Hampton Court Palace

Richmond

Overview

Times

Wed-Sun 10am-5.30pm (5 June - 21 July)

Duration

At least three hours

Age

All ages (children aged 15 and below must be accompanied by an adult)

Accessibility

Please contact venue

Location

Hampton Court Palace

Address
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9AU
Telephone:
+44 (0)20 3166 6000
Email
[email protected]
Public transport:
Train: Hampton Court
By Road:
Some parking is available at Hampton Court Palace at the cost of £3.50. Alternative parking is available nearby on Hampton Court Green at a cost of £3.00, Bushy Park free of charge, or at Hampton Court train station (please check at the station for pricing details).

About

Explore historic Hampton Court Palace and learn about the historical happenings, from the 16th century through to Georgian times and the present day.

Uncover Tudor treasures, glorious gardens and an iconic maze at this Grade I-listed royal palace on the banks of the river Thames, which is said to have been Henry VIII’s favourite residence.

Things to see and do at Hampton Court Palace

Peak into the Fountain Court at Hampton Court Palace and its recogniseable red and white facade.

Experience the magnificence of the Tudor palace from the ornate Base Court, marvel at the lavishly decorated State Rooms and Apartments and see the sprawling Tudor kitchens that once produced more than 800 meals a day for the hungry household of Henry VIII.

Dare to walk the infamous Haunted Gallery lined with Tudor portraits, where the ghost of Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, has been seen running its length.

The great hall of Hampton court is lined up with medieval tapestries and two long tables prepapred for a feast. The ceiling shows an impressive gothic style architecture.

Other palace highlights include the Great Hall, which is adorned with magnificent tapestries, the Chapel Royal, home to Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours, William III’s State Apartments and the Magic Garden adventure playground.

Explore the Hampton Court Palace gardens

After exploring the many fascinating areas of the palace, head outside to wander 60 acres (24 hectares) of stunning gardens, which have played host to many popular films and TV shows including Netflix’s Bridgerton. Don’t forget to try out your puzzling skills in the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze, which has been testing visitors since 1700!

What’s on at Hampton Court Palace?

Two people are looking at medieval tapestries hanged on the walls at Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court Palace has unmissable events throughout the year. Join the Easter trail, enjoy the summer sun at the annual Food Festival over the August bank holiday weekend, be spooked at Halloween, or be dazzled by the palace brimming with festive decorations around Christmas time. Don't miss the annual Festive Fayre, which takes over the courtyards with stalls full of foodie treats and gifts.

Become a Historic Royal Palaces member for free entry to Hampton Court Palace and other historical royal palaces all year round, including these events.

You can also hear some of the world’s top music acts in the magical setting of the Tudor courtyard, at the open-air Hampton Court Palace Festival each June.

How to book tickets to Hampton Court Palace

Book Hampton Court Place tickets now.

How long does it take to tour?

Two people are standing on the majestic King's Staircase at Hampton Court Palace and are admiring the painted baroque walls. 

It takes two to three hours to explore Hampton Court Palace and its gardens.

Your ticket gives you access for the whole day, so you have plenty of time to explore – make sure to pick up a free audio guide to discover even more fascinating stories about the palace and its residents.

 

You can also browse the gift shops and enjoy food and drink from The Tiltyard Café and Wilderness kiosk during your visit.

 

A long alley is leading to the red and white Tudor Palace of Hampton Court and is borered by the French gardens.

Where is Hampton Court Palace?

Hampton Court Palace is located near East Molesey, in the London Borough of Richmond, in south-west London.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from London

Two friends are enjoying the sunny weather at Hampton Court Palace and strolling across its famous gardens.

Hampton Court railway station is a five-minute walk from the palace. Train services operate from London Waterloo and take around 30 minutes. There is no London Underground station at Hampton Court.

Various bus routes from nearby Richmond and Kingston also stop near the palace.

Is there parking at Hampton Court Palace?

Limited car parking is available at Hampton Court Palace on a first-come, first-served basis, with payment required on site. There are also nine disabled parking bays, which are free for Blue Badge holders.

If the car park is full, you can use the nearby, off-site car park at Hampton Court Green, which is located 500 metres (1,640ft) from the palace entrance.

Frequently asked questions

Who lived at Hampton Court Palace?

Hampton Court Palace’s most famous resident was Henry VIII (1491-1547), who spent more time here than at any of his other residences during the second half of his reign. All six of his wives also spent time at the palace.

When William III and Mary II took the throne in 1689, they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build an elegant new baroque residence.

Later, Georgian kings and princes occupied the splendid interiors. When the royals left in 1737, impoverished 'grace and favour' aristocrats moved in, and no monarch has resided at the palace ever since.

How much is Hampton Court Palace worth?

Hampton Court Palace was built for 200,000 crowns (£57.6m). Today, the palace is estimated to be worth £1bn.

When was Hampton Court Palace built?

The original Tudor Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, in the early 16th century. Wolsey acquired a modest manor house and transformed it into a magnificent palace fit for a king.

Who owns Hampton Court Palace?

Hampton Court Palace has been owned by the reigning monarch since Tudor times. Queen Victoria opened it to the public in 1838. Today, King Charles III owns the palace ‘in trust of the Crown’, however, the structure and grounds are cared for by the independent charity, Historic Royal Palaces.

Prices and opening times

Child Ticket From £13.10 per ticket
Concession Ticket From £21.00 per ticket
Adult Ticket From £26.30 per ticket

Under 5s are free.

Reduced admission prices for online advance booking.

Palace tickets include the palace, gardens and maze.

This content has been supplied by Hampton Court Palace

Opening Times

Standard opening hours Wednesday - Sunday: 10:00-17:30 Last admission: 16:30. School holiday opening hours daily from 10:00-17:30. Last admission: 16:30

Facilities & Accessibility

Access Inside Building Facilities
Accessible lift
Seating for limited mobility users along routes
Some routes suitable for limited mobility users
Some routes suitable for wheelchair users
Steps with handrail within building
Steps within building
Access into the Building
Assisted wheelchair access
Flat routes from parking area to entrance
Accessible Bathroom Facilities
Designated wheelchair accessible public toilet
Some toilets with handrails
Accessible Communication Facilities
Audible alarm system
Clear signage (colour contrast, large letters or pictograms)
Hearing loop system
Information available in audio format
Information available in braille
Information available in large print
Sign language used
Accessible Parking Facilities
Blue badge parking available
Designated disabled parking available within fifty metres of main entrance
Drop-off point for guests available outside main entrance
Public car park available within two hundred metres of main entrance
Accessible Venue Facilities
Assistance dogs welcome
Emergency evacuation procedures for guests with disabilities
Level access, ramp or lift to restaurant or cafe
Level access, ramp or lift to the shop
Special dietary requirements catered for
Staff available to assist
Staff disability awareness trained
Wheelchairs available free of charge
Additional Accessible Facilities
Accessible baby changing rooms
Level access, ramp or lift to garden
Level access, ramp or lift to information point
Level access, ramp or lift to ticket issuing point
Portable chip and pin machines
Attraction Facilities
Audio commentary available
Gift shop
Patron toilets
Public toilets
Booking Facilities
Coach parties accepted
Group bookings accepted
Catering Facilities
Cafe
Halal options on menu
Kosher options on menu
Nut-free option on menu
Private Dining
Restaurant
Vegetarian options on menu
Children Facilities
Children welcome
Childrens menu
Family Rooms
Event Facilities
Available for wedding receptions
Civil Partnership licence held
Conference rooms / Meeting rooms
In house AV available
Licenced for civil marriages
Offers charity rates
Wedding service
General Facilities
Free WiFi
On site parking
Payment Facilities
Group rates available