Find the perfect stay near Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is a grand royal residence that lets you wander through centuries of English history, from the Tudor era to the elegant Baroque period. It is a fantastic place to explore because it combines the sprawling 60-acre gardens with the fascinating Great Hall and the massive Tudor kitchens. You can lose yourself in the famous hedge maze or admire the sprawling estate that covers more than 1,000 acres of parkland. This Grade I listed building offers a unique chance to walk the same corridors as kings and queens while enjoying a relaxed day out by the River Thames.

You will find a grand estate that tells the story of two distinct eras, blending Tudor red brick with elegant Baroque design. It is a place where you can wander through vast gardens and royal apartments that have hosted some of the most famous figures in British history.

Planning your visit and what to expect

To make the most of your day, you should allow at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the buildings and the grounds. The site is located in East Molesey, and while much of the palace is accessible, some of the older Tudor areas have uneven floors and narrow stairs. Lift access is available to the primary stories, and manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Information Centre on a first-come, first-served basis.

An entry fee applies to access the palace, the maze, and the formal gardens. You can pick up a complimentary audio guide at the start of your tour to hear stories about the court as you walk. If you are travelling by car, there is a paid parking area on-site, though spaces are limited. Please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information regarding opening hours, seasonal closures, and ticket availability.

Exploring the architecture and royal art

The Great Hall is a standout feature, boasting a magnificent hammer-beam roof that rises many feet above the floor. You can see the enormous Tudor kitchens, which were designed to feed hundreds of people twice a day. These rooms often feature live historical re-enactments that bring the smells and sounds of the past to life.

Outside, the 60-acre gardens are home to the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768 and is known as the largest grape vine in the world. You can also try to find your way through the UK’s oldest hedge maze, which covers about one-third of an acre and features half a mile of winding paths. Inside the galleries, you will find works from the Royal Collection, including paintings that have hung on these walls for centuries.

A tale of two palaces

This site is a Grade I listed building and is famously associated with King Henry VIII, who expanded it into a lavish residence to show off his power. You can walk through the Haunted Gallery, where history says his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, was once restrained. The palace feels like two different worlds joined together, as the later additions by William III and Mary II were inspired by the style of Versailles.

The palace ceased to be a royal residence in the 18th century and was later opened to the public by Queen Victoria. Today, it is maintained by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity. Walking through the courtyards, you can easily spot the transition from the dark, atmospheric Tudor brickwork to the symmetrical, sunlit columns of the later Baroque period.

Finding your way around Hampton Court Palace is easy, and there are plenty of options to stay around the area and reach it. You will find a variety of places to rest and simple transport links to get you to the gates.

Where to stay in East Molesey

Staying in East Molesey puts you right on the doorstep of Hampton Court Palace. It is a quiet, leafy area with a village feel, perfect for families or those looking for a relaxed pace. You can find charming guesthouses and small boutique hotels within a 5-minute walk of the main entrance. If you prefer more variety, Kingston upon Thames is just 2 miles away. It offers larger hotels and plenty of shops along the river, making it a great spot for travellers who still want to be close to the site. Richmond is another lovely choice, about 6 miles from the palace, known for its large park and riverside walks.

How to get to the palace

Hampton Court Station is just a 200-yard walk from the palace gates, with regular trains arriving from London Waterloo in about 35 minutes. You can also hop on a local bus from Kingston or Richmond, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. For a more scenic arrival, seasonal boat services run along the River Thames, dropping you off at a pier only 500 feet from the entrance.

Step back in time with a stay near Hampton Court Palace. By using Opodo, you can quickly view all available rooms in the area and select the one that best fits your needs. Pick your favourite stay and get ready to explore.