Hampton Court Palace Travel Guide: Tudor History, Gardens and the Best Palace Day Near London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 04/10/2026

Introduction

Hampton Court is the palace day trip that barely feels like leaving London. You get Tudor drama, royal apartments, gardens, the maze and a riverside setting without needing a full travel day.

It is especially good for families, garden lovers, history fans and visitors who want something royal but more spacious and playful than a central London museum.

✨ Quick Facts

Detail · Info ·

Best from · London Waterloo ·

Travel time · Around 30-40 minutes ·

Car needed? · No ·

Best for · Tudor history, gardens, families ·

Time needed · Half day to full day ·

🗺 Map

Hampton Court route ↗

🏛 Top Things to Do

Hampton Court Palace

⭐ Must visit ⏱ 2-3 hours palace; 4-5 with gardens 💰 Check official tickets 📸 Excellent exterior/gardens 💡 Tip: Do not skip the Tudor kitchens.

Website: Historic Royal Palaces - Hampton Court ↗ Map: Hampton Court Palace ↗

Gardens and Maze

⭐ Best for families and spring/summer ⏱ 1-2 hours 💡 Tip: Do the maze before everyone is tired.

Website: Hampton Court Gardens ↗ Map: Hampton Court Gardens ↗

🍽 Where to Eat

Palace Cafés

Best for convenience. Website: Hampton Court food and drink ↗ Map: Hampton Court café ↗

The Mute Swan

⭐ Best for: proper pub lunch after the palace 💰 ££ Website: The Mute Swan ↗ Map: The Mute Swan ↗

🏨 Where to Stay

The Mitre Hampton Court is best for a riverside palace weekend. Website ↗

📅 One-Day Itinerary

09:30 Train from Waterloo 10:15 Enter palace 10:30 Tudor kitchens and rooms 12:45 Lunch 14:00 Gardens 15:30 Maze and river walk 16:30 Train back

🚆 How to Get There

Train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court. Hampton Court station is a short walk from the palace. Check National Rail ↗ and HRP getting here ↗.

FAQ

Is Hampton Court worth it? Yes. Is one day enough? Yes. Hampton Court or Windsor? Hampton Court for Tudor gardens; Windsor for royal grandeur.