Hampton Court Palace
East Molesey, SurreyAbout Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a treasure trove of history, adventure, and fun, making it an ideal day out for families. Located just a short drive from central London, this magnificent palace offers a unique blend of history and entertainment, ensuring a memorable experience for kids and adults.
From exploring the grandeur of the Tudor court to getting lost in the world-famous maze, Hampton Court Palace is a destination where stories come to life, which is why it's one of London's major tourist attractions!
Things To Do & See At Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace was initially built in the 16th century by Cardinal Wolsey, but only briefly after Henry VIII fell in love with it and brought all his wives there. With beautiful palace gardens and famous attractions like the Maze and Great Vine, the magnificent palace became the centre for many outdoor events and lavish banquets in the banqueting house. Henry VIII's reign also brought magnificent tapestries, expensive art and an extravagant court life to the royal palace.
For something truly stunning to admire, try and find the decorated windows, like the arched window - you'll find them on the second-floor mezzanine! This baroque palace is truly magnificent and holds great treasures and architecture that are worth discovering!
Kids will love exploring the vast Tudor kitchens, where the hustle and bustle of preparing feasts for the King are brought to life.
Costumed guides demonstrate cooking techniques from the 16th century, and kids can learn about the daily life of kitchen workers in Tudor times.
If you're looking for something really interesting, visit the Haunted Gallery... It got this name due to the horrible execution of Catherine Howard, one of Henry VIII's wives. After she was sentenced for adultery, which Anne Boleyn was also accused of, she ran through the gallery to plead innocence before being taken back to the rooms while screaming. It's said that her ghost can still be seen running, screaming for mercy...
Hampton Court Palace Formal Gardens
With 60 acres of gardens to explore and discover, it's the perfect outdoor day out with the family. It's also within a loop of the River Thames! Explore the epic Magic Garden is a specially designed playground where kids can come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm battlements, and besiege the towers. Special quiet sessions are also offered throughout the year for those with Autism or sensory needs and their carers.
Explore the Kitchen Garden that fed the Royal household throughout the 18th century. It was originally built on Henry VIII's tiltyard for William III and Mary II in the 17th century. It's also one of the most active gardens, with a cycle of fruit and vegetables grown all year round. The iconic garden is also home to the world's largest hedge maze and the world's longest vine - a place for unlimited adventures!
The Privy Garden has been around since Henry VIII and was once a private garden. It's now been restored to its former glory with the original plant varieties and hornbeam bower and statues standing proudly. But the highlight of Hampton Court Palace is the Pond Gardens. With original fish ponds made for Henry VIII as the main purpose when built, Mary II transformed the pond yards into sunken gardens. This was so she could display her beautiful, vibrant and rare exotic plant collection!
Discover an abundance of colourful flowers and a wide range of roses in the Rose Garden! With a display of stunning rose varieties that have been developed for over 80 years, you can enjoy that sweet smell as you wander through. During the summer, it's the place to be, as it's in full bloom and attracts various wildlife. But that's not all, you can also spot late-blooming hydrangeas and a multitude of annuals, biennials and perennials that add even more vibrancy.
From the Privy Garden to the Pond Gardens, all of Hampton Court Palace's formal gardens provide such spectacular views that you are sure to be blown away. Why not find the East Front Gardens and settle down for a picnic? It's the perfect spot!
See who emerges from the world-famous maze that has been baffling visitors for over 300 years! With a mixture of unicursal and single paths, you may get a little dizzy! But it's worth it when you complete the maze and reach the centre!
Seasonal Events
Hampton Court Palace holds some amazing events throughout the year! From the annual Tudor Joust, where knights in full armour compete in thrilling tournaments, to the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival! Or perhaps you'd like to know more about the Indian Army soldiers who camped at Hampton Court Palace in the 20th century through unseen artefacts and personal stories.
The palace also features interactive exhibits where kids can try on Tudor costumes!
Why We Suggest Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace is a fantastic day out for families, offering a perfect mix of history, adventure, and fun. From exploring Henry's Great Hall and Tudor Kitchens to the Tudor court and playing in the magnificent gardens.
Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique and engaging experience, Hampton Court Palace promises a day filled with discovery and delight.
Explore The Rich History
Hampton Court Palace has been home to some iconic members of royalty - namely Henry VIII! It features stunning gardens, the famous Maze and Great Vine and historical attractions like the Haunted Gallery, where Catherine Howard's Ghost is said to appear!
Wander Through Spectacular Formal Gardens
With 60 acres of gardens, including the Kitchen Garden, the Privy Garden, the Rose Garden, and the world’s largest hedge maze, visitors can enjoy a cycle of fruit and vegetables, rare exotic plants, and a wide range of roses!
Don't Miss Out On Inclusive Events All Year Round
Hampton Court Palace offers a range of exhibitions and various events throughout the year, from festivals to family-friendly shows, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the historical and cultural experiences it provides!
Check out the Food Festival in the summer, the fab ice rink at Christmas and haunted days out during Halloween!
Facilities
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
Term Time
Wednesday to Sunday
10:00 am - 17:30 (last admission 16:30)
School Holidays
Monday to Sunday
Open from 10:00 Opening times may vary, please check website for more details.
Pricing & Tickets
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
- Child (5-17) : £15.00
- Adult (18+-18+) : £30.00
Off Peak
Members (unlimited entry from £55 per year) - Free
Adult (18-64) - £27.20
Child (5-15) - £13.60
Child (0-4) - Free
Young Person (16-17) - £13.60
Senior (65+) - £21.80
Full-Time Student (18+) - £21.80
Peak
Members (unlimited entry from £55 per year) - Free
Adult (18-64) - £30.00
Child (5-15) - £15.00
Child (0-4) - Free
Young Person (16-17) - £15.00
Senior (65+) - £24.00
Full-Time Student (18+) - £24.00
You can also buy your Hampton Court Palace tickets with Day Out With The Kids!
We ensure that families always get the best value for money when visiting family-friendly attractions. Not only do we offer official tickets to your favourite attractions, but we also offer mobile-friendly e-tickets! So, your entry to the attraction is hassle-free with easy-to-access tickets on your mobile device. We ensure complete authenticity and the best possible deals for you! Plus, our price promise guarantees that you won’t find a better deal elsewhere, making us your go-to for family fun without the fuss.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Hampton Court Palace by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 3 - 4 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The Tiltyard Café: indoor and outdoor seating and serving hot or cold food options, with drinks, pastries and cakes.
Wilderness kiosk: serving ice creams, snacks, tea and coffee.
The Privy Kitchen Café
Head to this cafe for a quick bite to eat, with a range of sandwiches, baps, jacket potatoes, and pies. They also have vegan and vegetarian offers available.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Rail
Hampton Court train station is located a 5-minute walk from the palace. National Rail train services run from London Waterloo every 30 minutes, calling at Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Maldon, Berrylands, Surbiton, Thames Ditton and Hampton Court.
The station is in zone 6. Oyster cards are accepted on this route.
Trains returning to London Waterloo depart Hampton Court station at regular times:
Monday to Saturday: 24 and 54 minutes past the hour
Sunday: 05 and 35 minutes past the hour
By Bus
Bus services run from Kingston and Richmond.
From Kingston - 111*, 216*, 411*, 461, 513
From Richmond - R68*
*These services accept Oyster cards, LT cards, bus passes, Travelcards, Freedom Passes and Saver Tickets.
London Underground
There is no London Underground station at Hampton Court. The nearest Underground stations are in Wimbledon and Richmond, where connecting bus routes are available.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 13:51 07/01/2025
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