Hampton Court Palace is one of the best days out within easy reach of London. Henry VIII made it his favourite palace, and you can still walk through his Great Hall and the vast Tudor kitchens before getting lost in the oldest surviving hedge maze in England. Add lunch by the river in Richmond and the famous view from Richmond Hill, and you have a relaxed, varied day.
- DistanceAbout 15 miles from Central London
- By carAbout an hour, depending on traffic
- OpenUsually Wednesday to Sunday
- AllowAbout 3 hours at the palace
Check the opening days first
For much of 2026 Hampton Court Palace has been open Wednesday to Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, apart from some peak dates such as school holidays. Opening hours are usually 10:00 to 17:30 in summer, with earlier closing in winter. Check the Historic Royal Palaces website for your exact date before you book, and buy tickets in advance.
From 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, much of the palace becomes the Winter Palace, a festive experience with its own separate tickets. Some historic routes stay open during this time.
What to see at the palace
- Henry VIII's Great Hall, with its hammer-beam roof and original tapestries.
- The Tudor kitchens, built to feed a court of hundreds.
- The baroque state apartments added for William III and Mary II.
- The maze, planted around 1700, and 60 acres of formal gardens.
- The Magic Garden, an adventure playground that children love.
A day that works
- Pickup from your hotel or address in Central London.
- Hampton Court Palace, gardens and maze (about 3 hours).
- Lunch at a riverside pub or restaurant near Richmond Bridge.
- A short walk up to the terrace on Richmond Hill for the protected view down the Thames.
- A slow drive through Richmond Park, where you will often see the herds of red and fallow deer.
- Drop-off at your door.
Train or private car?
Trains run from Waterloo to Hampton Court station, a short walk from the palace, and take around 35 minutes. For two people visiting the palace only, the train is good value. Adding Richmond and the park by public transport means buses and more walking, and Richmond Park is best seen by car. A private car suits families with young children, older travellers and anyone who wants to see all three without changes.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Price per vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| See the current prices for every vehicle on the tour page. | ||
Practical tips
- Allow time in the gardens. On a fine day they are as good as the palace.
- The maze is popular with families, so go early or late in the day if you can.
- Dogs and bicycles are not allowed into the palace or formal gardens except on special days.
- If Hampton Court is closed on your date, Windsor or Kew Gardens make good alternatives. Ask us for a plan.
Questions we are often asked
Which days is Hampton Court Palace closed?
For much of 2026 it has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during some peak periods. Opening days change through the year, so always check the Historic Royal Palaces website for your date.
Is the maze included in the palace ticket?
Yes. A standard palace ticket includes the palace, the gardens, the maze and the Magic Garden, though special events such as the Winter Palace have separate tickets.
How long should we spend at Hampton Court?
About three hours covers the main state rooms, the kitchens, the maze and a walk in the gardens. Families with children often stay longer for the Magic Garden.
Can we see the deer in Richmond Park?
Often, yes. The herds roam freely across the park, and we drive slowly through so you can watch them from the car. Please stay at least 50 metres away if you get out.
Are palace tickets included in the tour price?
No. Our price covers your private car, driver, fuel, parking and waiting time. You buy palace tickets directly from Historic Royal Palaces.