Only in London Itinerary: Hampton Court Palace and Richmond

A Royal Morning at Hampton Court Palace

Start your day at King Henry VIII's favourite residence, Hampton Court Palace. 

South West Trains run a direct service from Waterloo to Hampton Court that takes 25 minutes.

Here, you can see England's last and greatest medieval hall, sumptuously decorated with Henry's tapestries. It's still holding important events today – in 2005, Tony Blair chaired a meeting of European Heads of State and Government here.

You can also take a stroll in the palace's 60 acres of beautiful gardens featuring many unusual plants and even a grape vine. The gardens are also home to the world's most famous maze. With over half a mile (0.8km) of winding paths, see how quickly you can reach the centre.

Be sure to take a look at the Royal School of Needlework, situated on the East Front of the Palace. The Royal School of Needlework has made the coronation regalia for the British Family since Edward VII in 1902, and still takes commissions and teaches stitching today.

Lunch in an Historic Courtyard

Pack a picnic and enjoy your lunch in the historic surroundings of Hampton Court Palace. You can picnic on any of the benches in the gardens, and on the grass in the Tiltyard and Wilderness Gardens. You can even eat inside on the benches of the courtyard.

If you'd prefer to buy some delicious homemade food instead, try the Tiltyard Café, formerly used for jousting by Henry VIII.

Boat Ride Along the Thames

Take a Thames River Boat to Richmond for a relaxing tour of London's waterways, taking in the pretty views along the way. 

You'll go past London landmarks including Ham House, Marble Hill House and Eel Pie Island.

NB: Make sure you don't miss the 3pm boat from Hampton Court Pier, as the next one isn't until 5pm.

Afternoon in Richmond

Depart from Richmond Pier and walk up Richmond Hill to Richmond Terrace (next to Richmond Gate Hotel) for a beautiful panoramic view of the capital. It's the only view in England to be protected by an Act of Parliament and was even mentioned by William Wordsworth in one of his sonnets.

You're now just a short distance from Petersham Nurseries where you can enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in a renovated garden shed.

Ruins and Royalty in Richmond

Take a bus, or walk, towards Richmond Green and if there's time, take a peek at the Richmond Theatre, which was built in 1899.

In Old Palace Lane, you can see the Richmond Palace Remains on your left. This site is full of history – Henry VIII spent Christmas with his first wife, Catherine of Aragon here; Elizabeth I died here; and it was the first building in the world to be equipped with a flushing toilet!

Dinner at The White Swan

All that history is bound to have worked up an appetite so head towards the river to gastro-pub The White Swan. From light bites to substantial main meals, there's a great range of food available at this friendly pub. Most ingredients are locally sourced too.

Evening on the Riverbank

Finish the day with a relaxing drink in Richmond. There are plenty of pubs and bars along the riverbank, so you can have a drink while enjoying the view.

Download the Only in London: Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Itinerary

Download the Only in London: Hampton Court Palace and Richmond Itinerary [PDF 5MB] and take it with you on your unique day out!

More Things To Do in the Area

Richmond is packed with unique things to do. If you have time, why not visit the following:

• Richmond Park – originally a hunting area created by James I, it is still home to more than 600 deer
• Ham House – beautiful Stuart mansion (opening times vary, so check in advance)
• Royal Botanical Kew Gardens – an amazing array of flowers and plants and a World Heritage Site