Hampton Court Palace – Tips for Your Visit

Hampton Court Palace is surely one of the most beautiful royal palaces, both inside and out. In fact it is so beautiful and historic.Now lovingly looked after by Historic Royal Palaces, Hampton Court is a treasure-trove of beautiful objects, history and intrigue. It is one of my very favourite palaces and castles in England.

Inside the Palace, history comes alive with rooms seemingly held still in time – the throne room awaits the arrival of the King, and a table is set for an intimate dinner. The knowledgable staff at Hampton Court are often in costume and this makes visits especially interesting.

The History of the Palace

Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in 1514, around an existing Manor House. King Henry VIII confiscated the palace when Wolsey fell from grace, having failed to secure an annulment for the King so he could marry the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. It is said the King was playing tennis in the real tennis courts while she met her end at the Tower of London. Elizabeth 1 spent time here as a child, and also under house arrest when her half-sister Queen Mary 1 was on the throne.

The Court of James I wintered here in 1603 to escape the plague in London, and William’s Shakespeare performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream with his acting troupe The King’s Men during their Christmas and New Year celebrations in the Great Hall. Hampton Court Palace was also the home of Charles 1, who was held under house arrest here. After the King’s execution, Oliver Cromwell would take up residence in this lavish palace, despite his puritanical nature. Later, Charles II would honeymoon at Hampton Court with his wife Catherine of Braganza, and then proceed to install his mistress at here as well!

The court of William III and Mary II was perhaps the extravagant court here. They asked Christopher Wren to redesign the castle and arranged for the addition of many of the gardens you can still see today.

It was Queen Victoria who first opened Hampton Court Palace to the public in 1838, as an act of generosity “to all her subjects”.

Hampton Court, Hollywood and Bridgerton

Hampton Court has also been used as a location for many movies including The Favourite, The Young Victoria and even Pirates of the Caribbean! And of course, more recently, it has been used extensively in Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte. Fountain Court, pictured above, was used in a number of scenes.

History Comes Alive

History really does come alive at Hampton Court. One of my favourite parts of the castle are The King’s Apartments. I love walking up The King’s Staircase which Italian painter Antonio Verrio designed. The walls and ceilings are covered with breathtaking baroque paintings. There is even a trompe l’oil colonnade.

At the top of the staircase, you find yourself in the Guard Chamber, its walls lined with weaponry. This room served a practical purpose, protecting the king, who would meet with visitors and those seeking his favour in the Throne Room. All of the apartments are lavish, many of the walls lined with red silks, ornate carvings and priceless artwork. It’s easy to picture them filled with a beautifully dressed, bustling court of all the King’s favourite people.

Of course there are plenty of ghosts said to roam the halls of Hampton Court. Although I’ve visited many times, I’ve never seen or felt anything odd, even in the haunted gallery, where poor doomed Catherine Howard rushed to plead for mercy from her husband King Henry VIII. Many other people have reported sightings of Catherine, Jane Seymour, and other less famous characters from history.

An Evening At Hampton Court Palace

In June 2023 my husband and I attended a dinner and concert at Hampton Court. We drank champagne in the Watching Chamber and then went into the Great Hall to enjoy a three course silver service dinner.

It was amazing to enjoy such a beautiful dinner in the same place as Shakespeare had performed his play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. After dinner we went out to the courtyard to enjoy a concert by Bjorn Again, the Abba tribute band. The music was a real contrast to the historic surroundings!

Visiting Hampton Court Palace with Children

As I mentioned before, there are often costumed guides roaming the castle, and many of them are great fun. On one occasion, I chatted to “King Henry VIII” at some length! He told me all about what the castle was like when he lived there and what life was like. I refrained from asking him about his six wives!

The kitchens are a fun – and educational – place to visit. Tudor kitchens are such a contrast to modern life and it is incredible to think of the fact that they fed 600 people twice a day from them. In my experience, children find them really interesting.

The Magic Garden is well worth a visit, but do check it is open before you go. You may have to queue as this is such a popular attraction to visit with kids.

Gardens at Hampton Court Palace

Nestled on the banks of the Thames, Hampton Court Palace is set in 60 acres of wonderful gardens. From the Kitchen Garden to the spectacular Pond Garden and Rose Garden, there really is something for everyone. If you enjoy walking, there are also over 750 acres of parkland set within a loop of the River Thames.

Eating at Hampton Court Palace

There are two cafés and a couple of food kiosks at Hampton Court, including one in the Magic Garden. Opening times vary seasonally. There are also ice cream carts in the warmer weather. You are allowed to bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens. You will need to eat your food before you tour the castle though as they do not encourage people to go through with large bags.

Hotels Near Hampton Court Palace

Although we do not live a huge distance from Hampton Court, we often stay in a hotel when we visit. The Kings Arms Hotel is very comfortable and friendly. It is outside the palace, but overlooks the famous Maze.

Our favourite, slightly more luxurious hotel is The Mitre, located outside the palace gates. They have two lovely restaurants. Most recently we stayed in “The Playwrite’s Den” suite. The rooms all have very interesting names that give a taste of the hotel’s history. Parts of it date from 1665.

Visiting Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is located on the River Thames to the southwest of London and is accessible by boat, car, train, bus or underground. Visit the Historic Royal Palaces website for more information including opening hours. It’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. None of our experiences were gifted and we paid all our own expenses. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing and I accept no responsibility for, nor can I be held liable for, your experience at this venue. To avoid disappointment, be sure to visit the Hampton Court website for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.