Hampton Court Palace – Plan Your Visit

Hampton Court Palace and its formal gardens operate on a seasonal schedule.

During the summer season (30 March to 26 October), the site is open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.

In the winter months (27 October to 29 March), the palace typically closes earlier at 4 PM.

Last Admission

The final entry to the palace and gardens is strictly one hour before closing time. It is recommended to arrive well before this cut-off to ensure you have adequate time to clear security and enter the main buildings.

Recommended Visit Duration

To see the main Tudor and Baroque apartments, the kitchens, and a portion of the gardens, visitors should allow at least three to four hours.

Those wishing to explore the full 60 acres of grounds, including the Maze and the Magic Garden, may find that a full day is required to experience the site without rushing.

Hampton Court Palace is located in East Molesey, Surrey, approximately 12 miles southwest of central London.

Address:

Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Way
East Molesey
KT8 9AU

By Train

The most direct way to reach the palace from central London is by South Western Railway. Services run approximately every 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station.

The journey takes about 35 minutes, and the palace entrance is a 2-minute walk across the bridge from the station. The station is located in Travel Zone 6, and you can use Oyster cards, contactless payment, or standard rail tickets for this route.

By Bus

Several bus routes serve the palace directly, stopping just outside the main gates.

From Kingston: Take the 111, 216, or 411.

From Richmond: Take the R68.

From Hounslow: Take the 111.

By Car

The palace is situated on the A308 and is well-signposted from major local roads. If you are traveling from the M25, take either exit 10 (A307) or exit 12 (A308).

By Boat

For a more scenic approach, seasonal riverboat services operate between April and October.

Thames River Boats run services from Westminster Pier, a journey that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Turks Launches offer shorter services from Kingston and Richmond, taking between 45 and 90 minutes.

By Cycle

Hampton Court Palace is located on the National Cycle Network Route 4. Cycle racks are provided near the main entrance; however, please note that cycling is not permitted within the palace courtyards or formal gardens.

Visitor services are concentrated around the Base Court and the entrance areas to ensure convenience upon arrival.

These include a primary ticketing office, information kiosks, and a dedicated cloakroom where small bags and coats can be stored. Public restrooms, including baby changing facilities, are located at various points throughout the site, notably in the Base Court, the Fountain Court, and near the Wilderness garden.

For families, the Magic Garden provides a dedicated play area based on Tudor themes, while the wider estate offers ample space for exploration. It is important to note that the palace operates a strictly non-smoking policy across all indoor areas and certain outdoor courtyards. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in most of the main visitor hubs, though signal strength may vary within the thicker stone walls of the Tudor Kitchens.

Hampton Court Palace is a historic building with some unavoidable architectural constraints, but significant measures are in place to ensure access for all visitors.

The majority of the palace is accessible to wheelchair users, with lifts available to reach the State Apartments on the first floor. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available for loan at the Information Centre on a first-come, first-served basis. For those using mobility scooters, these are permitted in the gardens and the ground floor of the palace, but size restrictions apply for the lifts; please check dimensions before arrival.

The formal gardens and the Wilderness have gravel paths which can be challenging for some manual wheelchairs, though many of the main routes are firm and level. The Maze is accessible to narrower wheelchairs, but the viewing platform is only reachable via stairs. For visitors with sensory requirements, the palace can be very busy and noisy during peak periods; the Tiltyard Café and the Wilderness are generally the quietest areas for a retreat.

For the D/deaf and hard of hearing, British Sign Language (BSL) digital tours are available, and induction loops are fitted at most ticket counters and information points. Visitors with visual impairments can request large print guides or Braille maps at the Information Centre. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the palace and gardens, and water bowls can be provided upon request at the café areas.

The Tiltyard Café is the primary dining location on-site, situated between the palace and the gardens. It serves a variety of hot meals, seasonal salads, and sandwiches, with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients.

The café provides both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a suitable stop regardless of the weather.

For a lighter option, the Privy Kitchen Coffee Shop, located within the palace walls, offers hot drinks and cakes in a historic setting. During the summer months, additional pop-up kiosks often open near the Wilderness and the Magic Garden, providing ice cream and refreshments to those exploring the furthest reaches of the grounds.

Indoor and outdoor picnic areas are also available for visitors who prefer to bring their own food.

The Palace Shop, located near the main exit, offers a wide selection of merchandise inspired by the history of the site. The inventory includes traditional Tudor-themed gifts, such as replicas of Henry VIII’s crown and jewelry inspired by Anne Boleyn. There is also a range of high-quality homeware, tapestry reproductions, and books covering the diverse architectural and social history of the palace.

A secondary Garden Shop is situated near the East Front, specializing in botanical gifts and items related to the estate’s horticultural heritage. Visitors can purchase seeds, gardening tools, and artisanal products, many of which reflect the specific plant varieties found within the Great Vine and the Privy Garden.