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Scheduled Group - Tale of Two Palaces: Windsor & Hampton Court

Tour description.

A true royal tour: two palaces in one day! Morning visit to Hampton Court Palace, the best surviving home of King Henry VIII followed by an afternoon visit to Her Majesty The Queen's favourite countryside home, the spectacular Windsor Castle.

What's Included?

  • Don't mind sharing with others? Our Semi-Private Small Group Tours run on select dates
  • Small group numbers offer maximum benefit - more personal than overcrowded large buses
  • All passengers depart together - no need to sit onboard for hours collecting passengers
  • Exclusive: Not just a drive. ONLY tour to offer fully escorted visits.
  • Professionally guided tour inside Hampton Court Palace and its spectacular gardens
  • Visit Windsor, home to the largest inhabited castle in the world - Windsor Castle
  • Optional Traditional Fish and Chips Lunch

Learn more about the London Magical Tours Difference

  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Kings Apartments
  • Tudor Kitchens
  • Gardens & Maze
  • Windsor Town
  • Windsor Castle
  • Windsor State Apartments*
  • St Georges Chapel**
  • Optional Fish & Chips

SCHEDULED GROUP TOUR INFO

SCHEDULED GROUP TOUR - A Tale Of Two Palaces Tour: Windsor & Hampton Court Palace (8 Hours) Current Confirmed Dates: TBC Don't mind sharing with other travelers? Join one of our semi-private small group tours to discover two of the most historic palaces of the British royal family. Remember that our scheduled group tours are unique. Unlike the large bus tours, ours is not just a transfer service with free time at each location to "wander". Our tours include fully escorted guided visits with your group's professional tour guide throughout all the permitted areas at each location. We also don't keep our guests waiting to start a tour for up to 2 hours while the tour vehicle drives around collecting passengers from different hotels around London: our scheduled group tours start at the published times, with all the group departing together.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

After your morning departure from London, guests arrive at the best surviving residence of King Henry VIII for a fully guided private group tour. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a true Tudor masterpiece. Experience the splendours of Henry's court as your guide takes you through the majestic Tudor Kitchens, built to feed at least 600 people twice a day. Admire the King's State Apartments, including the largest and greatest medieval hall in England, before being escorted to discover the best of the Palace Gardens - Hampton Court Palace is widely recognised for having some of the most spectacular in England, 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of royal parkland.

LUNCH AT WINDSOR

After an exclusive panoramic drive through scenic English countryside, your early afternoon begins with an optional traditional Fish and Chips lunch in the heart of historic Windsor. London Magical Tours guests exclusively benefit from a fast track food service - the food is freshly prepared in time for our group's arrival to help make the most of the day. See the Optional Extras tab for details.

WINDSOR CASTLE

Following on from lunch, guests are given the option to go on an escorted visit to Windsor Castle, the Queen's favourite countryside residence. Please note that guests who decline this option will instead be given free time to shop at Windsor town before meeting back with the group. A true fairy tale castle situated on a hill above the River Thames, Windsor Castle holds within its great walls almost 1000 years of history. Your professional guide will escort you around the largest inhabited Castle in the world, sharing with you the delights of the iconic Round Tower, the garden moat and the lower and upper wards. Guests will also receive an introduction to St Georges Chapel**, the recent location of several Royal weddnings, before being given leisure time to view Queen Mary's Dolls House, a perfect miniature palace built on a scale of 1 to 12 (including fully operating electrics and running water!) before paying a visit to the majestic State Apartments* with their huge array of treasures from across the world to see the locations used to welcome visiting Heads of State, including the famous St George's Hall, home of the Order of the Garter.

COLLECTION & RETURN LOCATIONS

Tour Start: The collection point is outside the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, London, SW7 4DN (2 min walk from Gloucester Road Underground Station - District, Circle and Piccadilly Lines) Tour Ends: Back at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum (Gloucester Road Tube Station).

A Tale Of Two Palaces Tour: 9:45am to 5:45pm 9:30am - Boarding Opens at Holiday Inn Kensington Forum 9:45am - Tour Departs 10:30am - 12:45pm Hampton Court Palace 1:45pm - 2:30pm Lunch at Windsor 2:45pm - 4:45pm Windsor Castle 5:45pm - Return To Holiday Inn Kensington Forum

Sundays only, select dates during the year. Tour dates are regularly updated at the top of this webpage. Please contact us for latest availability. Travelling on other dates? Our Private Windsor Tours and Private Hampton Court Palace Tourse Tours are a great alternative option to discover the royal palaces with your own specialist tour guide; please contact us for availability.

Scheduled Group Tours are conducted in English only. If you require another language, our Private Windsor Tours and Private Hampton Court Palace Tours Tours are available in most languages through our specialist multi-lingual guide team, including Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. Language surcharges apply. *No guiding is permitted inside the section of Queen Mary's Dolls House and State Apartments, unless on the exclusive private opening of Windsor Castle option at a Platinum Plus VIP level private tour. **External guided visit, St Georges Chapel closed for sightseeing on Sundays.

Tour Extras

Ticket options.

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Windsor Castle Ticket

Meal options.

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Fish and Chips Pub Option

Tour prices.

Scheduled group tour prices are per person. A minimum of 2 people are required per booking (solo travellers are welcome to join but will need to pay the fare for 2 people). Entry ticket to Hampton Court Palace and all taxes included in pricing below. Please add £32 to include ticket to Windsor Castle with fast track entry and £18 for fish and chips option for traditional pub lunch.

There are no hidden extras: prices include your private tour guide, your chauffeur, private vehicle, parking fees, collection and return to your central Manhattan hotel or Grand Central Station, and all taxes. We do not charge additional fees for card payments. Lunch/Entrance fees not included. Internet prices include a discount for online bookings. Prices are according to your party size. For example, the cost of the Half Day London Tour is $449 for a party of 5, which works out at $89.80 per person. At less than $90 pp, private tours are amazing value, offering a personal experience for less than the cost of bus tours

Normal Price

Online price (save £20).

More than 10 passengers? Benefit from our group savings for 11 to 100+ passengers: please see Private London Group Tours.

More than 5 passengers? Benefit from our group savings for 6 to 100+ passengers:please see Private London Group Tours. On transit through London? See Our London Layover Tours

Tour Comments

hampton court london tours

This was such a fun experience for our family. We only had a day to spend outside London and this small group visit was the ideal way to visit these two historic royal homes. The fish and chips was brilliant too. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Lamont Family, USA on the Scheduled Tale of Two Palaces Tour of Windsor & Hampton Court

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Hampton Court Palace Tour

  • Private car/minibus

hampton court london tours

TOUR PRICES

Prices include:.

Prices are per car/minibus not per person and include your private tour guide, collection and return to your central London hotel and tax but not entrance fees where applicable, parking or meals unless stated. Please add £20 for collections from London Train Stations.

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

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About The Tour

Standing amid 60 acres of gardens and beautifully situated along the River Thames is Hampton Court Palace , a favourite residence of Henry Vlll. Its magnificent Great Hall is hung with sixteenth century tapestries, and the state apartments of succeeding monarchs are furnished with pictures from the Royal Collection. With the most complete sixteenth century kitchens in Europe, a Haunted Gallery (the ghosts of Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard supposedly haunt the Palace), Orangery, Henry VIII's astronomical clock, Tudor tennis court and the oldest maze in England, Hampton Court Palace is one of the most intriguing of all the survivals from an intriguing age.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN.

Castles, gardens & stately homes, windsor & hampton court palace, what a day we had it was magical. it was our favorite day we spent in england.

Anita Qualls

Why choose us?

Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

hampton court london tours

Follow us on our journey

Introduction

Introduction The Vikings used the River Thames to reach and raid London. William the Conqueror when he took England as his personal property built a castle at either end of the walled city to protect it. As time passed, castles were…

The Wolsey Era

The Wolsey Era One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

Hampton Court under King Henry VIII

Hampton Court under King Henry VIII Remodelling and Extension Wolsey had 400 in his staff, Henry had more than twice that many, and if he had visitors, there was no telling how many would be there to empty the larder and fill the garde-robes. The first…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park

Hampton Court Gardens & Park Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

The Gardens of Hampton Court Today

The Gardens of Hampton Court Today

The dimensions are substantial: 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of park, and eight thousand trees. Great Vine The Great Vine has particular interest. Started from a cutting by Capability Brown in 1769, it has grown to the…

Hampton Court Gardens & Park

Hampton Court Gardens & Park

Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…

Acquisition and Rebuilding of Hampton Court

Acquisition and Rebuilding of Hampton Court

One supposes Wolsey knew what was in the wind, promotions of the kind he experienced don’t happen in secret, nor overnight. He consulted with his physician (who possibly had connections with the Hospitallers) on the healthiest building location, and only…

The Problems of Catherine of Aragon

The Problems of Catherine of Aragon

Daughters of the aristocracy were until fairly recent times considered as properties to be used by their parents to the best advantage of the family. The oldest son was the heir, traditionally the second son was the “spare” since there…

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Royal Hampton Court Palace Tour with Afternoon Tea

Immerse yourself in regal history as you tour the palace grounds and experience afternoon tea.

Looking for an easy way to visit Hampton Court Palace? This immersive tour will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to 16th century Tudor England, as you stroll through the lavish royal palace and its majestic courtyards. Your knowledgeable guide will tell tales of Henry VIII and other royals who once lived here, before taking you to a royal afternoon tea. Afterwards, you’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring the palace grounds at your leisure with a full day access pass!

Royal Hampton Court Palace Tour with Afternoon Tea

  • Wander the halls of Henry VII's favorite residence​
  • Expertly guided experience
  • 16th century Tudor architecture
  • Speak with historical actors
  • Hampton Court Gardens
  • Eat like royalty
  • All day access pass

Your regal tour begins outside of the palace gates, which is easily accessible by metro or taxi, where your friendly guide and group of fellow travelers will be waiting. From here, your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the palace along with its majestic courtyards and gardens. All the while, you’ll hear fascinating tales of the royals who once lived at Hampton Court, along with legends of Henry VIII and his multiple wives.

Following your palace tour, your guide will lead you to the tea venue for a traditional afternoon tea. You’ll feel like royalty as you delight in delicious nibbles and choose from a royal selection of teas.

This tour grants you access to the palace for a full day, so you’re free to continue exploring the magnificent palace and its outstanding gardens at your leisure.

Royal Hampton Court Tour Description

Your 2-hour tour includes:

Fun, knowledgeable guide

Full day access

Traditional afternoon tea

Royal courtyard and sunken gardens

Learn about the history of Henry VIII and 16th century Tudor England

Max group size of 20 people

Meet at the Palace Gates

Begin your royal tour outside of the palace gates, where you’ll meet your knowledgeable guide and group of no more than 20 travelers. As you walk through the palace entrance, your enthusiastic guide will detail the fascinating history of how Hampton Court came to be.

Explore Hampton Court Palace

Wander into the grounds of the regal palace and through its enchanting courtyards as you listen to extraordinary stories of Henry VIII and his numerous wives. Continue past Ann Boleyn’s Gatehouse, where she resided before being executed.

Next, marvel at the majestic Fountain Court, a stunning baroque palace that was created by Sir Christopher Wren for William III and Mary II.

Afternoon Tea Like a Royal

Follow your guide to the restored sunken gardens, and then continue onto the expansive Tudor kitchens. From here, your guide will lead you to the tea venue for a traditional afternoon tea. Savor every moment as you enjoy delightful finger sandwiches, decadent patisseries, and fresh scones. Of course, you’ll also have your choice of tea from the Royal Selection.

Following your lavish afternoon tea, you’ll be free to explore Hampton Court Palace for the rest of the day at your leisure. This includes full access to the palace, along with the 60 acres of breathtaking gardens on the grounds.

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What you get with this tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking around the Palace all day!

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in London.

What happens if it rains?

We run our tours rain or shine. Please bring an umbrella if the forecast shows rain.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

No, but Afternoon Tea with scones and light finger sandwiches will be provided.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends in the tea venue following your Afternoon Tea. The tour includes a full day pass, so afterwards you’re free to continue exploring the grounds at your leisure.

Is transportation from London included?

No, you'll have to arrange your own transportation from London to Hampton Palace before the tour begins. You can easily access Hampton Palace by metro or taxi.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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London Travel Planning

How to get to Hampton Court Palace from central London? [6 options compared]

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2024

Wondering how to get to Hampton Court Palace from Central London? Plan your visit to the beautiful Palace that was once the pad of King Henry VIII in our complete guide.

Hampton Court Palace is a 16th Century historic royal palace located in the London borough of Richmond. It is both an impressive and fascinating attraction most associated with King Henry VIII and is popular with visitors all year round. 

Located only 12 miles from central London with easy access by train, boat, bus or car (or a combination taking in Richmond Park, Bushy Park or the River Thames) Hampton Court Palace is a popular (and easy) day trip from London. 

In this article, we share the various ways you could take to get to the Palace from central London so you can plan your visit with ease.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace which is shown in this image of the palace and the pond.

Why visit Hampton Court Palace?

How to get to hampton court palace by train, how to get to hampton court palace by underground, how to get to hampton court palace by bus, thames river boats, turks – a thames tradition, how to get to hampton court palace by car/taxi, how to get to hampton court palace by tour.

Best Hampton Court Tickets and Tours

  • Hampton Court Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket
  • Westminster to Hampton Court River Thames Cruise
  • Secrets of Hampton Court Palace Guided Tour
  • Hampton Court Palace: River Thames Bike Tour

hampton court london tours

The rich history of the palace has been home to some of England’s most famous monarchs, including King Henry VIII. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the palace’s many rooms, gardens, and courtyards, and get a glimpse into what life was like for royalty.

The architecture is a mix of Tudor and Baroque styles. The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and the Tudor kitchens are some examples of the palace’s stunning architecture. 

With over 60 acres of landscaped grounds to explore the Privy Garden, the Great Vine and famous Hampton Court Maze are favourites.

If you are visiting with children you will discover many family-friendly activities at Hampton Court Palace. Interactive exhibits, costumed characters, guided tours and the Magic Garden (a themed play area that includes towers, slides, and even a dragon) make Hampton Court Palace a great day out for all the family.

Hampton Court Palace offers so much to the whole family and is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, or gardens. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring the palace and its grounds. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace

If you are wondering how to get to Hampton Court Palace you will find that there are actually several ways to get to the Palace from central London.

Below are five detailed ways to do so by public transport including train, tube, bus, boat and car.

  • Direct train service from London Waterloo train station every 30 minutes (or 36 mins with one train change at Surbiton) 
  • The train calls at Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Malden, Berrylands, Surbiton, Thames Ditton and finally Hampton Court. 
  • NOTE : Regular train service Monday to Friday, with fewer trains on weekends. 
  • Hampton Court station is 5 mins walk to the Palace. 
  • Tickets – Approx £9 for a single journey or £15 return.
  • Transport for London (Tfl) Oyster cards can be used on this route with Hampton Court being in Tfl Travel Zone 6. 

Read – Getting Around London on public transport

  • Hampton Court has no London Underground tube station. 
  • The nearest tube station is Richmond, where connecting bus routes are available (see below). 
  • Wimbledon tube station is another option but involves 2 or 3 bus changes and takes around 1 hour. 
  • London Bus services from Kingston upon Thames and Richmond.
  • Takes around 20 mins and costs £1.75. 
  • Takes around 46 mins and costs £1.75. 

NOTE – Oyster cards, Travelcards, Freedom Passes and Saver Tickets are accepted on these services. 

How to get to Hampton Court Palace By Public Riverboat Services (NOT The Uber Boat)

The boat ride offers stunning views of the River Thames and is a great way to see London from a different perspective. 

  • From Westminster Pier – approx 3 -4 hours. 
  • From Kew Pier and Richmond Landing Stage, gives 3 to 3.5 hours at Hampton Court. 
  • Single or return tickets are available. 
  • Single tickets are around £12 to £23 and returns are around £17 to £30 for adults.
  • NOTE: A range of different services are available, check the website for the timetable and boat availability and seasonal changes. 
  • Westminster – Kew – Richmond – Hampton Court – Service 30
  • Kew – Richmond – Hampton Court – Service 126
  • Trips between Kingston, Richmond and Hampton Court.
  • Single tickets are around £10 and returns are around £14 for adults.
  • NOTE : A range of different services are available, check the website for the timetable and boat availability and seasonal changes. 
  • Service links:   Turks timetable
  • Hampton Court Palace is located on the A308 with good signpost directions. 
  • Follow the brown tourist road signs. 
  • From the M25 either, exit 10 (onto the A307) or exit 12 (onto the A308). 
  • From the A3, take the A309. 
  • Takes about 45 mins, depending on the traffic, to drive from Central London to the Palace. 
  • There is limited paid parking on site. 
  • Card-only payment, a few pounds daily charge. 
  • Accessible parking is available for UK Blue badge holders.
  • Hampton Court Green. – 500 metres from the palace has hourly paid parking. 

NOTE : It is recommended to take public transport to the Palace during peak busy times. 

If you prefer to take a tour of Hampton Court Palace or book entrance tickets, follow the link below to book with Get Your Guide . Tours/tickets to include: 

  • Palace and Gardens Entrance Ticket. 
  • Royal Hampton Court Guided Tour with Afternoon Tea.
  • Secrets of Hampton Court Palace Guide Tour. 
  • Hampton Court Palace: Private Guided Tours.
  • Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace VIP Black Taxi Tour .

If you prefer a private driver tour guide for your travel group, John England Tours offers the perfect solution with a private tour of Hampton Court Palace providing an in-depth guided tour around this amazing palace with its rich history and background story. 

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hampton court london tours

hampton court london tours

T our guiding for those who love history

Five centuries of stories, tours built around you.

Of course, I’m always happy to give a general tour, taking in the palace’s highlights and giving an overview, but I’m equally happy to give you more depth on a particular aspect of its fascinating, layered and diverse history. With one massive building, five centuries of history, every monarch from Henry VIII to George II and a host of other personalities there's plenty to choose from. I especially enjoy explaining how the palace itself worked in its Tudor heyday. I’ve included some of the specialist tours available but feel free to contact me if you’d like to see the full list or arrange a bespoke tour. I appreciate that time is precious, my task is to ensure you get the most from your time with me.                 

                                                                                                                                                                                If there's something you'd like, just ask. If it's outside of my knowledge I can refer you to one of my excellent colleagues. 

Summer 2022

Like the rest of the world, Hampton Court Palace has been much affected by the last two years. The palace itself is open to visitors, but is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (except for school holidays) for the time being. As the palace is a part of my life, not just my job, I am in close touch with developments and I will always let you know what is and isn't available. On the day I will always make sure you get the best tour possible.  

Prices 

Hampton Court Palace Tours (general or specialised)

1½ hour tour. £85

2½ hour tour £110

3½ hour tour £130

Full Day* your £160

For Historic Royal Palaces Members , or anyone staying at No 2. Palace Gate there is a 10% discount on all palace tours. 

Prices for tours of Hampton Court Palace do not include entry to the palace, each mem ber of your group will need a palace  ticket or HRP Membership. 

Hampton Court Village Tour £65

Trafalgar Square Tour £75

* A full day being from palace opening at 10 am, or whenever you arrive, until palace closing, usually 4.00 pm in the winter or 5.30 pm in the summer. 

The Palace as Machine

Looking at how the palace itself worked as a building, how art and architecture, servants and courtiers came together to keep the Tudor court fed and comfortable while politics and ceremony went on in the State Rooms.

Henry VIII's Great Hall

One of the glories not just of Hampton Court, but of all England. The Great Hall naturally features in most tours, but time constraints mean the guide has to leave out much more than they put in. In this tour we remove those constraints, the tour doesn't move around much physically, but it covers five centuries of history and looks closely at the last medieval great hall built by an English king. A magnificent 16th century space, still very much in use in the 21st century, the Great Hall of Henry VIII has plenty of stories to share. 

William III at Hampton Court

Although often overlooked William III was hugely important not only to the development and survival of Hampton Court but to Britain as a whole, so much so that he deserves his own tour. This tour takes in his full set of State and Private rooms as well as his magnificent gardens. 

The Palace and the Village

Not a tour of the palace itself, this tour tells the story of how the palace influenced the development of the attractive and interesting village around it as well as some stories that don't quite match Hampton Court's quiet, well to do reputation. Perfect for a summer’s evening this tour is not constrained by palace opening hours and doesn’t require a palace ticket but might well involve a trip to a pub.

The Heart of London

This one's not even near Hampton Court. Trafalgar Square is easily one of the most iconic tourist views of London and yet few people really look at it. This short (45 minute) tour delves into the history of one of the world's most famous public spaces, how it came about and what secrets it holds. Great for a small group before heading off to one of the excellent pubs or restaurants in the area. 

Background to his page. Her Majesty The Queen's Rowbarge Gloriana leaving Hampton Court on her way to the Tower of London.

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HobNob Tours Exclusive Private Walking Tours

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Hampton Court Palace & Garden Exclusive Private Tours

Two palaces for the price of one and gardens too.

Hampton Court Palace

West Front Gatehouse

Hampton Court Palace

William III's palace designed by Sir Christopher Wren

Hampton Court Palace

The East Front garden's herbaceous border.

hampton court london tours

Hampton Court sits beside the River Thames in Surrey, 14 miles to the south of central London, and boasts not one but two palaces, a splendid set of apartments as well as some of the grandest gardens in England.  My tour will always cover Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace but the rest of the tour depends on what you would most like to see: William's Baroque palace; the Georgian rooms, 60 acres of formal gardens or the tennis court where the ancient game of real tennis was played 500 years ago! 

Hampton Court is best-known for the palace originally built for a cardinal but commandeered by that most notorious of kings, Henry VIII.  By clicking on this link, Tudor Highlights  you can find out more about the content of the Tudor part of the tour ranging from Henry's vast Tudor kitchens to his magnificent state apartments, including the Great Hall and the eerie Haunted Gallery! 

The second palace at Hampton Court is just as grand, and just as fascinating.  The Baroque Palace was  inspired by Versailles and built for King William III, who came to England to rule jointly with his wife Mary.  To find out more details about William's splendid apartments from his impressive display of weaponry to his world class art collection, click on this link:   Baroque Highlights.

The dysfunctional Georgians took the throne of England from 1714 and stayed at Hampton Court until the late 1730s; if the walls of their luxurious apartments could talk, what extraordinary stories they would have to tell as feuding between the fathers and their sons continued for decades!!   

It is always fascinating to compare and contrast how the Royals of the various dynasties lived their lives at Hampton Court and throughout the tour I bring history to life with all manner of weird and wonderful stories about them all. 

The Tudor tour revels in ghosts and executions, Henry’s expanding waistline and wife-collection - and how his attempt to show the world how clever he was completely backfired!  In William’s Walk the talk turns to assassination, bizarre court etiquette and how the palace nearly burned to the ground just 37 years ago.  The Georgians were an odd mixture ranging from  a King who disliked ceremony and kept his wife locked up in Germany to a Prince who rushed his pregnant wife to London at the dead of night when she was in the early stages of labour!  There is royal gossip galore on this tour!!

Children are captivated and horrified in equal measure by the tales of Henry VIII and his tyrannical rule - and how things aren’t quite as they seem in William’s apartments!

Wandering the gardens is a delight from the Great Fountain Garden to William's Privy Garden, with its near perfect display of symmetry  and the oldest grapevine in the world snuck into a corner .   

If you're feeling a bit daunted about travelling outside of London, let me know where you're staying and I will give you directions for travelling to Hampton Court.

This tour is 3 hours long but if you would like to explore the Tudor palace only, I offer an hour and a half's tour concentrating on the highlights of Henry's palace.  

The meeting place for the start of this tour is outside the West Front Gatehouse of Henry VIII's palace at the end of the driveway leading from the main road.

Henry V111's Tudor Palace

William 111's Baroque Palace 

Sumptuous gardens

Georgian apartments

Grace & Favour

These three hour tours are on top of the palace entry fee.

I guide small groups of up to 5 family or friends meaning that the maximum group size is 6 - 5 guests plus me.

If you would like to book a tour, please click on the button below.

Hampton Court Private tour from London

  • Indulge in the splendor of the Hampton Court Palace with an exclusive private tour that artfully evokes the grandeur of King Henry VIII's era . Immerse yourself in the opulence of this historical gem, exploring its chambers and gardens in a completely private atmosphere.
  • Begin your day of royal exploration in comfort – a local train ride from London that sets the tone for a truly regal adventure. Let the anticipation build as you travel in style, ensuring that every moment of your experience exudes British regality.
  • Uncover the secrets of Hampton Court with a guided tour, led by a knowledgeable expert who will narrate tales of Tudor intrigue within the palace's historic halls and picturesque surroundings.

Tudor Tales: Private Exploration of Hampton Court

What's included.

  • Private Tour with Expert, English-Speaking Guide
  • Guided Visit of Hampton Court Gardens
  • Entrance Tickets to Hampton Court
  • Return Train Tickets

Sites Visited

  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Hampton Court Gardens

Experience a private tour fit for royalty with our Exclusive Tour of Hampton Court. Your day begins in true regal style as you travel aboard a local train from London, immersing yourself in the anticipation of the adventures awaiting. As you step into the opulent chambers of the

palace, envision the grandeur of King Henry VIII's courtly dramas, expertly brought to life by our knowledgeable guide, who will transport you back to the Tudor era with captivating tales.

The atmosphere of exclusivity will immediately envelop you, creating a sense of being transported to the Tudor era. The private nature of the tour allows for an unhurried and personal connection with the palace, enhancing the overall experience.

Our expert guide, a beacon of knowledge, skillfully unravels the grandeur of King Henry VIII's courtly dramas, providing not just historical information but also insights that breathe life into the stories within these walls.

The lush gardens, with whispers of Tudor love affairs lingering in the air, evoke a Bridgerton-esque ambiance that adds a delightful touch of romance to your exploration. Explore the historic rooms witnessing the history behind Henry VIII’s six marriages, each room telling a unique tale etched into the palace's rich tapestry.

Your personalized journey ensures a comprehensive understanding of the palace's history, from political intrigues to royal romances, creating a nuanced narrative of the Tudor legacy. As the tour concludes in the Palace Gardens, you are free to either return to London using your open train ticket or stay a bit longer at Hampton Court, savoring the atmosphere of this regal retreat.

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Know before you go, meeting point.

Waterloo Train Station - Open in Google Maps

Important Notes

Cancelation Policy

This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.

You can cancel your booking through the ' My Bookings ' section of the website, or  please contact our Customer Care team by phone , chat or email us at   [email protected] . If you have booked your tour through a third party distributor, please contact them directly to cancel or rebook your tour.

A booking cannot be amended with less than 24 hours notice. Amendments made before this window are possible, but may incur a charge. Any bookings made within the 24 hour window are final and cannot be amended or subject to compensation.  This policy is valid across most of our tours, but is subject to some exceptions. In the case of a tour not being in line with this 24-hour amendment policy, you will find this information in the "Know Before You Go" section of the specific tour page. Tours cannot be amended/canceled with less than 24 hours notice. We are unable to provide compensation for cancelations with the 24 hour window prior to your tour departure, nor can tour dates or times be amended. Bookings made with the 24 hour window are final.

We strongly advise against arriving at the meeting point without a booking as we cannot guarantee that there will be space left on the tour. Our guides are unable to accept payment for tours so any bookings made on the spot will still need to be processed over the phone with payment by credit card.

  • Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
  • Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
  • No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

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COMMENTS

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    For a truly memorable visit to Hampton Court Palace, book one of our friendly and knowledgeable guides for a private tour. A bespoke guided tour can be tailored to your historical interests. Our guides can share fascinating stories and reveal scandalous secrets of Tudor, Georgian or grace and favour residents. Starting from £132, private ...

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    About The Tour. Standing amid 60 acres of gardens and beautifully situated along the River Thames is Hampton Court Palace, a favourite residence of Henry Vlll. Its magnificent Great Hall is hung with sixteenth century tapestries, and the state apartments of succeeding monarchs are furnished with pictures from the Royal Collection.

  5. Hampton Court Palace Official Website

    Hampton Court Gardens & Park. Cardinal Wolsey Conduits were laid in to bring water from Coombe Hill. Henry VIII At the time of his marriage to Anne Boleyn, and possibly under her influence with experience of more sophisticated Continental courts, the formal gardens were developed,…. Acquisition and Rebuilding of Hampton Court.

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    Telephone: +44 (0)20 3166 6000. Email. [email protected]. Public transport: Train: Hampton Court. By Road: Some parking is available at Hampton Court Palace at the cost of £3.50. Alternative parking is available nearby on Hampton Court Green at a cost of £3.00, Bushy Park free of charge, or at Hampton Court train station (please check at the ...

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    Boasting over a thousand rooms and 500 years of history, fully appreciating Hampton Court Palace can be a challenge. Ensure that your visit to one of London's top attractions is enriching and enjoyable on a private guided tour. As you explore the kitchens, garden, chapel, and other points of interest, your guide will paint a picture of a vivid picture of what life was like at the Tudor court.

  17. Guided Walking Tours of Hampton Court Palace

    Hampton Court sits beside the River Thames in Surrey, 14 miles to the south of central London, and boasts not one but two palaces, a splendid set of apartments as well as some of the grandest gardens in England. My tour will always cover Henry VIII's magnificent Tudor palace but the rest of the tour depends on what you would most like to see ...

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