Find the perfect stay near Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent testament to Tudor and Baroque architecture, offering a rare glimpse into the lavish lives of English monarchs. Visitors can wander through the vast Great Hall or get lost in the 1,350-square-metre hedge maze, which has challenged guests for centuries. It is an ideal spot for a day out if you enjoy wandering through sprawling gardens and exploring grand historic kitchens.

This sprawling riverside estate offers a glimpse into the lavish lives of royalty, from the Tudor period through to the Baroque era. You can wander through massive kitchens and perfectly manicured gardens in a single afternoon at this historic site. To make the most of your day, check the official website for current opening times and any seasonal closures.

Getting inside and finding your way

You will need to purchase a ticket to enter the palace and its formal gardens, though the massive 750-acre Home Park is often accessible separately. An entry fee applies for the main historic areas, and it is usually best to book your slot online in advance to avoid long queues at the gate. Most visitors find that they need at least 3 to 4 hours to see the main highlights without rushing.

The site is generally accessible, with lifts available to reach the upper floors of the State Apartments. Manual wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information centre, and there is a level access route through much of the ground floor. If you fancy a deeper dive into the stories of the court, you can pick up a multi-language audio guide at the start of your route.

Exploring the art and architecture

The building is essentially a tale of two palaces joined together. On one side, you have the dark red brick and tall chimneys of the Tudor period, while the other side showcases the grand, classical style of the late 17th century. Inside, the walls are lined with pieces from the Royal Collection, including massive tapestries and paintings that have hung there for hundreds of years.

One of the standout features is the Great Hall, which boasts a magnificent hammerbeam roof and was once the stage for many of William Shakespeare’s plays. Don't forget to look up in the Chapel Royal to see the colourful vaulted ceiling. Outside, the 60-acre formal gardens are home to the famous hedge maze, which has been challenging visitors for over 300 years.

Stepping back into royal history

This was famously the favourite residence of King Henry VIII, who expanded the original manor into a massive complex to house his court of over 1,000 people. You can still walk through the enormous Tudor kitchens, which were designed to produce thousands of meals a day. The palace remained a primary home for the monarchy until the 18th century, when King George II was the last reigning sovereign to live here.

The history here is not just about the kings and queens, but also the staff and courtiers who kept the place running. Costumed historians often roam the halls, acting out scenes from daily life to help you imagine the palace as a working home. Because schedules for these performances and specific room access can change, please check the official landmark site for up-to-date information before you travel.

Travelling around this corner of south-west London is straightforward, with plenty of places for you to stay right on the doorstep of the palace. If you want to wake up overlooking the river or find a quiet spot in a local village, you have several great options for your base.

Where to stay near the palace

If you want to be as close as possible to the action, look for accommodation in East Molesey. This area sits directly opposite the main gates and offers a mix of charming boutique hotels and traditional inns. It is a fantastic choice for families who want to be within a 5-minute walk of the entrance. For a slightly more upscale feel, the nearby town of Kingston upon Thames is only 2 miles away. It provides a wider range of larger hotels and modern apartments, along with a massive shopping centre and plenty of riverside dining. If you prefer a quieter, more local atmosphere, Thames Ditton is a lovely village just a short distance away that offers smaller guesthouses and a slower pace of life.

Getting to the landmark

The easiest way to arrive is by train to Hampton Court Station, which is located just across the bridge, less than a 200-metre walk from the palace. Direct trains run from London Waterloo Station and take approximately 35 minutes, making it a simple journey for those staying in the city centre. For a more scenic arrival, you can catch a riverboat from Westminster Pier or Richmond Pier, though these seasonal services take longer and depend on the weather.

Browse for your ideal stay near Hampton Court by looking through the options on Opodo. You can look at hotels that fit your travel style and pick out the top deals for your trip to East Molesey. It takes just a few moments to look through the available hotels and choose one that feels right. Start planning your visit today and discover how simple it is to book great hotels at a price you like. Enjoy a relaxed stay just a short walk from the palace.