Verdict
Destinations
Attraction · London

Hampton Court Palace

Henry VIII's riverside Tudor palace with grand gardens and the famous maze.

Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →
The verdict

Who it's worth it for

Great for
  • If you've only got a day
  • Families with kids
  • Couples
  • Solo travellers
  • History & culture buffs
  • The genuinely curious
  • Photographers
Depends
  • Travellers on a budget
  • Nature lovers
Not for

—

Worth it for if you've only got a day, families with kids and couples.

Why we say this

Insider secrets & local vibes

A genuine Tudor palace where Henry VIII held court, with kitchens, state apartments and costumed interpreters.
Not independently verified — estimated
Formal gardens and the famous hedge maze give it variety beyond the indoor history.
Not independently verified — estimated
It's a 35-minute train ride southwest, so the visit takes most of a day.
Not independently verified — estimated
The roughly £28 ticket is steep, even if it's far less crowded than central sights.
Not independently verified — estimated
What it feels like

Reading the room, traveller by traveller

  • With kids

    The maze, costumed characters and vast kitchens make it an engaging day for children.

  • Multigenerational

    Plenty of space and seating, with both palace and gardens to suit different energy levels.

  • As a couple

    A grand, atmospheric day out with gardens that reward a slow afternoon wander.

Good to know

Before you go

Cost
£28 (cheaper online)
Time
Half to full day
Last verified
2026-06-17
Best time
Arrive early on a weekday; warmer months are best for the gardens and maze.
Getting there
Direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court (~35 min), then a short walk.
Booking
Cheaper booked online in advance.
Accessibility
Much of the ground floor and gardens are accessible, though some Tudor areas have steps.
Alternatives

If it's not your thing, try

central royal history if you'd rather not travel outanother royal-palace day-trip, with the bigger castle
Was this helpful?
Make the most of it
Book through our partner — we may earn a commission, and it never changes the verdict.
Check availability
Sources

What we checked

  • Adult admission is around £30 (cheaper online, peak/off-peak pricing); ticket covers the palace, gardens and the famous maze. hrp.org.uk ↗
  • Reachable in ~35 minutes by direct train from London Waterloo, with services roughly every 30 minutes and the station a 5-min walk away. hrp.org.uk ↗
Independent — no pay-to-rank Graded for who you are Verified 2026-06-17How we grade →