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Over 500 years old, Hampton Court Palace in Surrey is believed to have been Henry VIII's favourite of all the royal palaces. Amongst the highlights of visiting Hampton Court are the well-preserved kitchens and the stunning 60-acre palace gardens which include the recently restored palace maze and privy garden.

These are just some of Hampton Court Palace’s most fascinating and famous sights:

Henry VIII's Great Hall:This is England’s greatest medieval hall and one of Britain’s oldest theatres, where William Shakespeare’s company performed in 1603-4.

A Living Tudor World: Join Henry VIII's courtiers to hear stories of the much-married King and his visits to Hampton Court Palace. If you are lucky you might even get to see the man himself!

The World-Famous Maze: Spend some time getting lost in 'the most famous Maze in the history of the world'. With half a mile of winding paths, it takes on average 20 minutes to reach the centre – if you ever find it!

Tudor Kitchens and Live Tudor Cookery: The kitchens were built to feed the Court of Henry VIII, and expected to provide meals for 600 people twice a day. Visit them and experience the sights and smells of a real Tudor kitchen!

Gardens:

Relax and take some time out from the bustle of London in Hampton Court Palace’s beautiful gardens that run down to the River Thames. The gardens spread cover more than 60 acres of lush land, with sparkling fountains, glorious displays of over 200,000 flowering bulbs and 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland to enjoy.

Hampton Court Palace’s Formal Gardens cover 60 acres (26 hectares) and the park an additional 750 acres (304 hectares), all set within a loop of the River Thames. Hampton Court Palace Maze was built in 1690 as a form of courtly entertainment for William III, today the Maze consists of half a mile of winding paths surrounded by towering 7ft-high yew tree walls. On average it takes 20 minutes to reach the centre – if you ever find it!

The Privy Garden is the re-creation of William III’s Privy Garden is based on a design of 1702. Its stunning symmetrical pattern incorporates the original varieties of plants and marble sculptures.

Home Park is 700 acres of deer park with ponds and other waterways. This is the perfect place to relax and stroll down the park’s long avenues, for lovely views across the park to the palace.

Tiltyard walls and finally different aspects of sun and shade are used to create beautiful effects on these garden walls, up which a variety of wall shrubs and some unusual tender plants grow.

Costumed Interpreters

Come and hear the latest Tudor gossip by joining our costumed interpreters as they guide you through your day at court.

Daily and included in your ticket or collect an audio tours if you would prefer a more D.I.Y. approach (subject to availability) and free of charge.

March -The massed naturalized planting of Daffodils in the Wilderness is beginning to come into flower.
April - The spring display in the Privy Garden is reaching its best throughout this month.
May - The Wilderness is now carpeted with many wildflowers and patches of Bluebells.
June - 17th century exotics are outside along the Privy Garden terrace and the Rose Garden is looking good.
July and August - Flowerbeds and borders of all the garden areas are now full of brightly coloured bedding plants.
September - The harvest of grapes from the Great Vine takes place during the first two weeks or so of this month.
October and November - Autumn colours add to the gardens, especially in the Tiltyard, Wilderness and 20th Century Garden.  
December - Striking outlines and tracery of the Lime trees stretch across Home Park.

Ticket Information

Opening Dates: Open daily year round excluding 24-26 December and 1 January.

Opening Times: October-March: Monday-Sunday 10AM-4.30PM (last entry 3.30PM). The Magic Garden is closed during the winter. April-October: Monday-Sunday 10AM-6PM (last entry 5PM).

Address: Hampton Court Palace and Gardens, Surrey KT8 9AU.

Additional Information: PLEASE NOTE - The date on your voucher may not be the date you actually visit the attraction. Your voucher will be accepted by the attraction up to 7 days after the voucher date printed. All visitors stated must be present to redeem this voucher. Visitors who are not present when the voucher is redeemed will not be entitled to a refund. This voucher includes access to the palace, maze and gardens, plus a multi-language audio guide, costumed guided tours, children's activity trails, exhibitions and more! The Chapel Royal, inside the palace, is open to visitors during normal palace opening hours when there are no services. It will be closed for part of the day (usually the afternoon although not always) for weddings, funerals and special services at Easter and Christmas. On Sundays the Chapel Royal is only open to palace visitors from 12.30 to 14.00.

Please note that entry to the Hampton Court Flower Show in July is not included with this voucher (tickets must be purchased separately).

Important: Magic Garden is closed to visitors on 11th September 2017, Cumberland Art Gallery is closed 18th-24th September 2017, Tudor Kitchens will have limited access from 2nd October 2017 – 2nd April 2018 and will be closed from 3rd April – 4th May 2018, Mantegna Gallery will be closed from 30th October 2017 – 30th March 2018.

Accessibility: Hampton Court Palace is accessible for wheelchairs. A carer accompanying a disabled visitor will be admitted free of charge. Guide, assistance or service dogs are all welcome.