hampton court school visits

Introduction The Vikings used the River Thames to reach and raid London. William the Conqueror when he took England as his personal property built a castle at either end of the walled city to protect it. As time passed, castles were…

The Wolsey Era One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

Hampton Court under King Henry VIII Remodelling and Extension Wolsey had 400 in his staff, Henry had more than twice that many, and if he had visitors, there was no telling how many would be there to empty the larder and fill the garde-robes. The first…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

The Gardens of Hampton Court Today

The dimensions are substantial: 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of park, and eight thousand trees. Great Vine The Great Vine has particular interest. Started from a cutting by Capability Brown in 1769, it has grown to the…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park

Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

Acquisition and Rebuilding of Hampton Court

One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

The Problems of Catherine of Aragon

Daughters of the aristocracy were until fairly recent times considered as properties to be used by their parents to the best advantage of the family. The oldest son was the heir, traditionally the second son was the “spare” since there…

Hampton Court Palace

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Hampton Court Palace

Set in over 60 acres this magnificent Palace, was built under the reign of Henry VII and further modified under Mary I. The palace has been the scene of many historic events through the Tudor and Stuart reigns. Student’s can learn more about this period, including a visit to the impressive Tudor kitchens.

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A Visitor's Guide to Hampton Court Palace in London

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Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1520s when King Henry VIII took over its development from Cardinal Wolsey, and its many royal occupants over the years have granted the palace its stunning furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.

Hampton Court Palace also contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection , which is the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This collection is on full display and contains material from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries.

In 1689, Sir Christopher Wren demolished large parts of the Tudor palace and began building a new palace for King William III and Queen Mary II, but by 1760, George III became king and abandoned Hampton Court as a royal residence.

In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens and state apartments to the public free of charge. It is no longer free (see ticket information) but is well worth a visit. The Hampton Court Palace estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens, requiring 200,000 flowering bulbs each year and another 40,000 plants grown in the nursery.

Hours of Operation, Photography Rules, and Audio Guides

Hampton Court Palace and the Formal Gardens are closed December 24, 25, and 26 each year while the Informal Gardens are closed December 25. Home Park is open year-round, however, the hours of operation are subject to change depending on the season, so always be sure to check the official website for more detailed information. 

General photography, without flash, for personal, non-commercial use is allowed within the palace and gardens, with the exception of the Chapel Royal and Royal Pew.

Audio guides are included in the ticket price and can be collected from the Information Center in the far left corner of Base Court. Languages offered for this service include English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Korean.

Directions: Getting to Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is next to the River Thames to the south west of London , and while there are WPSA riverboats to the palace from Westminster in the summer months—a journey that takes four hours—there are also a variety of other means of public and private transport that can get you there. Use  Journey Planner  or the Citymapper app to plan your route by public transport.

• Address:  Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9A
• Nearest tube stations: Richmond (R68 bus) or Hounslow East (111 bus)

Public Transit From London and Its Airports

South West Trains run services direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and the journey takes only 35 minutes, resulting in a 200 meter walk across the bridge from the station to the palace. The train service passes through Wimbledon station, where the London Underground District Line begins, and Hampton Court is in Travel Zone 6.

If you do travel by South West trains they have an offer for a combined travel and Palace ticket. That also means you've got your entry ticket in your hand so won't need to go to the Ticket Office when you arrive. Be sure to check out local bus routes for the following lines, which all run past Hampton Court Palace: 111, 216, 411, 451, 461, R68, and 513.

From Heathrow Airport take the 111 bus, from Gatwick Airport take a train from the airport station to Clapham Junction and change to the Hampton Court train, and from London City Airport, take the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, then catch the Hampton Court train from there.

Ticket Information, Accommodations, and Luggage Storage

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance from the Palace ticket office—located just inside the main gates on the left-hand side of the drive—or in advance from any staffed South West Trains station.

To save money on trips to Hampton Court Palace, you can buy a London Pass , which gives you unlimited admission to loads of top London attractions including Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London , or you can book online in advance on the official website and oftentimes score discounts on tickets.

If you're traveling with luggage or a backpack, Hampton Court Palace has some lockers, located off Clock Court, where hand baggage and small rucksacks or overnight bags can be left (locker size: 45cms wide x 45cms deep). A £1 coin is required to use them, which is returned after use. Large bags or suitcases may be left at your own risk in the Warders Office by the West Gate. Please speak to the Warders when you present your ticket if you would like to use this facility.

There are two self-catering apartments at the palace available to visitors for hire. Fish Court sleeps up to 6 people and the Georgian House sleeps up to 8 people. For bookings and information contact ​ The Landmark Trust .​

Hampton Court Palace Highlights

With over 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer all visitors, from the Tudor Kitchens to the famous Andrea Mantegna painting set "The Triumphs of Ceasar," you won't want to miss these highlights on your tour of the grounds.

From 1529, the Tudor Kitchens comprised 55 rooms, covered 3,000 sq ft, were staffed by 200 people providing 600 meals twice a day for the Royal court. What's more, King Henry VIII's court would have drunk an incredible 600 gallons of ale every year. Explore this section of the palace then venture into the Great Hall, England's last and greatest medieval hall which once served as King Henry VIII's dining hall for his staff and is still decorated with the tapestries hung to impress visiting ambassadors.

We always think of King Henry VIII as a large man with many wives but he was an attractive young man and was married to his first wife, the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, for 20 years and they were very much in love. They had 6 children die leaving him with no male heir and Henry saw this as God punishing him for marrying his brother's wife. Hence the story we know: the new Church of England was formed so he could divorce and his further five marriages in his quest to produce a male heir.

You'll also want to check out William III's and the Georgian Private Apartments, both of which were the results of different monarchs living in the palace. Mary II and her husband William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild a third of Hampton Court, which includes the "necessary office" (the king's toilet).

The Georgian Private apartments now host the Cartoon Gallery, which was designed to display the large Raphael cartoons, but instead features 17th-century copies as Queen Victoria gave the originals to the  Victoria and Albert Museum .

The Chapel Royal has been in continuous use for over 450 years, and it's constantly changed depending on who occupied the palace. When Cromwell lived at the palace he removed the ornate stained glass, and Queen Anne later put a wooden altar in front of the removed windows.

The Hampton Court Palace Gardens offer 60 acres of gardens that run down to the River Thames, with another 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Look out for the Privy Garden—King William III's garden restored to its 1702 glory, and the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768 by the celebrated gardener "Capability" Brown and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes that are sold in the palace shops in early September.

The Maze, the most visited attraction in the gardens, takes an average 20 minutes to reach the center. Also, look out for the Royal Tennis Courts , the oldest tennis court in England, which is still used daily.

Fun for All Ages: Family Activities

The Hampton Court Palace is a family-friendly attraction that entertains thousands of tourists each year and features activities focused on kids of all ages. For families with small children, or who are carrying buggies already, pushchairs or buggies may be taken around the palace and may also be left at the left luggage facility off Clock Court, which features a Buggy Park. Speak to a warder if you wish to use the lifts that are available for anyone unable to manage the stairs.

There is a Family Room off Base Court for the little ones to play freely within the confines of the palace. There is a similar children's play area in the Tiltyard Café, which is not available during school holidays, and there are also a variety of Family Trails available from the Information Centre for young children to do as they go around the palace.

However, not all the Family Trails are little ones. There are also some of older children that will enhance their knowledge of the Tudor period, and four family audio tours are available to guide children over 6 through the palace. During school holidays, the palace also offers costume guided events and craft activities that are aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Dressing up clothes are available in the Information Center, where you collect your free audio guide. There are costumes for the whole family and it can make it easier to spot each other when the Palace is busy if all of your party dresses up. However, guests cannot come in costume as there are costumed actors in the Palace every day and the staff doesn't want others to confuse you with them.

The Maze is also recommended for all ages, and admission to the Maze is included in your palace ticket. Don't forget the gardens are beautiful and a great place to have a family picnic—you can bring your own meal or buy sandwiches and snacks from the Tiltyard Cafe!

Hampton Court Palace Disabled Access Information

Hampton Court Palace is very large so be aware visitors wishing to see all of the palace interiors and the gardens will travel over two miles. Since Hampton Court Palace is a historic building with uneven surfaces, it may be difficult to traverse. However, many of the staircases are wide and shallow because of William III, who was asthmatic, built them so they would be easier for him to climb!

Most of the routes within the palace are accessible to visitors unable to climb stairs as there is an elevator to take visitors to the State Apartments on the first floor. Speak to any warder for assistance. Manual wheelchairs are available for use within the palace and single-person scooters are available for use in the gardens only, but neither can be booked in advance.

Visitors with disabilities are admitted at the standard rate but an accompanying carer, personal assistant, or a companion is given a free entry—please notify the admissions staff when purchasing your tickets if your accompanying person is a service person. Guide dogs are also welcome. 

There are accessible toilet facilities in Base Court, Fountain Court, on the first floor, in the Wilderness Garden, and the Tiltyard Cafe. Nine disabled car parking spaces are available on site on a first come, first served basis. Two of the four shops are accessible to wheelchair users: the Barrack Block Shop and the Garden Shop.

Those unable to get to the Young Henry VIII exhibition in the Wolsey Rooms can see a virtual tour—be sure to check out the full access details on the exhibit's official website.

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Visiting Hampton Court Palace – Tickets, Tours & FAQs

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: April 28, 2024

• Everything you need to know to plan and book your visit to Hampton Court Palace

Visiting Hampton Court Palace – Tickets & Tours

Hampton court palace facts, hampton court palace opening times, when is the best time to visit hampton court palace, hampton court palace gardens, what other uk attractions are located near hampton court palace, tips for planning your visit to hampton court palace, more to see in london.

Nearest train station – Hampton Court 

How long to set aside for your visit?

Allow at least three hours to explore Hampton Court Palace and its grounds fully – you may want to stay longer. 

Tickets 

• Hampton Court Palace and Gardens ticket

Good to know – Hampton Court Palace entry is included with The London Pass and the Go City  London Explorer Pass  

Combi tours 

• River Thames bike tour with Hampton Court Palace : 3.5 hour tour including Richmond Palace, Ham House, an 800-year-old market and a picnic in a hunting ground with dee r
• Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle black taxi tour : 8 hour tour by London black cab to Windsor Castle, Eton College, Windsor Great Park and Hampton Court Palace

Guided tours

• Secrets of Hampton Court Palace tour : 1.5 hour tour with Tudor and Baroque State Apartments and the history of Henry VIII led by a published historian
• Hampton Court Palace tour with afternoon tea : 2.5 hour guided tour of the palace and gardens plus afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, cakes and scones
• Private Hampton Court Palace tour : 2.5 hour tour including Henry VIII’s kitchens, the Great Hall, artworks and the gardens
• Skip-the-line 5 star Hampton Court Palace tour : 4.5 hour tour with a licensed guide including hotel transfers by private car and the history of the palace and gardens

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London

There is no London Underground station near Hampton Court Palace.

Instead, you can take a mainline train to Hampton Court train station , which is in zone 6.

Trains leave about twice per hour from London Waterloo.

There is a tube station here connecting mainline trains to the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo and City lines.

The closest tube stations to Hampton Court Palace are Richmond and Wimbledon.

You can then catch a bus to reach the palace. 

From Richmond (where there is a tube station), the R68 bus can take you to Hampton Court Palace.

The 111, 216, 411, 461 and 513 buses also go there from Kingston.

Hampton Court Palace is on the A308, and can also be accessed via the A307 or A309. The A308 can be reached from the M25 junction 12, or you can take junction 10 for the A307.

From the A3, you can take the A309. Brown (tourist attraction) signs will point you in the right direction. 

Parking at the palace is available and is charged hourly. If the main car park is full, there’s another at Hampton Court Green. This is around 500 yards from the palace. 

Read our comprehensive guide to how to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London (all transportation options covered)

• The famous maze at Hampton Court Palace is the oldest of its type to be found anywhere on earth. It dates back to around 1700, and still puzzles visitors to this day.  
• Hampton Court Palace is the home of the Tudor feast. Visitors can still see Henry VIII’s kitchens, where extravagant spreads were prepared. These date from the 1500s, have half a dozen fireplaces and were used by up to 200 cooks at a time before a big banquet. 
• It wasn’t only about food during Tudor times. Base Court at Hampton Court Palace is where guests would wait to be called inside by Henry VIII. He installed a wine fountain here, so they could enjoy a drink while they waited! 
• Thomas Wolsey was the one who ordered the palace to be built. He was a prominent advisor to King Henry VIII and a Catholic bishop. Though he commissioned it, he gave it to the King a few years later when both men realised it was finer than any of the King’s own palaces.
• Queen Victoria was responsible for Hampton Court Palace being opened to the public. This was in 1838. Before that, the palace had been empty from 1760, after the death of King George II. He was the last royal to live at the palace. 

• Hampton Court Palace was something of an entertainment and leisure centre in its day. During the reign of Henry VIII, it offered facilities for archery, bowling, jousting and tennis. The gardens occupy 60 acres, and a royal hunting ground can also be found nearby. 
• Both William Shakespeare, the English playwright, and Vincent Van Gogh, the Dutch artist, have visited the palace. Shakespeare stayed here during the Christmas period of 1603 when his theatre company put on plays for James I. Van Gogh was one of the first visitors once the palace was opened to the public, as he wanted to see the tapestries for himself. 
• Two of Henry VIII’s former wives – numbers three and five of the eight – are said to haunt the palace. They are Jane Seymour, who died during childbirth at Hampton Court Palace, and Catherine Howard. The latter was arrested here before being beheaded at the Tower of London .
• In winter, you can ice skate at the palace. Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink opens between mid-November and early January, when members of the public can pay to skate for up to 45 minutes. Season tickets are available to locals, as well as one-off entry. 
• The Great Hall is the oldest remaining Elizabethan theatre in England. Celebrated architect Inigo Jones designed the scenery. Both Queen Anne and William Shakespeare have acted here too – the former in plays written by Samuel Daniel, and the second in some of his own. 

Hampton Court Palace is usually open daily between 10 am and 5.30 pm during the UK’s Easter, summer, Christmas and half-term school holidays. At other times, it’s open between Wednesday and Sunday only and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Last admission is an hour before closing. It’s worth checking the palace’s opening times page for any planned closures before you visit.

The Magic Garden often opens an hour later than the rest of the buildings and gardens. 

• Hampton Court Palace is only open to visitors between Wednesday and Friday, except for the school holidays, when it opens daily. The palace opens at 10am and the last entry is at 4.30pm, an hour before closing time. 
• Though the palace is open during more days per week in school holidays, it also tends to be busier then. If you can, visit between Wednesday and Friday in term-time for the best chance of experiencing a more peaceful palace and gardens. 
• Though the palace is always popular, it can be less busy between 10 am and midday, so do visit in the morning if possible.
• Saturdays and Sundays are busy all year round, which is why a weekday visit is the best option. 
• The summer season is also a busy time for any tourist attraction in the London area. UK school summer holidays take place between mid July and early September, so the palace will be busy during this time. Tourists from overseas also often visit the UK during summer for drier, warmer weather. European schools also have holidays at around the same time. 

What to see at Hampton Court Palace

Tudor sights to see at Hampton Court Palace include the Great Hall with its phenomenal tapestries, Henry VIII’s kitchens and the Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments which traces Henry VIII’s route from his quarters to the chapel.

At the Great Watching Chamber, you can see where guards controlled who entered the palace: only those of high rank would be permitted to venture within.

You can also see the state apartments of William III and Mary II and the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. If you’re into art, don’t miss the Cumberland Gallery, which houses works by some well known artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt.

Other things to see in and around the palace include Christopher Wren’s Fountain Court and the restored Chocolate Kitchens, which are 3 centuries old. 

Out on the grounds, there’s also lots to discover. Get lost in the 300-year-old maze, or discover the colourful Magic Garden. You can also see the Privy Garden and the tennis courts here. 

There are no major tourist attractions close to Hampton Court. However if you do find yourself with any free time after taking in the palace and gardens, you could enjoy some time in Bushy Park by the palace. 

You could also spend some time in the riverside suburb of Richmond (think Ted Lasso!) , or head to Richmond Park. This works particularly well if you take a tube and bus to Hampton Court. 

• Buy Hampton Court tickets in advance if you can. This means you can avoid delays when waiting to get in. It’s popular and thus very busy, especially in summer or on weekends. 
• Try to time your visit for a Wednesday or Thursday morning if you can, for the best chance of avoiding the crowds.
• It’s best to allow a full day to travel to the palace and explore all the grounds and historic buildings offer. Plus there’s also artwork to see.  
• Don’t forget to allow enough time to do the grounds justice. Hampton Court Palace Maze is world-famous, and the oldest of its kind. The Magic Garden, Privy Garden and tennis courts are also worth a look. 
• Wear comfortable footwear – you’ll do a lot of walking while discovering the sprawling site. You only need to look at the pictures to see how vast the palace is!
• If you have any questions, do ask the guides at the palace, who are dressed in Tudor costumes. They’ll only be too happy to share the history – and any stories they may have. 
• There are several eateries at the palace for meals and refreshments. Or if it’s a dry day, pack a picnic to enjoy the outdoors, instead of waiting in line at the cafe or restaurant. 

If you’re particularly interested in Tudor history, it’s worth booking a private tour with a historian guide who’s even been on TV talking about the palace.

Visiting the palace is a bucket list kind of thing, so it’s worth the investment for a day that you’ll remember forever. There’s no finer place on earth to get a real feel for Tudor history.

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9 Reasons Not To Miss Elegant Hampton Court Palace In London

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Hampton Court Palace in London is grand, historic, and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Visitors can freely wander, exploring life in a royal palace from the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian times.

Managed by Historic Royal Palaces , Hampton Court Palace can tell as many stories as you have time for.

My first visit was a family trip long ago, when our young daughter was studying the Tudors at school.

I had no idea it would be so wonderful. It was the first time I had visited a palace, and I was hooked. I joined Historic Royal Palaces, and I still visit whenever I can.

Here are a few reasons I love Hampton Court Palace.

Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock

1. It’s The Real Thing

Hampton Court Palace is an actual place where momentous things have happened. Many of them have to do with King Henry VIII, the best-known of the Tudors. For example, the Chapel Royal, which is open to visitors most days, played an important role in Henry’s life.

The pope wouldn’t permit an annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. After much argument, Henry decreed that England would no longer be a Catholic country. Generations of religious turmoil followed.

Hampton Court Palace was one of Henry’s many homes during these years. Imagine the many heated discussions he must have had right here.

Years later, Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, was sentenced to death for adultery. She pleaded unsuccessfully for mercy outside the Chapel Royal while the king prayed within. Catherine was executed by beheading.

In addition to all the real-life events that have happened here, plenty of movies have been filmed at Hampton Court Palace.

Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock

2. You’ll Learn More About The King Who Had Six Wives

Henry VIII did indeed have six wives over many years.

“Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived,” is how children remember his wives.

Some people portray Henry as a jovial fellow, fond of the ladies. Others see him as a ruthless tyrant, obsessed with power and possessed of an overriding desire to preserve the Tudor family dynasty. You’ll be better able to judge after a visit to Hampton Court.

But Hampton Court isn’t only about the Tudors. The Stuarts and the Georgians are also part of the story, up to King George II.

zefart / Shutterstock

3. You’ll See How The Palace Was Altered Over The Years

The palace is a giant building with formal rooms, modest apartments, grand halls, long corridors, and staircases ranging from servants’ speedways to venues for magnificent works of art. There are three major courtyards and several smaller ones. Surrounding the palace are some outbuildings, acres of gardens, and the River Thames.

The two main parts of the building are the Tudor palace of Henry VIII and the baroque palace of the joint rulers King William III and Queen Mary II, designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

From the ticket building, walk to the moat and through the impressive west gate into Base Court. This is the Tudor palace of the 1500s, all red brick and diamond shapes. The many ornate chimneys remind me of fisherman knit sweaters.

Later, you’ll see Clock Court and Fountain Court. The building style changes; white Portland stone enhances the brick. This is the baroque palace, which altered and partly replaced the Tudor palace.

Benjamin B / Shutterstock

4. It Fed Hundreds Without Electricity

Hampton Court Palace was like a hotel with a thousand rooms. When the reigning monarch was there, so were all the lords, ladies, ambassadors, visiting dignitaries, and others, as well as the many servants and staff needed to keep things going.

The energy and reality of their work shows up brilliantly in the Tudor kitchens , a highlight of any visit. In this great hall, with its high ceiling and massive fireplace, you can see how the Tudor cooks created elaborate banquets for hundreds of people. Some days, the fire will be burning, and if you are really lucky, you might see and smell meat roasting on the spit.

The Historic Royal Palaces organization has carefully researched and recreated Tudor recipes and cooking methods. On a visit, you’ll get to see some of the cooking utensils and ingredients used in the 1500s.

I like to start any visit by following the Kitchen Tour on the free audio guide.

marekusz / Shutterstock

5. You’ll Hear Stories From Costumed Docents

The costumed interpreters at Hampton Court are extremely good. They stay in character and wear highly detailed outfits. They’re approachable and will answer questions about their life and times. I’ve had the opportunity to meet King Henry VIII himself more than once.

Often, there are interactive mini-performances at different times of the day, in different parts of the palace, based on things that happened here. These always get me into the spirit of the place.

Jim Barton / Geograph.org ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

6. There’s Plenty For Children

Hampton Court Palace is used to having children visit, both with school groups and in families. There’s a big playground called the Magic Garden, a famous maze to get lost in, and plenty of space outdoors for those with a lot of energy.

The palace also offers self-guided interpretive adventures called Family Trails. Sometimes there are royal robes available at the audio-guide station for visitors large and small to try on.

Although there are some precious do-not-touch items here, for the most part, it’s easy to move through the palace without having to worry about breaking something irreplaceable.

Historic Royal Palaces does a good job of making their shops an extension of the site, offering, among other things, speciality items and well-chosen, relevant books and gifts. The Henry Shop is the most child friendly.

For food, I find the Tiltyard Cafe the most comfortable spot for people of all ages.

Vito DeFilippo / Shutterstock

7. It’s Simply Magnificent

Hampton Court Palace stopped serving as a royal residence in the 1700s, during the Georgian period. It still exudes luxury and wealth, however, even though the royal family is long gone.

My favorite Hampton Court treasures are the wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons . Created in the late 1600s and early 1700s, Gibbons’s work features lifelike, delicate garlands of fruit, flowers, and cherubs framing some of the doors and works of art in the baroque palace.

Another unique prize, the massive Abraham tapestries hanging in the Great Hall, were commissioned by King Henry VIII and woven in Brussels with threads of gold and silver.

The Tudor ceiling of the Chapel Royal has been repaired and restored over the years. It now looks much as it did in its heyday, a dazzling sky of golden stars. The organ here was commissioned by Queen Anne in the early 1700s and is still played.

The lovely ladies in the paintings along the Communication Gallery are the Windsor Beauties, and in the William III State Rooms, there’s another set, the Hampton Court Beauties.

For more fine art from the Royal Collection, visit the Cumberland Art Gallery .

The massive astronomical clock in Clock Court tells the time, the day, the month, the phases of the moon, the tides, and the sign of the zodiac. It’s simply magnificent. On this clock, the sun revolves around the Earth. That’s what people believed in 1540, when the clock was created.

Charles Bowman / Shutterstock

8. It’s Full Of Fascinating Remnants Of The Past

Many people have left their mark on Hampton Court Palace — literally. You can spot the formally carved initials of different kings and queens above the gates, on the ceilings, and on a wall outside.

The heraldic King’s Beasts lining the moat bridge are copies of a set originally sculpted for King Henry VIII. They represent the Tudor and Seymour ancestral families.

Bored servants, soldiers, guests — no one really knows — scratched graffiti on some of the stone window ledges and door frames. It’s interesting to wonder who traced their hand here or their initials there. So much of the palace is about royalty and famous people that it’s nice to see a common touch as well.

PlusONE / Shutterstock

9. The Restored Gardens Are Spectacular

Hampton Court’s gardens are worth a visit on their own, especially in the summer when the flowers are in bloom and the massive rose garden smells heavenly.

The Privy Garden of King William III is the authentic garden William would have had 300 years ago, had he lived. I admire all the research, archaeology, horticulture, and hard work that brought this lost garden back to life so vividly in the 1990s.

What To Know Before You Go

Hampton Court Palace is a flat site. The buildings have stairs. Elevators may be available upon request. Please check the website for the most current accessibility information .

There’s a train from Waterloo Station to Hampton Court Station. From elsewhere in London, you’ll need to use the Transport for London Journey Planner. There’s no Tube station at Hampton Court, but there are buses and a parking lot.

You’ll need at least a half day to tour Hampton Court Palace, but you could easily spend a full day there. Spend the evening or even stay the night in one of the nearby riverside towns. I love Richmond upon Thames, about 30 minutes by bus from the palace. It’s on the Tube’s District Line.

For more to see and do in London, see this page .

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .

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