Hampton Court Palace is commonly visited from London, either independently or as part of a royal palaces tour, and paired with a stop at Windsor Castle. Book priority entrance tickets to skip the line and spend more time exploring the grounds, or, for more context, choose a guided historical tour that walks you through the palace and formal gardens. Bike tours of the Hampton Court Palace grounds are another popular option.
Helpful red-coated guides can be found all over the grounds offering interesting information about the castle (while making sure you keep your hands off the valuable furnishings).
Book an advance ticket with timed entry to avoid lines.
Free Wi-Fi access is available.
Much of the palace is wheelchair accessible, and disabled visitors may bring a caregiver free of charge.
Hampton Court Palace entry is included in the London Pass.
Hampton Court Palace is set in the royal borough of Richmond upon Thames, on the River Thames and a short distance from London in the town of Surrey. It’s accessible by public transportation—Hampton Court Station is a 30-minute train ride away from Waterloo Station in central London. From the train station, it’s a short walk across the Hampton Court Bridge over the River Thames to the palace.
The palace is open daily from morning to late afternoon, with extended hours in the summer. Arriving earlier in the day or taking a private tour will help you avoid crowds.
For a glimpse at royal life and customs in settings truly fit for royalty, go beyond Hampton Court and visit the royal residences at Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace in London, as well as nearby Windsor Castle.
