Hampton Court Palace
What Visitors Say
Offers historic view of life back when Kings and Queens ran the country. It is not a cheap visit but more worthwhile for a summer trip as it was cold inside as well as outside. The gardens are well maintained as is the house itself, the attendants very friendly and helpful. Some of the explanations could have been a bit more legible and have some more info. The maze is a must if you have kids or feel up to getting a bit lost.
Fantastic day out, so much to see! Carpark is £1.80 per hour. Lots of space however. Concessions are really good, £1 entry for universal credit recipients. A few cafes in the palace. Must see the chapel where Henry visited regularly. The astronomical clock in the courtyard is spectacular. Amazing craftsmanship. Look for the red arrow on the clock, apparently Henry had it put in so he could take his barge down to London at tide times. I would recommend splitting up visits to see the place and gardens on separate occasions.
Fantastic look back into English history. Infamous for Henry the 8th but also great for fan's of William the 3rd (king Billy). Spent 3 hours here looking round and we didn't do the 750 acre estate and gardens! Some of the history on show is 1st class. The weapons on display are in the multi hundreds of flintlock/musket rifles pistols.
if you want to explore a beautifully maintained castle with an abundance of history then this is a place you need to visit when in London. location at east molesey Hampton. An easy 45min Train ride from central London gets you here. Tickets include an audio guide with multiple tour options covering the history of the palace, the Tudor Dynasty and descriptions of the many ornate rooms. and many event in hampton court palace
An Unforgettable Ice Skating Experience at Hampton Court Palace Ice skating at Hampton Court Palace is pure magic! Gliding across the ice with the stunning historic palace as a backdrop feels like stepping into a winter fairytale. The rink is beautifully set up, well maintained, and has a wonderfully festive atmosphere that makes the whole experience special from start to finish. The staff are friendly, organised, and helpful, which makes everything run smoothly even when it’s busy. Whether you’re a confident skater or just finding your feet, skating at Hampton Court is an absolute must-do. It’s a perfect activity for friends and families. I’d highly recommend it and would happily go back again!
Highlights
Tudor Kitchens
Feeds a 1,000-strong courtBuilt for Cardinal Wolsey c.1515 and expanded by Henry VIII, the kitchens produced up to 800 meals a day.
Base Court, service range
Great Hall
Hammerbeam roof and tapestriesCompleted in the 1530s, Henry VIII’s hall hosted banquets under a soaring timber roof with glittering tapestries.
Tudor State Apartments
Astronomical Clock
1540s Tudor timepieceInstalled in 1540, the clock shows hour, date, moon phases and high tide at London Bridge on a 15-foot dial.
Clock Court
Baroque Apartments
Wren’s grand redesignIn the late 1600s Sir Christopher Wren transformed parts of the palace for William III and Mary II in French-inspired style.
Fountain Court
The Maze
Britain’s oldest hedge mazePlanted around 1690 for William III, this yew labyrinth covers about a third of an acre.
North of the Wilderness
Opening Hours
Fun Facts
Cardinal Wolsey built Hampton Court from about 1515; Henry VIII took it over in 1529.
The Tudor kitchens could roast whole sides of beef on multi-spit fireplaces for court banquets.
The astronomical clock (1540) also predicts high tide times for the Thames at London Bridge.
Sir Christopher Wren redesigned Fountain Court in the 1680s-1690s for William and Mary.
Hampton Court Maze dates to c.1690 and is likely the most famous hedge maze in Britain.
