Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII's riverside Tudor palace with grand gardens and the famous maze.
The call
Worth it if you only have one day and you're traveling with kids.
Short answer
Is Hampton Court Palace worth it?
Hampton Court Palace deserves a place on most first itineraries.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
Why
- 01
A genuine Tudor palace where Henry VIII held court — kitchens, state apartments, costumed interpreters, formal gardens and the hedge maze.
- 02
Excellent and far less crushed than central sights.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You only have one day
Short trip or not, keep Hampton Court Palace.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Hampton Court Palace is an easy yes.
You're traveling as a couple
As a couple, Hampton Court Palace is an easy yes.
You're traveling solo
Solo, Hampton Court Palace is an easy yes.
Think twice if
You're watching the budget
Hampton Court Palace can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You want time outdoors
Hampton Court Palace offers some nature & scenery, but not enough to make it the reason to go.
Plan it well
- Cost
- £28 (cheaper online)
- Timing
- Arrive early on a weekday; warmer months are best for the gardens and maze.
- Booking
- Cheaper booked online in advance.
- Allow
- Half to full day
- Accessibility
- Much of the ground floor and gardens are accessible, though some Tudor areas have steps.
- Getting there
- Direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court (~35 min), then a short walk.
Consider instead
Sources and method (2)
- 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 ↗