Hampton Court Palace is a Grade I listed royal palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, 12 miles (19 kilometres) southwest and upstream of central London on the River Thames. The building of the palace began in 1514 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the chief minister of Henry VIII. In 1529, as Wolsey fell from favour, the cardinal gave the palace to the king to check his disgrace. The palace went on to become one of Henry's most favoured residences; soon after acquiring the property, he arranged for it to be enlarged so that it might more easily accommodate his sizeable retinue of courtiers. Along with St James' Palace, it is one of only two surviving palaces out of the many the king owned. The palace is currently in the possession of King Charles III and the Crown.
In the following century, King William III's massive rebuilding and expansion work, which was intended to rival the Palace of Versailles, destroyed much of the Tudor palace. His work ceased in 1694, leaving the palace in two distinct contrasting architectural styles, domestic Tudor and Baroque. While the palace's styles are an accident of fate, a unity exists due to the use of pink bricks and a symmetrical, if vague, balancing of successive low wings. King George II was the last monarch to reside in the palace.
This is a wonderful place for the whole family! The palace is a monument of English history and culture and is must-see for all. Give yourself around 3 hours to see and do everything - interactive storytelling is included and takes you through the rich history of the palace. There are loads of really interesting stories about all who lived there before and it is told in a way that appeals to every age. There is no heating system within the building so if you go in the winter make you wear warm clothing!
Tom BoyleMar 3, 2018
A full five star rating from me, I came in this place awed by the amazing tutor architecture, and the amazing gardens could only increase this effect. Truly a gorgeous place to visit, and an absolutely great place to learn about interesting characters such as King Henry VIII and their lifestyle. For 15.40£ with concession (which you get for being a student or over 65 years old), this place is a bargain to visit for what you're getting. Or, if you don't want to enter, the gardens are there for you free of charge and the maze is only 4.50£ for anyone over 16 years old. I will most definitely be coming here again several times in the future - it deserves it.
Guilherme FerrãoFeb 13, 2018
Always loads to do here, whether you come to occupy the kids during the summer holidays or you come to explore the history of the various parts. There's always helpful guides around who know far more than the audio guides. Lots of steps/cobbles so wear good shoes! Couple of different cafes and nice gardens.
hansuthersFeb 13, 2018
Nice place with good views and good cafe options. Toilets are a bit grubby but well stocked and the baby changing is in the disabled toilet for access for both sexes. It is also quite clean. Can get busy but is good for families with small children.
Alan BaileyFeb 24, 2018
Loved it. Roaring fire in the kitchens to keep me warm during the snow storm too. Fascinating audio history. The chapel is magnificant. Even captured a changing of the guard (wink wink) on my way out!
Dana SosaMar 2, 2018
If you love/live history this is the place for you. My intention was to not actually go here but on the way back from work I decided why not. I took a long walk around the outside and saw some amazing architecture beautiful gardens and if not for the rain the maze too , which is the oldest in the world to my belief.. you get a strong sense of the time period just from a walk round and your imagination will fill in the blanks thanks to the information provided. The best part it's all free unless you wish to venture inside which will cost around £19/20. In all honesty if its as good and as informative as the outside I will be taking the plunge in the summer with the family. Parking is £1.60 an hour so if you do what I did and just fancied a walk around then it is well worth it , a must for any couple 🍀
DUTCH 3768Apr 4, 2018
As every venue of royal historic places it truly stands to its name. Royal and historic and what a place. Allow at least good three hours to explore the insides and untold number of corners and themes. Take a good camera and get ready to pose in kingly environment. Mind this is an old palace of six centuries ago so somewhat simpler on the decor and dim on light. The gardens behind the palace offer nice strolls on sunny days and can be extended in nearby parks for miles. Thames is just a short walk awake on the other side. Parking is next door and reasonably priced. Buying a membership and visiting other royal places for free is a good deal, especially for regular family visits.
Mark KychmaMar 15, 2018
Wish I could rate this higher than a five star! This is the most beautiful palace in England, everything is so very well preserved and presented. the gardens are out of this world too, the tour guides were so very chatty and clear with info, when I asked a few questions about the actual death of Cardinal Wolsey they were great with answers. (I've watched every movie and tv show on Henry VIII..... they are only close to the truth!!) It's actually a different take on his death but I'm not going to tell you! Go ask yourself, but have to say it surprised me but makes sense...... ;) Every room is wonderful to see and there are different guides in each one. The gun displays really grabbed my attention, they are taken down, cleaned and tested every year then put back up! We got lucky and met Henry himself in the gardens, happy to pose for pics too. Wonderful atmosphere. The gardens are amazing, meticulous layout, mirror imaged, best seen from rooms of the main house, probably best seen in summer when Rose's are in bloom, any time of the year this is a great place to visit and DO take the house tour, it's worth it.Get here early and allow for an all day visit.
Laura BarrettMar 28, 2018
My absolute favourite thing about Hampton Court was the 14:00 re-enactment where actors portray various historic characters. They really involve the audience. It's so much fun! My next favourite item was the maze and next was the real fire in the fireplace in the kitchen! This was delightful on the cold day we had. The sheer scale of this palace is difficult to fathom. If you want to do it properly, you will need all day! The entry fee covers an audio guide so this will take time to listen to. You then have the amazing gardens! There are cafes and shops in the grounds and plenty of toilets in various locations. Did I mention that the Royal School of Needlework has its rooms here! They have their own shop at the rear of the palace. It's just wonderful! Remember to wear walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of that. It is wheelchair friendly if you are wheelchair bound.
Nada ZaitounMar 29, 2018
Beautiful palace and gardens of Henry VIII. A lot to see both inside and outside the palace. Inside there is a multitude of historical artworks throughout a number of monarchs reigns. Some of which span entire rooms. There are actors that roam the palace that are dressed and speak as if they were in Tudor times, which I thought was a nice touch. Outside the palace is the gardens. Which in the sunny weather it is spectacular. The gardens are perfectly maintained and are ideal for lounging around. There is also a grape vine that's 250 years old, and still produces grapes every year, which I found particularly interesting. Limited parking in the palace itself, bit there is a large overflow parking a short walk away in a field.
Michael ShemeldMay 9, 2018
A large historical building with beautiful surroundings kept in pristine condition. All the rooms and displays are well lit and have information boards and audio. A maze, horse and cart and other activities are available, as well as a food court. A short but enjoyable period drama was presented. Lots of fun! A great day out for the family.
Sandra StewartMay 6, 2018
Amazing architecture, but lacking in information on the building it's self. We did our our walk through so no tour guide or audio support. It was a great experience and AMAZING histroy. I just wish that as you walked through there was more information on the building and it's components than on who lived there (hint, he was fat and had a few wives). Either way the entrance fee is high but it's worth every penny! The gardens are STUNNING!
Stewart At LargeApr 22, 2018
I was there just to take picture next to Harry's portrait, I was so excited about visiting Henry VIII castle. Where he lived and where he was so glorious and powerful, but really I expected more😞 Anyways I was so touched seeing the glorious and majestically rooms decorations, the gardens (are stunning and magical) and read about the castle history, inside the castle is so inspirational... Very nice. I recommend. 😍👍✌ Just don't try to talk to random and stupid English people, they don't know about they own very country history. My gosh...💔😢
Annamaria FuroniJun 10, 2018
This is one of my favorite palaces--it has so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore and I love that one can see both Tudor and Georgian palaces all in one place. The gardens are gorgeous and this is a great place to take kids, as there are plenty of kid friendly attractions, such as the magic garden and costumed actors strutting about. For lunch, I recommend going to The Mute Swan across the street. The eating options within the palace grounds are quite limited and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch just outside of.
Simone CollinsMay 28, 2018
A really great day out. The rooms were well laid out to represent different monarchies from Henry VIII to William of Orange. It would have been better had the staff been in period costumes as we walked around. Can't comment on the audio taped tour as they tend to be too much sometimes. The gardens were truly amazing even on a wet May afternoon.
Malcolm MansfieldMay 19, 2018
There is so much to see and learn about at Hampton Court Palace! The castle itself is amazing, the exhibits and staff are wonderful. The grounds and gardens are great too. It's a place that you can visit multiple times and not get bored. My three kids (2, 8 and 11) enjoyed it as well--very kid-friendly! Like
Kevin GoodieJun 4, 2018
one of the most beautiful palaces I have seen the Gardens are just amazing and so colourful at this time of year. The Magic Garden maze was fun for the kids as well as myself. After a long afternoon of running around I found the ampersand cafe where there was a cheeky happy guy called Jaysson James who made an amazing flat white and his colleagues Vanessa and Ruby who were amazing dealing with the long queues and keeping people happy and entertained within the line while waiting. It's really nice to see when people love doing what they do with a passion charisma drive and aimed at top service. Keep up the good work girls and J you make the place what it is well done top marks. 👍👌
Blake knightMay 28, 2018
We enjoyed a great visit to Hampton Court palace today. Arrived by boat from Kingston which added to the fun. The Palace is such an interesting place to visit. Immaculately kept. Would recommend the free audio tour headsets but we were also really impressed with the staff there. They were so friendly and knowledgeable and made the visit even more enjoyable. Thank you to all.
Linda IrelandJul 4, 2018
A beautiful palace, exhibiting many items from the magnificent Royal Collection, including Rembrandt's - An old Woman called 'The Artist's Mother'. Originally built by Cardinal Wolsey for himself, Henry VIII took Hampton Court for himself after executing Wolsey and dissolving the Catholic church in England. Hampton Court has the stamps of successive kings and queens all over it, as each sought to apply their own taste. This makes for an interesting contrast as you wander through different centuries of architecture. The gardens are beautiful, and home to the largest grape vine in the world.
Graeme BlackwoodJul 7, 2018
Absolutely brilliant day out with the kids. Went first thing in the morning and were there all day. Probably lucky in that the weather was glorious, so we could take full advantage of the gardens and kids area, but so much to see and do. Well worth the price of entry. Only niggle was that the Palace itself could have a few more activities aimed at younger children, but then again, that might have been too much of a distraction for the adults. All the staff were friendly, knowedgeable and helpful. All in all, there was something for everyone from 5 to 75 years old. Glad we went, and would definitely return!
Susanna MacdonaldJul 3, 2018
Enjoyed our visit except for overpriced lunch at the Dig In Restaurant. Very limited choice of food and soft drinks. We go every other year and have always booked the Champagne & Seafood Restaurant which we always enjoyed, but that is no longer there and the Dig In which has replaced The Allium restaurant is a poor substitute. The day otherwise was lovely. The Dig In is the only restaurant you can book, which is a great pity! Hopefully it will be much improved in the future!!!
Angela FormbyJul 7, 2018
A large slice of British history happened here, and it is still in remarkable condition. Take a tour and enjoy the story of the monarchy and its foes, and glimpse the way of life at court in Tudor times. If your schedule allows have a look at the summer open air music concerts, there is no more intimate place to see your favourite act than here in a Tudor courtyard. Also watch out for the Hampton Court Flower show (a few weeks after Chelsea).
Keith McAlisterJul 15, 2018
What a stunning place! I have always been fascinated by history and this place was a dream! We went in February, it was cold and snowy but that made us appreciate the fires in the kitchens even more! It was an amazing experience! There's a lot to explore in the different sections, definitely make sure you visit all sections of the Palace! The chocolate kitchen was very interesting, the paintings, portraits and the tapestries were fascinating! The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable! If you're a fan of King Henry VIII, that Palace is a must see place!
Teodor Ivanov ZhelyazkovJul 29, 2018
Wanted to visit for a while as I love history and wasn't disappointed. Love the whole interactive nature, the 'mini plays' that were on throughout the day were very entertaining, as were the exhibits. It was a stiflingly hot day and was very warm inside but this couldn't be helped. Ate in the Fountain Court cafe which had good food, reasonably priced. Have seen a few reviews moaning about the price, I thought the price was very good compare to some other historic buildings. The whole presentation of the building and lovely gardens made it easy to imagine the opulence of the era. The only moan I had was that the reprodution of the wine fountain wasn't on display. I was told it was having some restoration but I hope to see it again in the future.
Fiona HamiltonJul 23, 2018
This is a great place. It's a pricey ticket but come for the day, the whole day. They're so much variety, you can find peace and the noise and with its superb Tudor architecture, its should be no. 1 on every tourist's list of London sights. Its easy to get to for the tourist :take a train from Waterloo Station and only a 5 minute walk at the other end. And it's beautiful. Pure and true British history. Great Art. Go!!!!!
James RobinsonAug 4, 2018
We like Hampton Court Palace with often been there for historic visits but this time we were there for the Hampton Court flower show. It's a bit of a track from the car park to the actual show but there are some interesting Innovations and quirky ideas that you can pick up. It was a very sunny day and you can pick up some nice food and drink and sitting and listen to some music there while you relax in the sun. Some celebrity gardeners often show up at the place and give their own advice and you can often see TV cameras around the place taking footage for the next round of gardening shows.
Matt BrowneJul 30, 2018
Pricey at £25 Each to enter the castle. A small loop is open to the public, A couple partially furnished bedrooms, a dining room and many old paintings, some bordering on a sort of medieval Playboy. The ceilings are elaborately painted in a few rooms. They have an astrological clock dial on the inside courtyard wall that is unusual for the UK but when it strikes, the one bell sounds like Bessie's old cow bell. Needs a rebound spring on the hammer. Sounded really sick. Not what you would expect with the amount of income coming in. I mentioned getting a behind the scenes trip to see the clock. I was insulted with the default answer, " You would not fit in the small passage and the steps are very narrow" compared to the thousands who have visited 300-800 steps of many cathedrals towers regularly in other locations. This is what I do, but no chance, no one with any authority. The building seems well maintained, but not nearly enough to see to dictate the entry price. You had better keep your ticket in hand as well. Don't let you spouse hang onto it. If you step outside you won't get back in. On the bright side, For free, you can walk around the courtyard outside the beautiful Green. Parking was full but only a 4 minute walk from the overflow parking. Just one opinion.
Champ1964Jul 17, 2018
This is a wonderful place for the whole family! The palace is a monument of English history and culture and is must-see for all. Give yourself around 3 hours to see and do everything - interactive storytelling is included and takes you through the rich history of the palace. There are loads of really interesting stories about all who lived there before and it is told in a way that appeals to every age. There is no heating system within the building so if you go in the winter make you wear warm clothing!
Tom BoyleMar 3, 2018
A full five star rating from me, I came in this place awed by the amazing tutor architecture, and the amazing gardens could only increase this effect. Truly a gorgeous place to visit, and an absolutely great place to learn about interesting characters such as King Henry VIII and their lifestyle. For 15.40£ with concession (which you get for being a student or over 65 years old), this place is a bargain to visit for what you're getting. Or, if you don't want to enter, the gardens are there for you free of charge and the maze is only 4.50£ for anyone over 16 years old. I will most definitely be coming here again several times in the future - it deserves it.
Guilherme FerrãoFeb 13, 2018
Always loads to do here, whether you come to occupy the kids during the summer holidays or you come to explore the history of the various parts. There's always helpful guides around who know far more than the audio guides. Lots of steps/cobbles so wear good shoes! Couple of different cafes and nice gardens.
hansuthersFeb 13, 2018
Nice place with good views and good cafe options. Toilets are a bit grubby but well stocked and the baby changing is in the disabled toilet for access for both sexes. It is also quite clean. Can get busy but is good for families with small children.
Alan BaileyFeb 24, 2018
Loved it. Roaring fire in the kitchens to keep me warm during the snow storm too. Fascinating audio history. The chapel is magnificant. Even captured a changing of the guard (wink wink) on my way out!
Dana SosaMar 2, 2018
If you love/live history this is the place for you. My intention was to not actually go here but on the way back from work I decided why not. I took a long walk around the outside and saw some amazing architecture beautiful gardens and if not for the rain the maze too , which is the oldest in the world to my belief.. you get a strong sense of the time period just from a walk round and your imagination will fill in the blanks thanks to the information provided. The best part it's all free unless you wish to venture inside which will cost around £19/20. In all honesty if its as good and as informative as the outside I will be taking the plunge in the summer with the family. Parking is £1.60 an hour so if you do what I did and just fancied a walk around then it is well worth it , a must for any couple 🍀
DUTCH 3768Apr 4, 2018
As every venue of royal historic places it truly stands to its name. Royal and historic and what a place. Allow at least good three hours to explore the insides and untold number of corners and themes. Take a good camera and get ready to pose in kingly environment. Mind this is an old palace of six centuries ago so somewhat simpler on the decor and dim on light. The gardens behind the palace offer nice strolls on sunny days and can be extended in nearby parks for miles. Thames is just a short walk awake on the other side. Parking is next door and reasonably priced. Buying a membership and visiting other royal places for free is a good deal, especially for regular family visits.
Mark KychmaMar 15, 2018
Wish I could rate this higher than a five star! This is the most beautiful palace in England, everything is so very well preserved and presented. the gardens are out of this world too, the tour guides were so very chatty and clear with info, when I asked a few questions about the actual death of Cardinal Wolsey they were great with answers. (I've watched every movie and tv show on Henry VIII..... they are only close to the truth!!) It's actually a different take on his death but I'm not going to tell you! Go ask yourself, but have to say it surprised me but makes sense...... ;) Every room is wonderful to see and there are different guides in each one. The gun displays really grabbed my attention, they are taken down, cleaned and tested every year then put back up! We got lucky and met Henry himself in the gardens, happy to pose for pics too. Wonderful atmosphere. The gardens are amazing, meticulous layout, mirror imaged, best seen from rooms of the main house, probably best seen in summer when Rose's are in bloom, any time of the year this is a great place to visit and DO take the house tour, it's worth it.Get here early and allow for an all day visit.
Laura BarrettMar 28, 2018
My absolute favourite thing about Hampton Court was the 14:00 re-enactment where actors portray various historic characters. They really involve the audience. It's so much fun! My next favourite item was the maze and next was the real fire in the fireplace in the kitchen! This was delightful on the cold day we had. The sheer scale of this palace is difficult to fathom. If you want to do it properly, you will need all day! The entry fee covers an audio guide so this will take time to listen to. You then have the amazing gardens! There are cafes and shops in the grounds and plenty of toilets in various locations. Did I mention that the Royal School of Needlework has its rooms here! They have their own shop at the rear of the palace. It's just wonderful! Remember to wear walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of that. It is wheelchair friendly if you are wheelchair bound.
Nada ZaitounMar 29, 2018
Beautiful palace and gardens of Henry VIII. A lot to see both inside and outside the palace. Inside there is a multitude of historical artworks throughout a number of monarchs reigns. Some of which span entire rooms. There are actors that roam the palace that are dressed and speak as if they were in Tudor times, which I thought was a nice touch. Outside the palace is the gardens. Which in the sunny weather it is spectacular. The gardens are perfectly maintained and are ideal for lounging around. There is also a grape vine that's 250 years old, and still produces grapes every year, which I found particularly interesting. Limited parking in the palace itself, bit there is a large overflow parking a short walk away in a field.
Michael ShemeldMay 9, 2018
A large historical building with beautiful surroundings kept in pristine condition. All the rooms and displays are well lit and have information boards and audio. A maze, horse and cart and other activities are available, as well as a food court. A short but enjoyable period drama was presented. Lots of fun! A great day out for the family.
Sandra StewartMay 6, 2018
Amazing architecture, but lacking in information on the building it's self. We did our our walk through so no tour guide or audio support. It was a great experience and AMAZING histroy. I just wish that as you walked through there was more information on the building and it's components than on who lived there (hint, he was fat and had a few wives). Either way the entrance fee is high but it's worth every penny! The gardens are STUNNING!
Stewart At LargeApr 22, 2018
I was there just to take picture next to Harry's portrait, I was so excited about visiting Henry VIII castle. Where he lived and where he was so glorious and powerful, but really I expected more😞 Anyways I was so touched seeing the glorious and majestically rooms decorations, the gardens (are stunning and magical) and read about the castle history, inside the castle is so inspirational... Very nice. I recommend. 😍👍✌ Just don't try to talk to random and stupid English people, they don't know about they own very country history. My gosh...💔😢
Annamaria FuroniJun 10, 2018
This is one of my favorite palaces--it has so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore and I love that one can see both Tudor and Georgian palaces all in one place. The gardens are gorgeous and this is a great place to take kids, as there are plenty of kid friendly attractions, such as the magic garden and costumed actors strutting about. For lunch, I recommend going to The Mute Swan across the street. The eating options within the palace grounds are quite limited and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch just outside of.
Simone CollinsMay 28, 2018
A really great day out. The rooms were well laid out to represent different monarchies from Henry VIII to William of Orange. It would have been better had the staff been in period costumes as we walked around. Can't comment on the audio taped tour as they tend to be too much sometimes. The gardens were truly amazing even on a wet May afternoon.
Malcolm MansfieldMay 19, 2018
There is so much to see and learn about at Hampton Court Palace! The castle itself is amazing, the exhibits and staff are wonderful. The grounds and gardens are great too. It's a place that you can visit multiple times and not get bored. My three kids (2, 8 and 11) enjoyed it as well--very kid-friendly! Like
Kevin GoodieJun 4, 2018
one of the most beautiful palaces I have seen the Gardens are just amazing and so colourful at this time of year. The Magic Garden maze was fun for the kids as well as myself. After a long afternoon of running around I found the ampersand cafe where there was a cheeky happy guy called Jaysson James who made an amazing flat white and his colleagues Vanessa and Ruby who were amazing dealing with the long queues and keeping people happy and entertained within the line while waiting. It's really nice to see when people love doing what they do with a passion charisma drive and aimed at top service. Keep up the good work girls and J you make the place what it is well done top marks. 👍👌
Blake knightMay 28, 2018
We enjoyed a great visit to Hampton Court palace today. Arrived by boat from Kingston which added to the fun. The Palace is such an interesting place to visit. Immaculately kept. Would recommend the free audio tour headsets but we were also really impressed with the staff there. They were so friendly and knowledgeable and made the visit even more enjoyable. Thank you to all.
Linda IrelandJul 4, 2018
A beautiful palace, exhibiting many items from the magnificent Royal Collection, including Rembrandt's - An old Woman called 'The Artist's Mother'. Originally built by Cardinal Wolsey for himself, Henry VIII took Hampton Court for himself after executing Wolsey and dissolving the Catholic church in England. Hampton Court has the stamps of successive kings and queens all over it, as each sought to apply their own taste. This makes for an interesting contrast as you wander through different centuries of architecture. The gardens are beautiful, and home to the largest grape vine in the world.
Graeme BlackwoodJul 7, 2018
Absolutely brilliant day out with the kids. Went first thing in the morning and were there all day. Probably lucky in that the weather was glorious, so we could take full advantage of the gardens and kids area, but so much to see and do. Well worth the price of entry. Only niggle was that the Palace itself could have a few more activities aimed at younger children, but then again, that might have been too much of a distraction for the adults. All the staff were friendly, knowedgeable and helpful. All in all, there was something for everyone from 5 to 75 years old. Glad we went, and would definitely return!
Susanna MacdonaldJul 3, 2018
Enjoyed our visit except for overpriced lunch at the Dig In Restaurant. Very limited choice of food and soft drinks. We go every other year and have always booked the Champagne & Seafood Restaurant which we always enjoyed, but that is no longer there and the Dig In which has replaced The Allium restaurant is a poor substitute. The day otherwise was lovely. The Dig In is the only restaurant you can book, which is a great pity! Hopefully it will be much improved in the future!!!
Angela FormbyJul 7, 2018
A large slice of British history happened here, and it is still in remarkable condition. Take a tour and enjoy the story of the monarchy and its foes, and glimpse the way of life at court in Tudor times. If your schedule allows have a look at the summer open air music concerts, there is no more intimate place to see your favourite act than here in a Tudor courtyard. Also watch out for the Hampton Court Flower show (a few weeks after Chelsea).
Keith McAlisterJul 15, 2018
What a stunning place! I have always been fascinated by history and this place was a dream! We went in February, it was cold and snowy but that made us appreciate the fires in the kitchens even more! It was an amazing experience! There's a lot to explore in the different sections, definitely make sure you visit all sections of the Palace! The chocolate kitchen was very interesting, the paintings, portraits and the tapestries were fascinating! The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable! If you're a fan of King Henry VIII, that Palace is a must see place!
Teodor Ivanov ZhelyazkovJul 29, 2018
Wanted to visit for a while as I love history and wasn't disappointed. Love the whole interactive nature, the 'mini plays' that were on throughout the day were very entertaining, as were the exhibits. It was a stiflingly hot day and was very warm inside but this couldn't be helped. Ate in the Fountain Court cafe which had good food, reasonably priced. Have seen a few reviews moaning about the price, I thought the price was very good compare to some other historic buildings. The whole presentation of the building and lovely gardens made it easy to imagine the opulence of the era. The only moan I had was that the reprodution of the wine fountain wasn't on display. I was told it was having some restoration but I hope to see it again in the future.
Fiona HamiltonJul 23, 2018
This is a great place. It's a pricey ticket but come for the day, the whole day. They're so much variety, you can find peace and the noise and with its superb Tudor architecture, its should be no. 1 on every tourist's list of London sights. Its easy to get to for the tourist :take a train from Waterloo Station and only a 5 minute walk at the other end. And it's beautiful. Pure and true British history. Great Art. Go!!!!!
James RobinsonAug 4, 2018
We like Hampton Court Palace with often been there for historic visits but this time we were there for the Hampton Court flower show. It's a bit of a track from the car park to the actual show but there are some interesting Innovations and quirky ideas that you can pick up. It was a very sunny day and you can pick up some nice food and drink and sitting and listen to some music there while you relax in the sun. Some celebrity gardeners often show up at the place and give their own advice and you can often see TV cameras around the place taking footage for the next round of gardening shows.
Matt BrowneJul 30, 2018
Pricey at £25 Each to enter the castle. A small loop is open to the public, A couple partially furnished bedrooms, a dining room and many old paintings, some bordering on a sort of medieval Playboy. The ceilings are elaborately painted in a few rooms. They have an astrological clock dial on the inside courtyard wall that is unusual for the UK but when it strikes, the one bell sounds like Bessie's old cow bell. Needs a rebound spring on the hammer. Sounded really sick. Not what you would expect with the amount of income coming in. I mentioned getting a behind the scenes trip to see the clock. I was insulted with the default answer, " You would not fit in the small passage and the steps are very narrow" compared to the thousands who have visited 300-800 steps of many cathedrals towers regularly in other locations. This is what I do, but no chance, no one with any authority. The building seems well maintained, but not nearly enough to see to dictate the entry price. You had better keep your ticket in hand as well. Don't let you spouse hang onto it. If you step outside you won't get back in. On the bright side, For free, you can walk around the courtyard outside the beautiful Green. Parking was full but only a 4 minute walk from the overflow parking. Just one opinion.
Champ1964Jul 17, 2018
This is a wonderful place for the whole family! The palace is a monument of English history and culture and is must-see for all. Give yourself around 3 hours to see and do everything - interactive storytelling is included and takes you through the rich history of the palace. There are loads of really interesting stories about all who lived there before and it is told in a way that appeals to every age. There is no heating system within the building so if you go in the winter make you wear warm clothing!
Tom BoyleMar 3, 2018
A full five star rating from me, I came in this place awed by the amazing tutor architecture, and the amazing gardens could only increase this effect. Truly a gorgeous place to visit, and an absolutely great place to learn about interesting characters such as King Henry VIII and their lifestyle. For 15.40£ with concession (which you get for being a student or over 65 years old), this place is a bargain to visit for what you're getting. Or, if you don't want to enter, the gardens are there for you free of charge and the maze is only 4.50£ for anyone over 16 years old. I will most definitely be coming here again several times in the future - it deserves it.
Guilherme FerrãoFeb 13, 2018
Always loads to do here, whether you come to occupy the kids during the summer holidays or you come to explore the history of the various parts. There's always helpful guides around who know far more than the audio guides. Lots of steps/cobbles so wear good shoes! Couple of different cafes and nice gardens.
hansuthersFeb 13, 2018
Nice place with good views and good cafe options. Toilets are a bit grubby but well stocked and the baby changing is in the disabled toilet for access for both sexes. It is also quite clean. Can get busy but is good for families with small children.
Alan BaileyFeb 24, 2018
Loved it. Roaring fire in the kitchens to keep me warm during the snow storm too. Fascinating audio history. The chapel is magnificant. Even captured a changing of the guard (wink wink) on my way out!
Dana SosaMar 2, 2018
If you love/live history this is the place for you. My intention was to not actually go here but on the way back from work I decided why not. I took a long walk around the outside and saw some amazing architecture beautiful gardens and if not for the rain the maze too , which is the oldest in the world to my belief.. you get a strong sense of the time period just from a walk round and your imagination will fill in the blanks thanks to the information provided. The best part it's all free unless you wish to venture inside which will cost around £19/20. In all honesty if its as good and as informative as the outside I will be taking the plunge in the summer with the family. Parking is £1.60 an hour so if you do what I did and just fancied a walk around then it is well worth it , a must for any couple 🍀
DUTCH 3768Apr 4, 2018
As every venue of royal historic places it truly stands to its name. Royal and historic and what a place. Allow at least good three hours to explore the insides and untold number of corners and themes. Take a good camera and get ready to pose in kingly environment. Mind this is an old palace of six centuries ago so somewhat simpler on the decor and dim on light. The gardens behind the palace offer nice strolls on sunny days and can be extended in nearby parks for miles. Thames is just a short walk awake on the other side. Parking is next door and reasonably priced. Buying a membership and visiting other royal places for free is a good deal, especially for regular family visits.
Mark KychmaMar 15, 2018
Wish I could rate this higher than a five star! This is the most beautiful palace in England, everything is so very well preserved and presented. the gardens are out of this world too, the tour guides were so very chatty and clear with info, when I asked a few questions about the actual death of Cardinal Wolsey they were great with answers. (I've watched every movie and tv show on Henry VIII..... they are only close to the truth!!) It's actually a different take on his death but I'm not going to tell you! Go ask yourself, but have to say it surprised me but makes sense...... ;) Every room is wonderful to see and there are different guides in each one. The gun displays really grabbed my attention, they are taken down, cleaned and tested every year then put back up! We got lucky and met Henry himself in the gardens, happy to pose for pics too. Wonderful atmosphere. The gardens are amazing, meticulous layout, mirror imaged, best seen from rooms of the main house, probably best seen in summer when Rose's are in bloom, any time of the year this is a great place to visit and DO take the house tour, it's worth it.Get here early and allow for an all day visit.
Laura BarrettMar 28, 2018
My absolute favourite thing about Hampton Court was the 14:00 re-enactment where actors portray various historic characters. They really involve the audience. It's so much fun! My next favourite item was the maze and next was the real fire in the fireplace in the kitchen! This was delightful on the cold day we had. The sheer scale of this palace is difficult to fathom. If you want to do it properly, you will need all day! The entry fee covers an audio guide so this will take time to listen to. You then have the amazing gardens! There are cafes and shops in the grounds and plenty of toilets in various locations. Did I mention that the Royal School of Needlework has its rooms here! They have their own shop at the rear of the palace. It's just wonderful! Remember to wear walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of that. It is wheelchair friendly if you are wheelchair bound.
Nada ZaitounMar 29, 2018
Beautiful palace and gardens of Henry VIII. A lot to see both inside and outside the palace. Inside there is a multitude of historical artworks throughout a number of monarchs reigns. Some of which span entire rooms. There are actors that roam the palace that are dressed and speak as if they were in Tudor times, which I thought was a nice touch. Outside the palace is the gardens. Which in the sunny weather it is spectacular. The gardens are perfectly maintained and are ideal for lounging around. There is also a grape vine that's 250 years old, and still produces grapes every year, which I found particularly interesting. Limited parking in the palace itself, bit there is a large overflow parking a short walk away in a field.
Michael ShemeldMay 9, 2018
A large historical building with beautiful surroundings kept in pristine condition. All the rooms and displays are well lit and have information boards and audio. A maze, horse and cart and other activities are available, as well as a food court. A short but enjoyable period drama was presented. Lots of fun! A great day out for the family.
Sandra StewartMay 6, 2018
Amazing architecture, but lacking in information on the building it's self. We did our our walk through so no tour guide or audio support. It was a great experience and AMAZING histroy. I just wish that as you walked through there was more information on the building and it's components than on who lived there (hint, he was fat and had a few wives). Either way the entrance fee is high but it's worth every penny! The gardens are STUNNING!
Stewart At LargeApr 22, 2018
I was there just to take picture next to Harry's portrait, I was so excited about visiting Henry VIII castle. Where he lived and where he was so glorious and powerful, but really I expected more😞 Anyways I was so touched seeing the glorious and majestically rooms decorations, the gardens (are stunning and magical) and read about the castle history, inside the castle is so inspirational... Very nice. I recommend. 😍👍✌ Just don't try to talk to random and stupid English people, they don't know about they own very country history. My gosh...💔😢
Annamaria FuroniJun 10, 2018
This is one of my favorite palaces--it has so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore and I love that one can see both Tudor and Georgian palaces all in one place. The gardens are gorgeous and this is a great place to take kids, as there are plenty of kid friendly attractions, such as the magic garden and costumed actors strutting about. For lunch, I recommend going to The Mute Swan across the street. The eating options within the palace grounds are quite limited and I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch just outside of.
Simone CollinsMay 28, 2018
A really great day out. The rooms were well laid out to represent different monarchies from Henry VIII to William of Orange. It would have been better had the staff been in period costumes as we walked around. Can't comment on the audio taped tour as they tend to be too much sometimes. The gardens were truly amazing even on a wet May afternoon.
Malcolm MansfieldMay 19, 2018
There is so much to see and learn about at Hampton Court Palace! The castle itself is amazing, the exhibits and staff are wonderful. The grounds and gardens are great too. It's a place that you can visit multiple times and not get bored. My three kids (2, 8 and 11) enjoyed it as well--very kid-friendly! Like
Kevin GoodieJun 4, 2018
one of the most beautiful palaces I have seen the Gardens are just amazing and so colourful at this time of year. The Magic Garden maze was fun for the kids as well as myself. After a long afternoon of running around I found the ampersand cafe where there was a cheeky happy guy called Jaysson James who made an amazing flat white and his colleagues Vanessa and Ruby who were amazing dealing with the long queues and keeping people happy and entertained within the line while waiting. It's really nice to see when people love doing what they do with a passion charisma drive and aimed at top service. Keep up the good work girls and J you make the place what it is well done top marks. 👍👌
Blake knightMay 28, 2018
We enjoyed a great visit to Hampton Court palace today. Arrived by boat from Kingston which added to the fun. The Palace is such an interesting place to visit. Immaculately kept. Would recommend the free audio tour headsets but we were also really impressed with the staff there. They were so friendly and knowledgeable and made the visit even more enjoyable. Thank you to all.
Linda IrelandJul 4, 2018
A beautiful palace, exhibiting many items from the magnificent Royal Collection, including Rembrandt's - An old Woman called 'The Artist's Mother'. Originally built by Cardinal Wolsey for himself, Henry VIII took Hampton Court for himself after executing Wolsey and dissolving the Catholic church in England. Hampton Court has the stamps of successive kings and queens all over it, as each sought to apply their own taste. This makes for an interesting contrast as you wander through different centuries of architecture. The gardens are beautiful, and home to the largest grape vine in the world.
Graeme BlackwoodJul 7, 2018
Absolutely brilliant day out with the kids. Went first thing in the morning and were there all day. Probably lucky in that the weather was glorious, so we could take full advantage of the gardens and kids area, but so much to see and do. Well worth the price of entry. Only niggle was that the Palace itself could have a few more activities aimed at younger children, but then again, that might have been too much of a distraction for the adults. All the staff were friendly, knowedgeable and helpful. All in all, there was something for everyone from 5 to 75 years old. Glad we went, and would definitely return!
Susanna MacdonaldJul 3, 2018
Enjoyed our visit except for overpriced lunch at the Dig In Restaurant. Very limited choice of food and soft drinks. We go every other year and have always booked the Champagne & Seafood Restaurant which we always enjoyed, but that is no longer there and the Dig In which has replaced The Allium restaurant is a poor substitute. The day otherwise was lovely. The Dig In is the only restaurant you can book, which is a great pity! Hopefully it will be much improved in the future!!!
Angela FormbyJul 7, 2018
A large slice of British history happened here, and it is still in remarkable condition. Take a tour and enjoy the story of the monarchy and its foes, and glimpse the way of life at court in Tudor times. If your schedule allows have a look at the summer open air music concerts, there is no more intimate place to see your favourite act than here in a Tudor courtyard. Also watch out for the Hampton Court Flower show (a few weeks after Chelsea).
Keith McAlisterJul 15, 2018
What a stunning place! I have always been fascinated by history and this place was a dream! We went in February, it was cold and snowy but that made us appreciate the fires in the kitchens even more! It was an amazing experience! There's a lot to explore in the different sections, definitely make sure you visit all sections of the Palace! The chocolate kitchen was very interesting, the paintings, portraits and the tapestries were fascinating! The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable! If you're a fan of King Henry VIII, that Palace is a must see place!
Teodor Ivanov ZhelyazkovJul 29, 2018
Wanted to visit for a while as I love history and wasn't disappointed. Love the whole interactive nature, the 'mini plays' that were on throughout the day were very entertaining, as were the exhibits. It was a stiflingly hot day and was very warm inside but this couldn't be helped. Ate in the Fountain Court cafe which had good food, reasonably priced. Have seen a few reviews moaning about the price, I thought the price was very good compare to some other historic buildings. The whole presentation of the building and lovely gardens made it easy to imagine the opulence of the era. The only moan I had was that the reprodution of the wine fountain wasn't on display. I was told it was having some restoration but I hope to see it again in the future.
Fiona HamiltonJul 23, 2018
This is a great place. It's a pricey ticket but come for the day, the whole day. They're so much variety, you can find peace and the noise and with its superb Tudor architecture, its should be no. 1 on every tourist's list of London sights. Its easy to get to for the tourist :take a train from Waterloo Station and only a 5 minute walk at the other end. And it's beautiful. Pure and true British history. Great Art. Go!!!!!
James RobinsonAug 4, 2018
We like Hampton Court Palace with often been there for historic visits but this time we were there for the Hampton Court flower show. It's a bit of a track from the car park to the actual show but there are some interesting Innovations and quirky ideas that you can pick up. It was a very sunny day and you can pick up some nice food and drink and sitting and listen to some music there while you relax in the sun. Some celebrity gardeners often show up at the place and give their own advice and you can often see TV cameras around the place taking footage for the next round of gardening shows.
Matt BrowneJul 30, 2018
Pricey at £25 Each to enter the castle. A small loop is open to the public, A couple partially furnished bedrooms, a dining room and many old paintings, some bordering on a sort of medieval Playboy. The ceilings are elaborately painted in a few rooms. They have an astrological clock dial on the inside courtyard wall that is unusual for the UK but when it strikes, the one bell sounds like Bessie's old cow bell. Needs a rebound spring on the hammer. Sounded really sick. Not what you would expect with the amount of income coming in. I mentioned getting a behind the scenes trip to see the clock. I was insulted with the default answer, " You would not fit in the small passage and the steps are very narrow" compared to the thousands who have visited 300-800 steps of many cathedrals towers regularly in other locations. This is what I do, but no chance, no one with any authority. The building seems well maintained, but not nearly enough to see to dictate the entry price. You had better keep your ticket in hand as well. Don't let you spouse hang onto it. If you step outside you won't get back in. On the bright side, For free, you can walk around the courtyard outside the beautiful Green. Parking was full but only a 4 minute walk from the overflow parking. Just one opinion.
Champ1964Jul 17, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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