Hampton Court Palace

My husband, daughters (ages 12 and 9), and I visited Hampton Court Palace during our vacation to England in August and it was definitely the highlight of the London area. It was well worth the entrance fee especially with the 2 for 1 rail offer. We arrived at 10am and still had not seen everything by the time we left at 4pm. The palace itself is divided into several interesting and informative self guided tours in which one gets to see areas such as the kitchen, dining room, chapel and private bedrooms. One really gets a feel of what it was like to live in the royal household of Henry the VIII. The gardens outside were both beautiful and impressive. We spent at least a couple of hours wandering through them. The experience was made even more enjoyable by the fact that even in high season, Hampton Court was not overrun with tourists, unlike the Tower of London, which we also visited. I would definitely recommend Hampton Court as a must-see attraction for the entire family.

I have visited Hampton Court Palace three times in the last five years. I recently went there with my husband and was disappointed that more improvements hadn't be made for the money that is charged. First the hand held tour voice guides still need simplification. We got frustrated that we were always ahead of the tour tape and just turned it off. Second, I remember there being more furnished rooms than I saw this time. Maybe we hit it when everything was taking out for a cleaning. I always felt the guards in the room could be period dressed to soften the tour. They can still yell at people for taking pictures. However, it is a great way to see how people lived and spent others hard earned money.The tapestries are wonderful and the cafe had some good soup. Transportation by train is simple if you bought the travelcard and travelpass. No charge. And a short walk over the bridge you are there. Avoid the boat ride on the Thamesto get there, too long, and by that time little time for walking the gardens and maze which is a must at Hampton Court. And upon leaving cross the street before going over the bridge for the train, some good restaurants and a Garden shop that is a must stop, everytime I go there I find something wonderful to take home.