Hampton Court Palace Travel Guide: Tudor History, Gardens and the Best Palace Day Near London
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
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
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.
How to make Hampton Court a full day
Hampton Court is not just a palace stop; it can be a full day if you give the gardens, river and nearby village enough room. Start with the palace while your attention is fresh, then slow down outside: the formal gardens, the maze, a river walk and a food stop nearby. This pacing makes the trip feel less like a museum visit and more like a proper escape from London.
