Hampton Court Palace Entrance Ticket

Overview

This is the palace’s own admission ticket, bookable here with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit. It is the cheapest way through the gate and the only product here supplied by Historic Royal Palaces itself rather than a third-party operator.

What it buys is everything on the estate. The Tudor half — Base Court, the astronomical clock, Henry VIII’s Great Hall and the largest surviving Tudor kitchens in the world. Wren’s Baroque half — the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments. All 60 acres of formal gardens, the Great Vine glasshouse, the Magic Garden and Britain’s oldest surviving hedge maze. There is no separate ticket for any of it and no upsell at the gate.

A free audio guide comes with admission, and costumed interpreters give talks and cookery demonstrations through the day at no extra cost — which is why a self-guided visit here is a genuinely strong option rather than a budget compromise. Where a ticket alone falls short is on questions: for that, compare the guided options below.

Ticket dates are fixed but entry is not timed to the minute — arrive any time between opening and last admission on your chosen date.

Itinerary

• On arrivalEnter through Trophy Gate from the A309, or walk five minutes from Hampton Court station over the bridge. Tickets are checked at the West Gate.
• First hourThe Tudor kitchens and Great Hall are emptiest at opening — walk them before the coach groups arrive at about 11:30.
• Mid-visitThe King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, the Chapel Royal from the Royal Pew, and the Cumberland Art Gallery.
• AfternoonThe Privy Garden, the Great Vine, the Great Fountain Garden and the Long Water. The Maze closes about 45 minutes before the palace.
• Before you leaveThe Magic Garden if you have children with you — nobody leaves it in a hurry.

What’s Included

Meeting Point & Logistics

Where to collect: your voucher is scanned at the palace ticket office or the West Gate. Keep your booking reference handy — a small number of travellers have reported a voucher failing to scan, and staff resolve it on the spot with the reference.

Getting there: London Waterloo to Hampton Court is about 35 minutes with two trains an hour, then a five-minute walk over Hampton Court Bridge. Paid parking is available on site. Full options are on the getting to Hampton Court Palace from London page.

Timing: the palace opens at 10:00. Last admission is 16:30 in the summer season against a 17:30 close — a full hour’s gap that catches people out. Allow three hours minimum, a full day with children.

Accessibility: the palace and gardens are largely accessible and wheelchairs can be borrowed on site, though some historic routes involve stairs and uneven cobbles.

Traveller Reviews

Ratings shown are this tour’s own figures from its booking page. Read all reviews on the booking page, or see feedback across every option on the Hampton Court Palace tours reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ticket include the Maze?

Yes. The Maze, the Magic Garden and all 60 acres of gardens are covered by standard palace admission. There is no separate maze ticket.

Is this ticket cheaper than buying direct?

It is comparable. Historic Royal Palaces charges from £29 off-peak and £32 peak; this listing prices in dollars from $43 and adds free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Do I need to pick an entry time?

No. Your ticket is for a specific date, and you can arrive any time between opening and last admission on that date.

Is a guide included?

No — this is a self-guided visit with the free audio guide. If you want a human guide, compare the private tours on this site.

How long should I allow?

Three hours covers the interiors and a short garden walk. Four to five hours covers the palace and gardens properly, and families with children should plan a full day.

Can I re-enter if I leave for lunch?

Re-entry on the same day is not guaranteed — check at the gate before leaving. The Tiltyard Café inside the grounds avoids the question entirely.