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NOTE: Several areas of the palace are affected by conservation work throughout 2026. Check the HRP website for the latest information before your visit.
How Far in Advance to Book Tickets for Hampton Court Palace in London
Updated March 2026
Hampton Court Palace is one of the most extraordinary royal residences in the world, and one of the few where the sheer scale of what you are standing in takes a moment to absorb. Set on the north bank of the Thames in East Molesey, Surrey, around 15 miles south-west of central London, it tells not one royal story but many: from Cardinal Wolsey, who built the original palace in the early 16th century, to Henry VIII, who seized it and made it his grandest home, to William III and Mary II, who commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to transform half of it into a spectacular Baroque palace at the end of that same century. Add 60 acres of extraordinary gardens, the world's most famous hedge maze, one of the most evocative Tudor kitchens anywhere, and a packed events calendar that draws visitors back season after season, and it becomes clear why Hampton Court is consistently ranked among the finest day trips from London. It is the kind of place that rewards a full day, and the kind of place that people return to.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
1 week ahead to ensure a wide selection of timed-entry slots. Less demand timed slots may be available a little closer to your date of visit.
At least 2 months in advance.
Best Times to Visit:
Weekday mornings (Tuesday- Friday) will have the least crowds.
Ticket price:
£29 for adults on weekdays, to £32 for adults on weekends and holidays.
Where to Book:
Landmark Address:
Do You Need to Book Hampton Court Palace Tickets in Advance?
Yes. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, and during peak season it is close to essential. Hampton Court operates a timed entry system, and while some walk-up tickets are available at the gate, there is no guarantee of securing your preferred time slot without booking ahead, particularly during school holidays and summer weekends.
Booking online also saves money, as ticket prices are slightly lower online than at the door, and peak and off-peak pricing applies depending on whether you visit at a weekend or on a weekday.
Historic Royal Palaces applies peak and off-peak pricing, with weekend tickets priced higher than weekday tickets. If your schedule has any flexibility, a weekday visit is better value as well as quieter.
Historic Royal Palaces Members enter for free and do not need to pre-book for standard general admission visits, though pre-booking is required for certain popular events (see the Events section below). Membership also covers the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, and Hillsborough Castle, making it very good value for anyone planning multiple HRP visits.
The Art Fund Card gives 50% off admission. The London Pass also covers entry, though a timed slot still needs to be booked in advance regardless of the pass you hold. (You can read our blog post about city passes here.)
Opening Hours and Entry Information
Hampton Court Palace is open daily throughout the year, with seasonal hours:
Summer (late March to late October): 10:00am to 5:30pm, last admission 4:30pm
Winter (late October to late March): 10:00am to 4:30pm, last admission 3:30pm
The palace is closed on 24, 25, and 26 December.
The gardens are also open daily, generally in line with palace hours. In addition, the palace holds a number of free Garden Open Days throughout the year, on which the gardens, courtyards, and some outdoor areas are accessible without a ticket and without pre-booking. The Maze and the Magic Garden still require a paid ticket on these days. Dates are listed on the HRP website and are worth checking if you would like to enjoy the grounds without paying full admission.
During popular events (see the Events section), the palace may open at slightly different times or have specific areas designated for event use. Always check the calendar on the HRP website ahead of your visit date.
What is the Best Time to Visit Hampton Court Palace?
Given the sheer scale of Hampton Court and its grounds, the palace rarely feels as crowded as some of London's smaller attractions, but there are still clear differences between busy and quiet times.
Weekday mornings from Tuesday to Friday are the best time to visit for a relaxed experience. Arriving close to opening (10:00am) gives you the State Apartments and Tudor Kitchens in relative peace before school groups and tour parties build up through the late morning.
Weekends and school holidays are the busiest periods. The Maze in particular can attract long queues on sunny summer Saturdays, with waits of 30 minutes or more at peak times. If the Maze is high on your list, heading there early in your visit is strongly advised.
The gardens are at their most spectacular in late spring and early summer, when the famous Tulip Festival (typically April to May) fills the formal beds with thousands of blooms and the broader gardens are at their most colourful. Autumn brings beautiful colour to the wooded walks and is a quieter time to visit overall. The winter months offer the shortest hours and the fewest visitors, but the palace interior is warm and richly atmospheric, and the surrounding landscape has its own quiet appeal.
The summer events season (see below) brings Hampton Court to life in a special way. The annual Food Festival, the Tudor-costumed joust, and the various theatrical and musical events that run through the summer make a summer visit especially rewarding, though also the busiest time of year overall.
What is the Best Way to Get to Hampton Court Palace?
Hampton Court is located outside Greater London in Surrey, but it is straightforwardly accessible from central London by train, making it a very easy day trip.
By Train: This is by far the best option. Hampton Court station is a five-minute walk from the palace entrance. Direct trains run from London Waterloo roughly every 30 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. The station is in Travelcard Zone 6, and Oyster cards are accepted. Trains return to Waterloo at 24 and 54 minutes past the hour on most days. This is the recommended way to visit.
By Bus: The 411 and R68 bus routes serve Hampton Court. This is a slower option but useful if you are approaching from Kingston upon Thames or the surrounding area.
By Boat: Between April and October, Thames River Boats run services from Westminster Pier and Richmond to Hampton Court Pier, which is directly adjacent to the palace gardens. The journey from Westminster takes around three hours and is a scenic and enjoyable way to arrive, particularly in good weather. Check Thames River Boats for timetables, as services are weather-dependent and do not run every day.
By Car: The palace is on the A308 and is well signposted from all major local roads. Limited on-site parking is available and cannot be pre-booked. Parking is paid by card only (no cash). Ten dedicated Blue Badge bays are available, and parking is free for Blue Badge holders. Note that driving from central London will involve the Congestion Charge zone and can be significantly affected by traffic on the A3 and surrounding roads, so the train is almost always a better option.
Commissioned around 1700 by William III, the Hampton Court Maze is the UK's oldest surviving hedge maze. It covers roughly one-third of an acre and takes an average of 20 to 45 minutes to navigate.
Is Hampton Court Palace Worth Visiting?
For a full day out from London, Hampton Court is in a category of its own. No other attraction in the area combines the depth of historical narrative, the architectural richness, the scale of the grounds, and the quality of interpretation in quite the same way. Henry VIII's Great Hall, with its hammer-beam roof and original tapestries, isjaw-dropping. The Tudor Kitchens, large enough to prepare meals for a court of 600 people and now brought to life with wax figures and period detail, are among the most evocative historic interiors in Britain. The Baroque South Wing, designed by Wren for William III and Mary II, is an entirely different architectural world from the Tudor palace that surrounds it, and the contrast between the two is fascinating.
Outside, the 60 acres of gardens encompass some of the finest formal landscape design in the country: the Privy Garden, restored to its 1702 appearance; the Great Fountain Garden; the famous Maze, planted around 1690 and still reliably confusing visitors three centuries later; and the Great Vine, planted in 1768 and producing around 700 pounds of Black Hamburg grapes each year. The Magic Garden is an excellent children's adventure playground themed around Tudor mythical beasts, and families regularly list it as a highlight of the day.
Whether you have a deep interest in Tudor and Stuart history or are simply looking for a beautiful, absorbing day out, Hampton Court delivers.
How Much Time Should I Spend at Hampton Court Palace?
Historic Royal Palaces recommends a minimum of three hours, and this is a reasonable estimate for a focused visit to the palace interior. However, anyone who wants to explore the gardens properly, walk the Maze, spend time in the Magic Garden, and enjoy a meal will very comfortably fill a full day.
A rough guide to planning your time:
State Apartments (Henry VIII's and the Georgian/Baroque apartments): 60 to 90 minutes
Tudor Kitchens and the Tudor World exhibition: 30 to 45 minutes
The Maze: 20 to 45 minutes (patience levels may vary)
The gardens, Privy Garden, and Great Fountain Garden: 45 to 90 minutes depending on pace
Magic Garden (for families): 30 to 60 minutes
If you are visiting for one of the summer events, build in additional time for the event itself. A full day from around 10:00am to closing is by no means excessive, particularly in summer.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
A free audio guide is included with every admission ticket and can be accessed via the palace's visitor guide on your own device or as a borrowed device from the entrance. It covers the highlights of the State Apartments, the Tudor Kitchens, and the gardens, and features contributions from curators, historians, and conservators. A dedicated BSL digital guide is also available.
Free costumed historian tours run throughout the day during the main season (April to October) and are one of the real highlights of a Hampton Court visit. Led by expertly knowledgeable guides in period dress, these tours bring the history of the palace to life in a way that no audio guide can replicate. Times are posted at the entrance on arrival.
Free garden walking tours are also offered on selected dates, focusing on the history and horticulture of the palace grounds.
For groups, dedicated guided tours can be booked in advance through the HRP website. Schools and educational groups have their own booking programme, with interactive sessions available for all key stages.
Events at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court has one of the most impressive events programmes of any historic attraction in Britain, and the seasonal calendar is a significant reason why many visitors return year after year.
Key annual events include:
Tulip Festival (April to May): The formal gardens are planted with tens of thousands of tulips in a spectacular seasonal display. Included in standard palace admission.
The Big Bahooey (May half term): A family comedy and entertainment festival running through the half-term week. Included in palace admission, though members need to pre-book a free ticket on event days.
Henry VIII's Joust (July): One of the most popular events of the year. Costumed jousting, Tudor entertainment, and theatrical storytelling across several summer weekends. Included in palace admission, though pre-booking is required for members on event days.
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival (August): A major outdoor food and drink festival held in the palace grounds, drawing top chefs, producers, and artisan food vendors. This event requires a separate ticket from standard palace admission and typically sells out well in advance. Book early via the HRP website.
Christmas at Hampton Court (December): Festive programming including light trails and seasonal events. Check the HRP website for this year's specific programme and ticketing, as Christmas events are separately ticketed and popular.
For all events beyond standard admission, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Where Should I Eat at and Near Hampton Court Palace?
The palace has three on-site cafés, all included within the ticketed site:
The Tiltyard Café is the largest and most substantial on-site dining option, serving hot meals, salads, sandwiches, soups, and cakes. It is open during palace hours and has a children's menu. For each adult meal purchased, children under 12 can eat from the children's menu for free.
The Undercroft Café is a smaller option serving light bites, cakes, and hot drinks, located in the historic undercroft beneath the palace.
The Privy Kitchen is a counter-service café serving Tudor-inspired snacks and drinks, positioned near the gardens.
Picnics are welcome in the palace gardens (no glass or alcohol). On free Garden Open Days, picnicking in the grounds is a popular and very pleasant option.
Outside the palace, Hampton Court village itself has a cluster of cafés, pubs, and restaurants within easy walking distance of the palace entrance. The King's Arms Hotel on Hampton Court Road is a well-regarded option for a proper sit-down meal or a riverside drink. The Mute Swan by the bridge is popular for its Thames-side setting. For a broader range of options, Kingston upon Thames, just across the river, has an extensive town centre with restaurants to suit every taste and budget and is easily reached on foot or by bus.
Accessibility at Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court is committed to providing an accessible experience across as much of its site as possible, though the historic nature of the building means some areas present challenges.
Wheelchair access is available to the majority of the visitor route, including the State Apartments, the Tudor Kitchens, and the gardens. The Maze has an accessible alternative route that allows wheelchair users and visitors with mobility difficulties to experience the Maze environment without the full circuit. The Magic Garden is fully accessible.
Ten dedicated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the on-site car park, and parking is free for Blue Badge holders. On the rare occasion these bays are full, Blue Badge holders may use any other available space with their badge displayed.
Disabled visitors receive free admission, and one accompanying carer or companion also receives free entry. A carer ticket can be booked online when purchasing your ticket, or obtained at the ticket office on arrival with supporting documentation (Blue Badge, PIP letter, DLA letter, or Freedom Pass).
Rules, Bags, and Security
There is no left luggage facility at Hampton Court Palace. Large bags, suitcases, and rolling luggage are not permitted inside the palace. A small number of lockers are available on site for smaller items (a £1 coin deposit is required). If you are travelling with bulky luggage, plan to leave it elsewhere before visiting. Hampton Court station has no left luggage facility, so the closest options are central London stations.
Only assistance dogs and medical alert dogs are permitted within the palace, courtyards, and gardens. No other dogs may enter, including emotional support animals. The palace can provide water for assistance dogs on request.
Photography for personal, non-commercial use is welcome throughout the palace and gardens. Flash photography and filming with professional equipment are not permitted in the historic interiors. Pencil sketching is welcome throughout.
The palace asks that prams and pushchairs are folded where necessary in tighter indoor spaces, though they are welcome throughout the site generally.
What Else is There to Do Near Hampton Court Palace?
Bushy Park, which borders Hampton Court Palace to the north, is one of London's largest and most beautiful Royal Parks and is free to enter. It is home to large herds of red and fallow deer and has extensive woodland walks, formal water gardens, and the beautiful Diana Fountain avenue. It is a wonderful complement to a palace visit, particularly in the late afternoon when the deer are most active.
Richmond Park, around three miles north, is the largest of London's Royal Parks and home to over 600 deer. Its woodland and open grassland make it one of the finest wildlife spaces in the London area.
Kew Gardens is approximately four miles to the north-east and is one of the world's leading botanical gardens, covering 132 hectares with extraordinary glasshouses and plant collections. A combined visit to Hampton Court and Kew makes for an exceptional day in the Thames corridor, though both deserve a full visit in their own right.
Kingston upon Thames, just across Hampton Court Bridge, has a lively town centre with independent shops, a market, and a good range of restaurants along the river. The riverside walk between Kingston and Hampton Court is pleasant and takes around 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
For those interested in royal history, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London are both covered by the same Historic Royal Palaces membership, making a multi-site itinerary easy to plan.
Final Tips for Visiting Hampton Court Palace
Book online in advance. Pre-booking guarantees your entry time and saves money, particularly if you are visiting on a weekday at off-peak prices. Summer weekends especially can see walk-up tickets unavailable.
Head to the Maze early. On busy days, queues for the Maze build significantly through the morning and can reach 30 to 45 minutes by mid-afternoon. Making it one of your first stops after the State Apartments or the Tudor Kitchens is a practical way to avoid the longest waits.
Allow a full day. Hampton Court is not a two-hour attraction. Between the State Apartments, the Tudor Kitchens, the gardens, the Maze, and on-site dining, a full day is easily and enjoyably filled. The last admission is one hour before closing, so arriving in the morning gives the most time.
Take the costumed historian tours. These are free with your admission and run multiple times each day during the main season. They are one of the highlights of the visit and are significantly better than anything the audio guide can offer for understanding what you are looking at.
Consider the Historic Royal Palaces membership if you plan to visit multiple HRP sites. At £28 for an adult ticket at Hampton Court alone, membership quickly pays for itself if you are also planning to visit the Tower of London or Kensington Palace on the same trip.
Come back for an event. The regular programme at Hampton Court is excellent, but the summer events bring the palace to life in a way that standard sightseeing cannot fully replicate. If the Food Festival, the joust, or the Tulip Festival aligns with your visit, it is well worth timing your trip accordingly.
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