Picture yourself as a member of the royal family at Hampton Court Palace in the
London borough of Richard Upon Thames! With 60 acres of glorious gardens in the Hampton Court Gardens to explore and being one of the few historic royal palaces, it's one to visit!
Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace was originally built in the 16th century by Cardinal Wolsey, but not long 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 in magnificent tapestries, expensive art and an extravagant court life to the royal palace. At the Base Court, the first big courtyard of the palace, there were 30 suites of lodgings where the most prestigious guests stayed.
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! The highlight for many families will be the epic
Magic Garden, specially designed playground where children 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 for William III and Mary II in the 17th century, on Henry VIII's tiltyard. It's also one of the most active gardens with a cycle of fruit and vegetables grown all year round. The garden is also home to the world’s largest hedge maze and the world’s longest vine!
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 being 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! Think beautiful coloured flowers!
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 its 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.
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!
Food & Drink
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat from a variety of options on the menu, from light lunches to fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads to pastries and cookies at the cafes on-site.
This is no ordinary country house... Step back in time to your own palace for the day!
Accessibility
- Wheelchairs and electric buggies are available. Please note that Historic Royal Palaces’ electric buggies are for outdoor use only. These are sanitised between each use.
- Most of their exhibitions are accessible for those with limited mobility as there is a lift to the State Apartments on the first floor. If you would like to use it, please speak to a Palace Host.
- There are 9 allocated parking bays for visitors with access needs in the on-site car park. Parking is currently free for Blue Badge holders.
- There is a staff-operated lift for those with limited mobility. Notify a staff member if you would like to use it.
- Guide dogs are welcome.
Travel & Parking for Visitors
It's always good to know your travel options before your fun family day out!
By Rail
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
*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.
Parking
There are limited car parking spaces available therefore parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. It costs £1.60 per hour for car parking bays (standard car fit).