Hampton Court Palace Day Trips
( An Overview of Researching Your Trip to Hampton Court)

Original London Tour
Big Bus Tour

London Taxi Tour
Amphibious Tour
Guided Tours

Walking Tours

Main Sights
Museums / Galleries

Self Guided Walks

For almost 200 years, Hampton Court Palace was at the centre of English court life, politics and national history. Its most infamous resident was Henry VIII.

Today Hampton Court is an easy day trip for all visitors to London.

Hampton Court is one of those places where you can spend an hour or a day. If you're staying in London, its going to take up most of your day.

There are many books and reference articles about Hampton Court and its history. We do not try and reproduce that here, we would suggest your first port of call is Hampton Court Official Web Site for the latest in opening hours, admission charges and a good overview of the history and attractions of the palace.

Hampton Court a story of two palaces: a Tudor palace, magnificently developed by Cardinal Wolsey and later Henry VIII, alongside a baroque palace built by William III and Mary II.
The original palace was built 1515–1521 by Cardinal. Wolsey who spent lavishly to build the finest palace in England at Hampton Court. He was later forced to give the palace to Henry VIII as he began to fall from favour.
Henry added the Great Hall — which was the last medieval Great Hall built for the English monarchy — and the Royal Tennis Court, which was built and is still in use for the game of real tennis, not the present-day version of the game. This court is now the oldest Real Tennis Court in the world that is still in use.
During the reign of William and Mary, parts of Henry's additions were demolished, a new wing was added (partly under the supervision of Sir Christopher Wren), and the state apartments came into regular use. Half the Tudor palace was replaced in a project that lasted from 1689–1694.
From the reign of George III in 1760, monarchs tended to favour other London homes, and Hampton Court ceased to be a royal residence

Hampton Court is the site of the Palace Hedge Maze. Planted sometime between 1689 and 1695 by George London and Henry Wise for William III of Orange, it covers a third of an acre and contains half a mile of paths. Very popular with children.

Allow between 1 and 3 hours to look around the palace depending on your real interest levels. You will want to spend at least some time in the gardens.
You will travel in time from the 1500's, the time of England;s most infamous King, Henry VIII. See his apartments and chambers. Other Kings and Queens apartments later in history are there, Tudor kitchens recreate the kitchens from another era.
There are various options for guided, audio and independent touring
For detailed Hampton Court information, opening hours and booking/admission charges see official web site.