Is Hampton Court Palace worth it?
Yes: a real Tudor palace, 60 acres of gardens and the famous maze for £28 make it the best-value royal day out near London. Allow at least half a day.
📍East Molesey, 35 mins by train from Waterloo
Our pick: Palace + Gardens Entry · Free cancellation
Bottom line — is Hampton Court Palace worth it?
Yes, it's arguably the best-value royal day out in London: a genuine Tudor palace, 60 acres of gardens and the famous maze for £28. Allow at least half a day plus the 35-minute train from Waterloo.
Quick Facts
- Opening hours
- 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (shorter in winter)
- Location
- East Molesey, 35 mins by train from Waterloo
- Age suitability
- All ages, superb for families
- Wheelchair accessible
- Yes, most areas step-free
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (most tickets)
How we scored the Hampton Court Palace
Our method£28 for a full day covering the palace, Tudor kitchens, 60 acres of gardens and the maze is the best-value royal ticket around London.
The Great Hall, working Tudor kitchens and the maze are superb, and the costumed guides genuinely add to it.
The trip out to East Molesey filters the crowds. Even summer weekends feel manageable next to central London sights.
The most complete royal day out. If you have the time for one palace done properly, do this one.
Best time to visit the Hampton Court Palace
Mostly indoorHampton Court Palace is mostly indoor — weather only matters for getting there. Crowds drive most of the scoring.
- 9am🌤️Mostly sunny, 18°CGreat
- 11am🌤️Mostly sunny, 20°CGreat
- 1pm🌤️Mostly sunny, 21°CGood
- 9am🌤️Mostly sunny, 20°CGreat
- 11am🌤️Mostly sunny, 23°CGreat
- 1pm☁️Cloudy, 25°CGood
Typical hour-by-hour →
Arrive at opening and do the Tudor kitchens and Great Hall before the day-trippers arrive, then spend the afternoon in the gardens and maze.
Best Hampton Court Palace tickets, compared
All London attractions →| Ticket Type | What's Included | Price from | TripScore | Our Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RECOMMENDED Palace + Gardens Entry Full-day access |
| £28.00 per adult | 8.8 Best Overall | View tickets → |
Entry + Audio Guide Palace, gardens, maze & guide |
| £29.00 per adult | 8.6 | View tickets → |
Entry + Return Transfer Transport from central London |
| £72.00 per adult | 7.2 | View tickets → |
We compare prices from GETYOURGUIDE · KLOOK · VIATOR · TIQETS …
What visitors say
4.4/5 · 1,501 reviews"Visitors to Hampton Court Palace and Gardens have praised the palace's stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and engaging interactive exhibits. Many have noted the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who provide a wealth of information about the palace's history and significance. With a 4.40/5 rating based on 1481 reviews, it's clear that Hampton Court Palace and Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture."
Summary of 1,501 visitor reviews aggregated from booking partners.
Why the Hampton Court Palace is worth it
- ✓Henry VIII's Great Hall and the working Tudor kitchens are the real thing, not reconstructions.
- ✓60 acres of formal gardens plus the world's oldest surviving hedge maze.
- ✓Costumed guides and family trails make it one of London's best days out with kids.
- ✓35 minutes from Waterloo, yet far quieter than the central royal sights.
Common Hampton Court Palace mistakes
- ✗Treating it as a two-hour stop. The palace and gardens comfortably fill four or five.
- ✗Skipping the Tudor kitchens, the most atmospheric part of the palace.
- ✗Visiting in winter expecting the gardens at their best.
- ✗Missing the maze because it sits at the far end of the gardens.
How the Hampton Court Palace compares
Other top London attractions ranked by TripScore.
Yes, the best royal day trip from London. Go for 10am opening between Thursday and Monday, and see St George's Chapel before the coach groups arrive.
Yes — one of London's most underrated attractions. Book the 4pm slot for the calmest visit and allow 2-3 hours to do the Churchill Museum justice.
Hampton Court Palace FAQ
Is Hampton Court Palace worth it?▾
Yes. For £28 you get Henry VIII's Great Hall, the working Tudor kitchens, the Chapel Royal, 60 acres of formal gardens and the world's most famous hedge maze. It is the most complete royal day out near London, and better value than most central attractions.
How long do you need at Hampton Court Palace?▾
4 to 5 hours to do the palace and gardens justice, plus about 35 minutes each way by train from Waterloo. Many visitors make a full day of it.
How do you get to Hampton Court Palace from London?▾
Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station roughly every half hour, taking about 35 minutes. The palace is a five-minute walk over the bridge from the station.
Is the maze included in the Hampton Court ticket?▾
Yes, palace and gardens tickets include the maze. It is smaller than people expect but genuinely disorienting, and kids love it.
Add to your London itinerary
Plan your perfect day in London with our free itinerary builder.
People also ask
Yes: £24 covers the cathedral, crypt and a 528-step dome climb with one of London's best views. Go at 8:30am opening, and note it's closed to sightseeing on Sundays.
Yes — one of London's highest-rated paid attractions. Arrive at 9am opening to see the Crown Jewels before queues build, then join a free Beefeater tour.
Yes, it's London's best immersive art experience and a perfect rainy-day plan. Timed entry keeps it calm, and you can stay as long as you like.
Yes: around £14 for an hour past Big Ben, St Paul's, the Tower and Tower Bridge is London's best-value sightseeing. Go one way to Greenwich on a clear afternoon.
Our pick · From
£28 · Palace + Gardens Entry
Last reviewed · Editorial verdict by tickets.uk editorial team · Structured feed