A Journey into History Awaits When Visiting Hampton Court Palace

Tucked away on the banks of the River Thames near East Molesey in Surrey, Hampton Court Palace is a treasure trove of history, architecture and entertainment that’s just waiting to be discovered by visitors of all ages. This iconic royal residence has been a silent witness to the intrigue, drama and romance of the Tudor and Stuart courts for over 500 years. As you step through its grand gates, you'll be transported to a world of opulence, politics and passion that trace some of the most important moments in British history, particularly during the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII in the mid-16th century.

The story of Hampton Court Palace begins in 1515 when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor and chief adviser, transformed a modest country house into a grand palace. Wolsey’s vision was to create a stately home where he could host the king as well as monarchs from across Europe. However, when he failed to annul Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, he fell out of favour with the king, who eventually took the palace for himself.

Under Henry VIII’s ownership, Hampton Court became a symbol of royal power. The palace was the setting for historic events like the birth and baptism of Prince Edward (later King Edward VI), as well as the monarch’s tumultuous marriages. The palace even played a role in Henry’s break with the papacy, as it was from here that he and his councillors sent the first letter threatening to sever ties with Rome.

In the late 17th century, King William III and his wife, Queen Mary, commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild parts of the palace. Although Wren’s original plan was to demolish the entire residence, his contributions to the palace's Baroque architecture can still be seen in the king’s and queen’s apartments. Indeed, Hampton Court now stands alongside St James's Palace and Lambeth Palace as the finest examples of Tudor architecture in the capital.

Hampton Court is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders that offer a glimpse into its past.

• In the Tudor Kitchens, visitors can see how meals were prepared for the royal court. The massive log fire and the giant spit where meat was roasted are still intact and, on certain days, you can watch how the meals would have been cooked centuries ago.
• The Great Hall has an impressive hammer-beam ceiling and windows that flood the room with natural light. Henry VIII held grand feasts and entertained guests in the hall, and it’s also where William Shakespeare's acting company, the King’s Men, performed Macbeth and Hamlet for King James I in 1603.

• The 300-hectare gardens at Hampton Court Palace are as breathtaking as the palace itself. They include the famous maze and the oldest and largest grapevine in the world. The maze offers children a fun and challenging adventure, provided they don’t get completely lost of course! You can also discover the perfectly laid out formal Baroque gardens on the south side of the palace, which are especially beautiful during the summer.
• The Magic Garden is an interactive adventure playground that reopened in 2023. This enchanting space features secret grottos, towers, battlements and even mythical beasts, so it’s perfect for youngsters aged 2-13 who are keen to explore. It is usually closed for the winter but reopens on selected days from around mid-February.
• There are more interactive exhibits inside the palace, including areas where children can dress up in period velvet cloaks and explore the royal kitchens. There are also family storytelling sessions, garden history tours, Tudor and Elizabethan cookery classes and lunchtime lectures, with all these activities bringing the palace’s history to life.

Hampton Court Palace is open daily from 10am to 4pm, although some of the cafés, gardens and attractions have slightly later closing times. Tickets can be bought online or at the palace gates. Prices start from £27.20 for adults and £13.60 for children aged 5-17. Under 5s can enter free of charge.

Visiting Hampton Court Palace is easiest by train. You can also cycle, walk or drive.

• Hampton Court Station is only a few minutes' walk, with direct trains from Waterloo running approximately every half an hour.
• The Thames Path offers a scenic cycle ride of nearly 40 kilometres along its north bank from central London to the palace.
• Cars and pedestrians can enter via Trophy Gate on the A309, while there are convenient connecting buses from Kingston, Twickenham and Richmond.
• You can even take a river bus from Westminster, Richmond or Kingston during the summer, but these can take a couple of hours.

To avoid the crowds, it’s worth visiting Hampton Court Palace during the week or early in the morning. If you’re looking for a more atmospheric experience, visit during the late spring or summer when the gardens are in full bloom. In the winter, the palace is cloaked with festive decorations and makes for a joyous day out.

The Tiltyard Café is the perfect spot for a specialty coffee or an indulgent bake. The Privy Kitchen Café, in the heart of the palace, serves a variety of hot drinks along with Tudor-style pies and soups. For the ultimate regal experience though, head to The Fountain Court Café and enjoy a light lunch with a glass of prosecco or wine.

A central hotel near Waterloo Station is perfect for visiting Hampton Court Palace as well as more general sightseeing. Sofitel London St James places you in five-star luxury close to another must-visit royal attraction, Buckingham Palace. If you're travelling with kids, Novotel London Blackfriars is a great family-family choice that also welcomes pets. You may also want to consider staying in West London to be close to Heathrow Airport.

There’s something for everyone when visiting Hampton Court Palace. Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a fun day out, or simply someone who appreciates grand architecture and beautiful gardens, exploring the palace’s halls, kitchens and grounds takes you on a journey into a world that has been shaped by some of the most influential figures in British history.