Capability Brown in 1769, it has grown to the…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park

Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

Acquisition and Rebuilding of Hampton Court

One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

The Problems of Catherine of Aragon

Daughters of the aristocracy were until fairly recent times considered as properties to be used by their parents to the best advantage of the family. The oldest son was the heir, traditionally the second son was the “spare” since there…

A Visitor's Guide to Hampton Court Palace in London

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Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1520s when King Henry VIII took over its development from Cardinal Wolsey, and its many royal occupants over the years have granted the palace its stunning furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.

Hampton Court Palace also contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection , which is the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This collection is on full display and contains material from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries.

In 1689, Sir Christopher Wren demolished large parts of the Tudor palace and began building a new palace for King William III and Queen Mary II, but by 1760, George III became king and abandoned Hampton Court as a royal residence.

In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens and state apartments to the public free of charge. It is no longer free (see ticket information) but is well worth a visit. The Hampton Court Palace estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens, requiring 200,000 flowering bulbs each year and another 40,000 plants grown in the nursery.

Hours of Operation, Photography Rules, and Audio Guides

Hampton Court Palace and the Formal Gardens are closed December 24, 25, and 26 each year while the Informal Gardens are closed December 25. Home Park is open year-round, however, the hours of operation are subject to change depending on the season, so always be sure to check the official website for more detailed information. 

General photography, without flash, for personal, non-commercial use is allowed within the palace and gardens, with the exception of the Chapel Royal and Royal Pew.

Audio guides are included in the ticket price and can be collected from the Information Center in the far left corner of Base Court. Languages offered for this service include English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Korean.

Directions: Getting to Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is next to the River Thames to the south west of London , and while there are WPSA riverboats to the palace from Westminster in the summer months—a journey that takes four hours—there are also a variety of other means of public and private transport that can get you there. Use  Journey Planner  or the Citymapper app to plan your route by public transport.

• Address:  Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9A
• Nearest tube stations: Richmond (R68 bus) or Hounslow East (111 bus)

Public Transit From London and Its Airports

South West Trains run services direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and the journey takes only 35 minutes, resulting in a 200 meter walk across the bridge from the station to the palace. The train service passes through Wimbledon station, where the London Underground District Line begins, and Hampton Court is in Travel Zone 6.

If you do travel by South West trains they have an offer for a combined travel and Palace ticket. That also means you've got your entry ticket in your hand so won't need to go to the Ticket Office when you arrive. Be sure to check out local bus routes for the following lines, which all run past Hampton Court Palace: 111, 216, 411, 451, 461, R68, and 513.

From Heathrow Airport take the 111 bus, from Gatwick Airport take a train from the airport station to Clapham Junction and change to the Hampton Court train, and from London City Airport, take the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, then catch the Hampton Court train from there.

Ticket Information, Accommodations, and Luggage Storage

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance from the Palace ticket office—located just inside the main gates on the left-hand side of the drive—or in advance from any staffed South West Trains station.

To save money on trips to Hampton Court Palace, you can buy a London Pass , which gives you unlimited admission to loads of top London attractions including Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London , or you can book online in advance on the official website and oftentimes score discounts on tickets.

If you're traveling with luggage or a backpack, Hampton Court Palace has some lockers, located off Clock Court, where hand baggage and small rucksacks or overnight bags can be left (locker size: 45cms wide x 45cms deep). A £1 coin is required to use them, which is returned after use. Large bags or suitcases may be left at your own risk in the Warders Office by the West Gate. Please speak to the Warders when you present your ticket if you would like to use this facility.

There are two self-catering apartments at the palace available to visitors for hire. Fish Court sleeps up to 6 people and the Georgian House sleeps up to 8 people. For bookings and information contact ​ The Landmark Trust .​

Hampton Court Palace Highlights

With over 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer all visitors, from the Tudor Kitchens to the famous Andrea Mantegna painting set "The Triumphs of Ceasar," you won't want to miss these highlights on your tour of the grounds.

From 1529, the Tudor Kitchens comprised 55 rooms, covered 3,000 sq ft, were staffed by 200 people providing 600 meals twice a day for the Royal court. What's more, King Henry VIII's court would have drunk an incredible 600 gallons of ale every year. Explore this section of the palace then venture into the Great Hall, England's last and greatest medieval hall which once served as King Henry VIII's dining hall for his staff and is still decorated with the tapestries hung to impress visiting ambassadors.

We always think of King Henry VIII as a large man with many wives but he was an attractive young man and was married to his first wife, the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, for 20 years and they were very much in love. They had 6 children die leaving him with no male heir and Henry saw this as God punishing him for marrying his brother's wife. Hence the story we know: the new Church of England was formed so he could divorce and his further five marriages in his quest to produce a male heir.

You'll also want to check out William III's and the Georgian Private Apartments, both of which were the results of different monarchs living in the palace. Mary II and her husband William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild a third of Hampton Court, which includes the "necessary office" (the king's toilet).

The Georgian Private apartments now host the Cartoon Gallery, which was designed to display the large Raphael cartoons, but instead features 17th-century copies as Queen Victoria gave the originals to the  Victoria and Albert Museum .

The Chapel Royal has been in continuous use for over 450 years, and it's constantly changed depending on who occupied the palace. When Cromwell lived at the palace he removed the ornate stained glass, and Queen Anne later put a wooden altar in front of the removed windows.

The Hampton Court Palace Gardens offer 60 acres of gardens that run down to the River Thames, with another 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Look out for the Privy Garden—King William III's garden restored to its 1702 glory, and the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768 by the celebrated gardener "Capability" Brown and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes that are sold in the palace shops in early September.

The Maze, the most visited attraction in the gardens, takes an average 20 minutes to reach the center. Also, look out for the Royal Tennis Courts , the oldest tennis court in England, which is still used daily.

Fun for All Ages: Family Activities

The Hampton Court Palace is a family-friendly attraction that entertains thousands of tourists each year and features activities focused on kids of all ages. For families with small children, or who are carrying buggies already, pushchairs or buggies may be taken around the palace and may also be left at the left luggage facility off Clock Court, which features a Buggy Park. Speak to a warder if you wish to use the lifts that are available for anyone unable to manage the stairs.

There is a Family Room off Base Court for the little ones to play freely within the confines of the palace. There is a similar children's play area in the Tiltyard Café, which is not available during school holidays, and there are also a variety of Family Trails available from the Information Centre for young children to do as they go around the palace.

However, not all the Family Trails are little ones. There are also some of older children that will enhance their knowledge of the Tudor period, and four family audio tours are available to guide children over 6 through the palace. During school holidays, the palace also offers costume guided events and craft activities that are aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Dressing up clothes are available in the Information Center, where you collect your free audio guide. There are costumes for the whole family and it can make it easier to spot each other when the Palace is busy if all of your party dresses up. However, guests cannot come in costume as there are costumed actors in the Palace every day and the staff doesn't want others to confuse you with them.

The Maze is also recommended for all ages, and admission to the Maze is included in your palace ticket. Don't forget the gardens are beautiful and a great place to have a family picnic—you can bring your own meal or buy sandwiches and snacks from the Tiltyard Cafe!

Hampton Court Palace Disabled Access Information

Hampton Court Palace is very large so be aware visitors wishing to see all of the palace interiors and the gardens will travel over two miles. Since Hampton Court Palace is a historic building with uneven surfaces, it may be difficult to traverse. However, many of the staircases are wide and shallow because of William III, who was asthmatic, built them so they would be easier for him to climb!

Most of the routes within the palace are accessible to visitors unable to climb stairs as there is an elevator to take visitors to the State Apartments on the first floor. Speak to any warder for assistance. Manual wheelchairs are available for use within the palace and single-person scooters are available for use in the gardens only, but neither can be booked in advance.

Visitors with disabilities are admitted at the standard rate but an accompanying carer, personal assistant, or a companion is given a free entry—please notify the admissions staff when purchasing your tickets if your accompanying person is a service person. Guide dogs are also welcome. 

There are accessible toilet facilities in Base Court, Fountain Court, on the first floor, in the Wilderness Garden, and the Tiltyard Cafe. Nine disabled car parking spaces are available on site on a first come, first served basis. Two of the four shops are accessible to wheelchair users: the Barrack Block Shop and the Garden Shop.

Those unable to get to the Young Henry VIII exhibition in the Wolsey Rooms can see a virtual tour—be sure to check out the full access details on the exhibit's official website.

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Visiting Hampton Court Palace – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Hampton Court Palace

Visiting Hampton Court Palace – Tickets & Tours

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Nearest train station – Hampton Court 

How long to set aside for your visit?

Allow at least three hours to explore Hampton Court Palace and its grounds fully – you may want to stay longer. 

Tickets 

• Hampton Court Palace and Gardens ticket

Good to know – Hampton Court Palace entry is included with The London Pass and the Go City  London Explorer Pass  

Combi tours 

• River Thames bike tour with Hampton Court Palace : 3.5 hour tour including Richmond Palace, Ham House, an 800-year-old market and a picnic in a hunting ground with dee r
• Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle black taxi tour : 8 hour tour by London black cab to Windsor Castle, Eton College, Windsor Great Park and Hampton Court Palace

Guided tours

• Secrets of Hampton Court Palace tour : 1.5 hour tour with Tudor and Baroque State Apartments and the history of Henry VIII led by a published historian
• Hampton Court Palace tour with afternoon tea : 2.5 hour guided tour of the palace and gardens plus afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, cakes and scones
• Private Hampton Court Palace tour : 2.5 hour tour including Henry VIII’s kitchens, the Great Hall, artworks and the gardens
• Skip-the-line 5 star Hampton Court Palace tour : 4.5 hour tour with a licensed guide including hotel transfers by private car and the history of the palace and gardens

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London

There is no London Underground station near Hampton Court Palace.

Instead, you can take a mainline train to Hampton Court train station , which is in zone 6.

Trains leave about twice per hour from London Waterloo.

There is a tube station here connecting mainline trains to the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City lines.

The closest tube stations to Hampton Court Palace are Richmond and Wimbledon.

You can then catch a bus to reach the palace. 

From Richmond (where there is a tube station), the R68 bus can take you to Hampton Court Palace.

The 111, 216, 411, 461 and 513 buses also go there from Kingston.

Hampton Court Palace is on the A308, and can also be accessed via the A307 or A309. The A308 can be reached from the M25 junction 12, or you can take junction 10 for the A307.

From the A3, you can take the A309. Brown (tourist attraction) signs will point you in the right direction. 

Parking at the palace is available and is charged hourly. If the main car park is full, there’s another at Hampton Court Green. This is around 500 yards from the palace. 

Read our comprehensive guide to how to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London (all transportation options covered)

• The famous maze at Hampton Court Palace is the oldest of its type to be found anywhere on earth. It dates back to around 1700, and still puzzles visitors to this day.  
• Hampton Court Palace is the home of the Tudor feast. Visitors can still see Henry VIII’s kitchens, where extravagant spreads were prepared. These date from the 1500s, have half a dozen fireplaces and were used by up to 200 cooks at a time before a big banquet. 
• It wasn’t only about food during Tudor times. Base Court at Hampton Court Palace is where guests would wait to be called inside by Henry VIII. He installed a wine fountain here, so they could enjoy a drink while they waited! 
• Thomas Wolsey was the one who ordered the palace to be built. He was a prominent advisor to King Henry VIII and a Catholic bishop. Though he commissioned it, he gave it to the King a few years later when both men realised it was finer than any of the King’s own palaces.
• Queen Victoria was responsible for Hampton Court Palace being opened to the public. This was in 1838. Before that, the palace had been empty from 1760, after the death of King George II. He was the last royal to live at the palace. 

• Hampton Court Palace was something of an entertainment and leisure centre in its day. During the reign of Henry VIII, it offered facilities for archery, bowling, jousting and tennis. The gardens occupy 60 acres, and a royal hunting ground can also be found nearby. 
• Both William Shakespeare, the English playwright, and Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch artist, have visited the palace. Shakespeare stayed here during the Christmas period of 1603 when his theatre company put on plays for James I. Van Gogh was one of the first visitors once the palace was opened to the public, as he wanted to see the tapestries for himself. 
• Two of Henry VIII’s former wives – numbers three and five of the eight – are said to haunt the palace. They are Jane Seymour, who died during childbirth at Hampton Court Palace, and Catherine Howard. The latter was arrested here before being beheaded at the Tower of London .
• In winter, you can ice skate at the palace. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink opens between mid-November and early January, when members of the public can pay to skate for up to 45 minutes. Season tickets are available to locals, as well as one-off entry. 
• The Great Hall is the oldest remaining Elizabethan theatre in England. Celebrated architect Inigo Jones designed the scenery. Both Queen Anne and William Shakespeare have acted here too – the former in plays written by Samuel Daniel, and the second in some of his own. 

Hampton Court Palace is usually open daily between 10 am and 5.30 pm during the UK’s Easter, summer, Christmas and half-term school holidays. At other times, it’s open between Wednesday and Sunday only and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Last admission is an hour before closing. It’s worth checking the palace’s opening times page for any planned closures before you visit.

The Magic Garden often opens an hour later than the rest of the buildings and gardens. 

• Hampton Court Palace is only open to visitors between Wednesday and Friday, except for the school holidays, when it opens daily. The palace opens at 10am and the last entry is at 4.30pm, an hour before closing time. 
• Though the palace is open during more days per week in school holidays, it also tends to be busier then. If you can, visit between Wednesday and Friday in term-time for the best chance of experiencing a more peaceful palace and gardens. 
• Though the palace is always popular, it can be less busy between 10 am and midday, so do visit in the morning if possible.
• Saturdays and Sundays are busy all year round, which is why a weekday visit is the best option. 
• The summer season is also a busy time for any tourist attraction in the London area. UK school summer holidays take place between mid July and early September, so the palace will be busy during this time. Tourists from overseas also often visit the UK during summer for drier, warmer weather. European schools also have holidays at around the same time. 

What to see at Hampton Court Palace

Tudor sights to see at Hampton Court Palace include the Great Hall with its phenomenal tapestries, Henry VIII’s kitchens and the Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments which traces Henry VIII’s route from his quarters to the chapel.

At the Great Watching Chamber, you can see where guards controlled who entered the palace: only those of high rank would be permitted to venture within.

You can also see the state apartments of William III and Mary II and the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. If you’re into art, don’t miss the Cumberland Gallery, which houses works by some well known artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt.

Other things to see in and around the palace include Christopher Wren’s Fountain Court and the restored Chocolate Kitchens, which are 3 centuries old. 

Out on the grounds, there’s also lots to discover. Get lost in the 300-year-old maze, or discover the colourful Magic Garden. You can also see the Privy Garden and the tennis courts here. 

There are no major tourist attractions close to Hampton Court. However if you do find yourself with any free time after taking in the palace and gardens, you could enjoy some time in Bushy Park by the palace. 

You could also spend some time in the riverside suburb of Richmond (think Ted Lasso!) , or head to Richmond Park. This works particularly well if you take a tube and bus to Hampton Court. 

• Buy Hampton Court tickets in advance if you can. This means you can avoid delays when waiting to get in. It’s popular and thus very busy, especially in summer or on weekends. 
• Try to time your visit for a Wednesday or Thursday morning if you can, for the best chance of avoiding the crowds.
• It’s best to allow a full day to travel to the palace and explore all the grounds and historic buildings offer. Plus there’s also artwork to see.  
• Don’t forget to allow enough time to do the grounds justice. Hampton Court Palace Maze is world-famous, and the oldest of its kind. The Magic Garden, Privy Garden and tennis courts are also worth a look. 
• Wear comfortable footwear – you’ll do a lot of walking while discovering the sprawling site. You only need to look at the pictures to see how vast the palace is!
• If you have any questions, do ask the guides at the palace, who are dressed in Tudor costumes. They’ll only be too happy to share the history – and any stories they may have. 
• There are several eateries at the palace for meals and refreshments. Or if it’s a dry day, pack a picnic to enjoy the outdoors, instead of waiting in line at the cafe or restaurant. 

If you’re particularly interested in Tudor history, it’s worth booking a private tour with a historian guide who’s even been on TV talking about the palace.

Visiting the palace is a bucket list kind of thing, so it’s worth the investment for a day that you’ll remember forever. There’s no finer place on earth to get a real feel for Tudor history.

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500 years of gardens at Hampton Court Palace: part 2

Meet gardeners from 500 years of history at historic royal palaces. in this part, we bring the story from capability brown up to the modern day..

By Historic Royal Palaces

Plan view of Palace Gardens (1736) by John Rocque (fl. 1738) Cartographer Historic Royal Palaces

​Little has changed in terms of the basic layout of the gardens at Hampton Court Palace since the 18th century.

It's the horticultural fads and fashions and changing priorities over the past two centuries that have contributed to the historic landscape we see today. 

The Great Fountain Garden, Hampton Court Palace (1829) by E Duncan, after Henry Bryan Ziegler Historic Royal Palaces

Capability Brown was the last Master Gardener to be appointed for his status and fame. Brown’s decision not to trim the topiary had a substantial impact on the look and feel of the gardens, although he made few other changes.

During Brown's era, George III had turned royal attention and budgets to developing Kew Palace. This left Hampton Court head gardeners with little more than a basic maintenance brief. 

East Front and Great Fountain Garden, Hampton Court Palace (1800-20) by David Cox Historic Royal Palaces

The clipping of the topiary trees lapsed in the mid-18th century. In the Wilderness, the high hedges grew out. Elsewhere in the gardens, the statues were removed to Windsor Castle by George IV and the intricate parterres were lost. ​  

A Scene in Hampton Court Grounds (1891) by Stanislaus Rejchan Historic Royal Palaces

The Victorian era

It wasn't until Queen Victoria opened the gardens to the public in 1838 that Hampton Court had a new lease of life, attracting hordes of visitors.​  

Painting of Great Fountain Garden (1916) by William George Storm Jr. (1882-1917) artist Historic Royal Palaces

Head gardeners embraced the changing horticultural fashions of the day and Hampton Court became known for the huge numbers of visitors that came to take the air and enjoy the historic landscape and dazzling planting displays.​  

Watercolour of the Great Fountain Garden, Hampton Court Palace (1910) Historic Royal Palaces

The Victorian fashion for colourful carpet bedding was adopted for the Great Fountain Garden. This popular tradition of changing the planting more than twice a year continues today.​  

A grace-and-favour resident gardening, Hampton Court Palace (1904) by Madeline Helen Keyes Historic Royal Palaces

The 20th century

As well as public visitors and changing garden teams, grace-and-favour residents also influenced how the gardens were tended into the next century.  In this photo, a resident is tending a garden in the Flower Quarter of the Pond Gardens.

The Privy Garden, Hampton Court Palace (Early 20th century) Historic Royal Palaces

The overgrown trees left in the Privy Garden gave the grace-and-favour residents some privacy. 

Gardeners in the Hampton Court Palace gardens (1926) Original Source: Historic Royal Palaces image library

The focus for the gardeners continued to be very much on seasonal colour and bedding schemes, as in most public parks. ​This tradition continues today, although the gardeners' uniform has changed considerably!

Privy Garden, Hampton Court Palace (c.1930) Historic Royal Palaces

The 1920s gardeners were busy maintaining the gardens, but there was no drive to make structural changes. By 1930, the topiary shrubs in the Privy Garden had matured into overgrown trees, obscuring the view from the Palace to the river Thames beyond​.  

The Maze at Hampton Court Palace (1952) Historic Royal Palaces

The Maze had to be replanted in the 1960s, due to wear and tear from visitors.

The Great Fountain Garden, Hampton Court Palace (2016) Historic Royal Palaces

It wasn't until the 1980s that the historic significance of Hampton Court's gardens was recognised and its value for future generations was reassessed. ​ 

The gardens team, led by Terry Gough,  former Head of Gardens and Estates, began a process of regeneration and reimagination of the historic landscape.​ 

Aerial view of Privy Garden (2015) Historic Royal Palaces

The first major project was the reconstruction of the lost Privy Garden. Reopened by HRH Prince Charles in 1995, it's a stunning reconstruction of the original 17th century design that William III commissioned. ​  

Chapel Court, Hampton Court Palace (2015) Historic Royal Palaces

A new garden in Chapel Court was created in 2009 to mark the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.   

Kitchen Garden, Hampton Court Palace (2019) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

The reconstructed Kitchen Garden opened in 2014. Based on one part of a large four acre walled garden, which was designed in the late 17th century, it's now a working, productive garden again. Produce from this garden is sold to the public in the summer.​  

Exotick plants on display (2019) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

The gardens team are now recreating Queen Mary's Exoticks collection of tender plants. Now recognised as an historic national collection, they are displayed outside the Orangery in summer. ​  

Gardeners in the Glasshouse Nursery, Hampton Court Palace (2015) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces

Maintaining the annual bedding displays is still an important focus in the gardening year at Hampton Court Palace. The gardeners grow over 100,000 plants every year in the glasshouses to plant out in spring and summer. 

Queen's Golden Jubilee celebration floral crowns (2013) by Vivian Russell Historic Royal Palaces

The tradition of carpet bedding and celebration planting has continued for special events like Her Majesty The Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002. 15,000 plants were used to create each one of multiple crowns that appeared around the gardens. 

Alex Wigley is the head of Gardens and Estates for Historic Royal Palaces. He is the 25th person to have held the position as head of the Royal Gardens since the post was first established in 1684.

Find out more and visit the Hampton Court Palace gardens . 

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Visiting Hampton Court Palace: 12 Top Attractions

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Historic Hampton Court Palace, on the north bank of the River Thames, is one of England's top tourist attractions, and should rank high on your UK travel itinerary. Located just a short rail ride to the southwest of Central London, this famous English landmark has been at the center of British history since the 16th century.

Hampton Court Palace was built in 1514 as a private residence for Cardinal Wolsey , an advisor to King Henry VIII and a Catholic bishop. Wolsey later gifted the palace to the king as a means to secure his rank in English society and in Henry's court.

Five of Henry's six wives lived here as his Queen, and the ghosts of the third and fifth – Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard – are said to still haunt the palace. It was also a favorite residence of Queen Elizabeth I, whose lengthy reign from 1558 to 1603 saw England firmly cement its position on the world stage.

It was also here that Elizabeth was staying when news broke of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Charles I also lived here, both as King and as Oliver Cromwell's prisoner. The palace was opened to the public during Queen Victoria 's reign, and although no longer a royal residence, parts of it are occupied by individuals granted "grace and favor" apartments by the monarch.

Hampton Court Palace is a wonderful place to spend a day of exploration and offers numerous things to do. Highlights of popular tourist activities include participating in staged royal feasts, or taking in a medieval festival or flower show. Also fun are fishing adventures, unique overnight stays, and bicycle tours.

To learn more about these and other things to do when visiting this important piece of English history, check out our list of the top attractions, tips, and tours when visiting Hampton Court Palace.

See also: Where to Stay near Hampton Court Palace

1. Henry VIII's Apartments and the Great Hall

2. william iii's state & private apartments, 3. the chapel royal, 4. the tudor kitchens and cellars, 5. the clock court, 6. the royal gardens, 7. hampton court maze, 8. the king's guard chamber, 9. cumberland art gallery, 10. staying overnight at hampton court, 11. hampton court palace festival and flower show, 12. tennis, fishing, and golf, where to stay near hampton court palace, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to hampton court palace.

The State Apartments are a highlight of any visit to Hampton Court. A good place to begin your visit is in the Buttery, with its excellent film depicting the lives (and deaths) of Henry VIII's wives.

Highlights of the surviving sections of Henry's quarters consist of the magnificently decorated Great Hall and the Great Watching Chamber. Also worth seeing here are the King's Council Chamber and the Processional Route linking the rooms.

The Great Hall in particular is a worthy place to linger. Not only is it England's greatest medieval hall, it became one of the country's most famous theaters, even hosting Shakespeare 's company in 1603.

The apartments of King William III were designed by Christopher Wren. They were decorated throughout with beautiful and delicate wood carvings created by the 17th-century master craftsman Grinling Gibbons. In the State Apartments, the opulent Great Bedchamber wasn't where the king actually slept, but was where he dressed in the presence of his courtiers.

Downstairs in Williams III's Private Apartments, rooms are more livable and display his personal collections of favorite art. The apartments of Mary II have been restored as they would have appeared to George II's wife, Queen Caroline, between 1716 and 1737.

In continuous use for more than 450 years, Hampton Court's royal chapel has a breathtaking timber and plaster ceiling that is said to be perhaps the finest example of Tudor interior decoration in the palace. Also here are the historic Royal Pews, where Henry VIII sat as he read the accusations of his young wife Catherine Howard's supposed indiscretions before their marriage.

A replica of King Henry's Crown of State , the original of which was melted down by Cromwell, sits in the Royal Pew. Visitors can also attend Sunday services here. These include Holy Communion at 8:30am, Choral Matins at 11am, and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm.

The vast medieval kitchens and cellars at Hampton Court provide a fascinating insight into the logistics of having to feed the palace's 600 members of the court, who dined here twice daily. Built in 1530, the kitchens were a central part of palace life and employed numerous Master Cooks and their staff.

You can also visit the recently discovered 18th-century Chocolate Kitchen with its original braziers and equipment. Dining events are also regularly held here, allowing guests a unique opportunity to try the traditional period dishes prepared in the kitchens.

The famous Clock Court, located in the center of Hampton Court, is home to the spectacular astronomical clock . This mechanical marvel was made for Henry VIII in 1540.

The clock is connected to a set of three bells situated in the Belfry, the oldest dating to 1478 and presented to Cardinal Wolsey by the Knights of St. John. Made by French clockmaker Nicholas Oursian, this fascinating timepiece is certainly impressive in size. Measuring 15 feet across, it consists of three copper dials indicating the hour, month, and day, along with the signs of the zodiac, and even the position of the sun.

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the palace's 60-acre grounds . Consisting of the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and the Wilderness, it's a particularly pleasant place to visit in springtime. Around mid-May, the more than one million bulbs here are in full bloom and provide a stunning backdrop to a visit to the palace.

Also of interest is the Great Vine, the largest grape vine in the world at more than 200 years old. It's 81 inches thick and still produces fruit. Other things to do include visiting the Lower Orangery, which contains Mantegna's masterpiece, The Triumph of Caesar , and having the kids try out the world's oldest maze.

Entering Hampton Court's huge maze will probably be the one time you won't mind getting lost in England.

Planted around 1689 and covering a third of an acre, this trapezoid maze contains half a mile of paths separated by thick hedges too tall to see over, and is the oldest such maze in the world.

The King's Guard Chamber offers a fascinating look at the arms and armor of Henry VIII's time.

The collection includes more than 2,840 muskets and pistols, swords and daggers, as well as pieces of armor all arranged in decorative patterns on the room's walls.

The newest addition to the attractions at Hampton Court is the Cumberland Art Gallery. The gallery displays some of the finest works from the Royal Collection.

Here, you'll see one of Rembrandt's self-portraits; a Grand Canal scene by Canaletto; and paintings by Holbein, van Dyck and Gainsborough. Entrance is included in Hampton Court Palace admission.

Ever wondered what it would be like to sleep in a palace? Well, wonder no longer! Now you can enjoy a sleepover in the imposing 18th-century Georgian House, an elegant building at Hampton Court Palace that was built as the kitchens for George, Prince of Wales. On the alley leading to Henry VIII's tennis court, the Georgian House has been renovated as a self-catering home that sleeps eight and has its own private walled garden.

Not only will you have the unique opportunity to wander the grounds after the gates have shut for the day, but you can make yourself at home to explore the gardens, courtyards, and public rooms of the palace during opening hours as often as you like.

You'll get to know the palace staff and become part of palace life yourself. For details and reservations, visit the Landmark Trust website. And be prepared to plan ahead, as these hot luxury accommodations book well-ahead.

Two major events take place inside the grounds of Hampton Court each year. For two weeks in June, the Hampton Court Palace Festival draws some of the biggest names in pop and classical music for concerts in the stunning setting of the palace. It's one of the country's most popular outdoor music events. For tickets and details, visit the Hampton Court Palace Festival website.

For a week in July, the already beautiful grounds are turned into a wonderland of colorful blooms with the week-long Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is the world's biggest annual flower show, filled with specially designed gardens, spectacular flower displays, and shopping for everything garden or flower-related. For dates and tickets, visit the Royal Horticultural Society website.

Sports enthusiasts won't be disappointed by a trip to Hampton Court. The palace's long association with tennis began in 1528 after Henry VIII built the country's first tennis court. Although the palace's tennis club is private, introductory lessons are available.

Golfers may find themselves sharing the greens with members of Hampton Court's large herd of deer, but they'll have the pleasure of playing on the only course in the country set in a Royal Park. Hampton Court Palace Golf Club is a 6,514-yard, par-71 course. Fishing is also popular on the grounds, in the waters of Hampton Court and Bushy Park, and annual permits are available from the ticket office.

We recommend these convenient hotels near Hampton Court Palace:

• The Mitre Hotel : 4-star B&B, beautiful riverside terrace, elegant decor, large rooms.
• The Lion Gate Mews : mid-range pricing, steps from the palace and park, lovely apartments, fully equipped kitchens.
• Tours and Tickets: As it's one of England's most popular sightseeing destinations, you can expect lines, especially during holiday periods. You can bypass these with priority admission, with a Skip the Line: Hampton Court Palace Entrance Ticket . This one-day pass allows you to arrive even at the busiest times and walk straight inside to explore on your own or join one of the free tours by authentically costumed guides. On a three-hour Hampton Court Bike Tour , you can explore the palace grounds and adjoining Bushy Park with a lively and well-informed guide. On the leisurely eight-mile ride, you'll see and learn about President Eisenhower's WWII base; King Henry VIII's former hunting grounds; and the Long Water canal, modeled after Versailles gardens, with fine palace views.
• For Kids: Actors playing the roles of King Henry VIII and his courtiers bring to life historic events that took place here (pick up a schedule as you enter), and a Family Trails tour leads you on a self-guided palace walk designed for children. Tickets for admission to the Magic Garden (a fun park for kids) and the Maze can be purchased separately without full palace admission.
• For Your Comfort: Prepare for a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the magnificent gardens. A luggage facility off Clock Court contains lockers.
• Getting To Hampton Court Palace: Buses run regularly from Kingston, and trains run every half hour from London's Waterloo station. A riverboat service operates from Westminster, Richmond-upon-Thames, and Kingston-upon-Thames in the summer.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey

Official site: www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace

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Hampton Court Palace Garden

Address East Molesey, Surrey, England, KT8 9AU

Opening times All year. Daily except Christmas.

Entrance fee Adult Palace and Garden £14.00, Garden only £4.60

Website Visit the Hampton Court Palace Garden website

Nearby gardens

Nearby hotels

• The Academy (19.4 km away)
• The Royal Berkshire Ramada Plaza (20.8 km away)

• Stoke Park Club Hotel & Spa (23.6 km away)
• Grim's Dyke Hotel (24.1 km away)

Nearby nurseries

• The Palm Centre (4.5 km away)
• Beechcroft Nursery (10.2 km away)
• PJ's Palms and Exotics (10.3 km away)
• The Vernon Geranium Nursery (10.4 km away)

• Spring Reach Nursery (15.6 km away)
• Derek Lloyd Dean (18.3 km away)
• Foliage Scented & Herb Plants (18.8 km away)
• Toobees Exotics (19.7 km away)
• Crocus.co.uk (22.2 km away)

Designers and Influences

• Charles II,
• Henry VIII,
• London, George

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Cost of visit to Hampton Court gardens goes from free to as much as £29

Dismayed locals and Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson are calling on palace to reconsider large fees

For those living in south London, a stroll next to the colourful flowerbeds in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace was until recently a free weekend activity all could enjoy.

But 18 months ago, locals were horrified to find the gates shut, as they were told they would have to pay up to £29 to visit the gardens in future.

The local MP, the Liberal Democrat Munira Wilson, has written to the palace to ask it to reconsider the large fees.

It now costs £26.30 for an adult to visit during the week and £29 at the weekends. For children it costs £13.10.

The palace, owned by the royal family, has blamed financial difficulties after the Covid pandemic for its locking of the gates for the first time in 185 years.

Although the gardens are privately owned by the royals, they have been treated as a public park since Queen Victoria opened them for her subjects in 1838 – but now the gardens are shut to those who cannot afford the fee.

The local campaigner Robert Palmer, 79, said he was shocked when the gardens he had strolled through for years were shuttered for non-paying customers. He said he used to particularly enjoy going to see the daffodils in spring.

“We were horrified, really, to find out what had happened without any consultation or anything,” he said. “I used to go at least once a week, and a lot of people did, it spreads through all the generations, all those gates are now closed. A lot of older people, people with disabilities, they could go in there and it was a safe environment. It had tarmacked paths so it was safe for people in wheelchairs, you didn’t have anyone coming up to you or anything like that.”

Palmer wrote to the queen last year asking for her help. “We did get a reply from her office but they just forwarded us on to Hampton Court.”

The campaigners are considering writing to King Charles after his coronation. “The present king probably has other matters on his mind at the moment but maybe he is closer to that sort of thing, he might be more amenable, we may write to him when he gets himself settled. Technically he could open the gate and let people in.”

For now, they are hoping an online petition will gain enough momentum for the palace to listen.

Wilson said: “The decision to introduce charges to enter the palace’s stunning grounds has brought nearly 185 years of free public access to this much-valued green space to an end and undone a commitment to the public made by Queen Victoria.

“For local residents, these gardens were a jewel among the many fantastic parks and open spaces in our area of London and, particularly for those with reduced mobility, the fact that much of the gardens is paved meant easier access to enjoy nature.

“Local Liberal Democrats urge Historic Royal Palaces to reverse this decision, or at the very least commit to removing charges again as soon as financially viable.”

A spokesperson for the palace said: “Our finances were badly hit by the pandemic. We reduced our staffing budgets by 40% and halved our operating budgets. This meant we were no longer able to do all the things we had previously done and difficult decisions had to be made, including limiting free access to a small proportion of our gardens.

“As we build back after the pandemic, our focus is on prioritising increasing free or heavily subsidised access for disadvantaged groups and school children. Later this year we will be introducing a free or very low (£1) ticket at all palaces and gardens for people who are on universal credit, pension credit or similar. We are also growing our community access scheme and subsidised school places. We will keep the current arrangements under ongoing review.”

A princely sum: how Hampton Court Palace prices compare with other parks

Kew Gardens, London: £22 for a full-priced adult ticket

RHS Wisley, Surrey: £18.10

Sissinghurst Castle, Kent: £16

Tintinhull Garden, Somerset: £7

Temple Newsam, West Yorkshire: £4.50

• Access to green space
• Hampton Court Palace
• Parks and green spaces
• Liberal Democrats

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10 best places to visit in Surrey you should take everyone who comes to stay

S urrey is a wonderful place to visit. Located on the outskirts of London, it is easy to get to and explore. It offers tourists an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a break and breathing in the countryside air.

Renowned for spectacular views including the rolling Surrey Hills and North Downs, it's not just a place to go hiking. It's bursting with historical monuments, fun activities for kids and family attractions.

VisitEngland has listed the best places to visit in the county, which include Hampton Court Palace, Chessington World of Adventures and RHS Wisley. The tourist company said on its website: "Visit Surrey for theme parks to take your breath away, fast racehorses and even faster cars and scenic downs. Village churches, meadow-covered hilltops and woodland in this southeast county have made their way into Hollywood blockbusters like Gladiator and Bridget Jones. Lace up your walking shoes to explore forests, commons and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty hills shaped like punchbowls.

READ MORE: Idyllic riverside village that's one of Surrey's best places to live

"Or speed along wooded disused railway lines by bicycle. Feeling parched? Riverside pubs and vineyards are Surrey specialities. On rainy days retreat to Palladian mansions and Henry VIII palaces. Top places to visit in Surrey include Hampton Court Palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, Leith Hill and the Hogs Back Brewery."

So, in no particular order, here's the 10 best places to visit.

Hampton Court Palace

Open throughout the year, Henry VIII’s favourite palace is absolutely stunning and you can spend the day there perusing around the gardens, kitchens, bedchambers and a maze. Located on the banks of the River Thames, there are boat rides available and a number of trendy pubs, restaurants and cafes dotted around the palace perimeter.

There is a fee to enter the palace and tickets can be booked online at hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace.

Address: Hampton Court Way, Molesey , East Molesey, KT8 9AU.

Magna Carta

The Magna Carta memorial at the water meadows of Runnymede is a very important moment in the history of British law. More than 800 years ago, Magna Carta was sealed there by King John.

Visitors can discover more about the ‘Great Charter of Liberty’, why it was sealed at Runnymede, and the history that lies across the river at Ankerwycke.

Address: Windsor Road, Old Windsor, Englefield Green, TW20 0YU.

For beautiful English gardens, RHS Wisley is just off the M25 . Visitors can discover horticultural highlights and get some ideas to take home to their own garden. There are some lovely cafes within the grounds plus a large garden centre.

There is a fee to enter the gardens. To book tickets visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.

Address: Wisley Lane, Wisley, Woking , GU23 6QB.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Trust site offers dozens of walking routes, from gentle strolls to adventurous hikes. There are plenty of places to picnic plus a little coffee shop by the main car park. Entry is free, but parking charges apply.

Address: Box Hill Viewpoint, Brockham, Tadworth, KT20 7LB.

Fellow National Trust site Leith Hill also offers wonderful walking opportunities and incredible views over the Surrey Hills. Visitors can climb the 78 spiral steps to the top of Leith Hill Tower and take in the views from the highest point in south-east England.

There are telescopes to look for famous landmarks. For more information visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/leith-hill.

Address: Leith Hill, Dorking , RH5 6LX.

Chessington World of Adventures and zoo

The much-loved family attraction has a theme park with lots of rides and rollercoasters and a zoo where young guests can meet animals and even go on a safari experience. World of Jumanji launched for the summer 2023 season and there is accommodation at the hotel too.

To book tickets including VIP animal experiences visit chessington.com.

Address: Chessington, KT9 2NE.

Denbies Wine Estate

Spread over a whopping 265 acres, Denbies is one of England's largest single estate vineyards and it's absolutely beautiful. There are indoor and outdoor wine tasting experiences, lovely walks with fabulous views and a couple of restaurants.

There is also a vineyard hotel where guests can sleep among the vines and enjoy cheese and wine in the gardens.

Walking around the vineyard is free. To book a wine tasting experience, hotel room or restaurant reservation visit denbies.co.uk.

Address: Bradley Lane, Dorking, RH5 6AA.

Bushy Park and Richmond Park

While both these parks are technically in London, they are on the cusp of Surrey and very easy to get to. Free to enter, visitors can enjoy acres of open land and woodlands and spot free roaming red and fallow deer.

Bushy Park is situated opposite Hampton Court Palace. A free mini bus launched in April to transport visitors from the car parks to Richmond Park.

Address: Bushy Park, East Molesey, KT8 9AU.

Address: Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS.

Thorpe Park

Like Chessington, Thorpe Park is another top theme park and somewhat aimed at older children and adults. It is full of thrilling rides, rollercoasters, live events, attractions and there is a hotel on site too.

To book tickets visit thorpepark.com.

Address: Staines Road, Chertsey , KT16 8PN.

Brooklands Museum

And finally, visitors can explore, discover and marvel at the pioneers of speed, flight and adventure at the birthplace of British motorsport, aviation and home of Concorde. Families can step back in time to the days of innovation, determination and record breaking on the site of the world’s first purpose-built race track.

To book tickets online visit brooklandsmuseum.com.

Address: Brooklands Drive, Weybridge , KT13 0SL.

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RHS Money-Saving Garden to help everyone keep growing

Money-saving gardener Anya Lautenbach shares her tips to grow more without spending a fortune at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

Cost of living hits gardeners

 “If you have an existing, relatively mature garden you can create more than 300 plants a year through propagating.  And that’s without a greenhouse or specialist equipment … it’s almost another whole garden for free!” – Anya Lautenbach

The garden will show which hardworking plants, shrubs and trees will help give the best long-term value for money, while also supporting wildlife and helping the planet.  Including how to repurpose and reuse items instead of spending money on new stuff and how to turn waste into precious materials. 

More from the RHS

• Creating a budget-friendly garden
• Money-saving ideas for Spring
• Money-saving ideas for Autumn
• 7 grow your own on a budget tips

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