Your guide to Halloween at Hampton Court Palac

Discover Henry VIII’s haunted Tudor palace this Halloween. You can expect atmospheric projections, creepy soundscapes, roaming “ghosts,” family-friendly storytelling sessions, and a new outdoor trail that bring spooky legends to life across the palace and gardens. Most activities are included with palace admission.

What to expect at Hampton Court Palace during Halloween

Step into the haunted world of Henry VIII’s palace this Halloween, where ghostly legends and eerie encounters bring centuries of royal history to life.

  • Haunted palace experience: Wander through shadowy courtyards and candlelit corridors as Hampton Court Palace transforms with chilling soundscapes, eerie lighting, and haunting projections across its Tudor walls.
  • Halloween trails: Follow a spine-tingling outdoor trail through the palace gardens, filled with ghostly whispers, mysterious sights, and surprises lurking around every turn. Keep an eye out for “restless spirits” and themed set-pieces as you explore.
  • Storytelling sessions: Short sessions in the Guard Chamber (William III’s Apartments) deliver captivating tales of the palace’s infamous spirits, royal intrigue, and supernatural happenings. Suitable for children.
  • Ghostly encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of costumed interpreters dresed as restless ghosts who are said to haunt the halls, including Henry VIII himself and the tragic Catherine Howard.
  • Evenings projections and soundscapes: Expect magical projections and creepy audio turning courtyards and gardens hauntingly beautiful after autumn dusk approaches.

Hampton Court Palace Halloween events

Roaming ghosts (live interpreters)

  • Dates: 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025
  • Timings: 10am to 4pm
  • Location: Inside palace & in the Wilderness

Meet costumed live interpreters in full ghoulish makeup drifting through rooms and gardens. Expect jumpy moments, playful interactions, and photo-worthy encounters across the historic setting.

Eerie outdoor trail

  • Dates: 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025
  • Timings: During opening hours
  • Location: Palace grounds (outdoor route)

Follow a signposted self-guided route through the courtyards and gardens, filled with spooky scenes, clues, and spectral set-pieces woven through the gardens. Great for families exploring at their own pace.

Haunting storytelling

  • Dates: 01-24 October 2025
  • Timings: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm
  • Location: Guard Chamber (William III’s Apartments)

Drop in for short, chilling tales rooted in palace mysteries, from witches and ghosts, to eerie legends tied to Hampton Court’s monarchs. These seated sessions are 15 minutes long, ideal for a mid-visit breather with kids.

Atmospheric projections & soundscapes

  • Dates: 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025
  • Timings: Throughout day (most effective late afternoon)
  • Location: Select courtyards & gardens

Subtle projections and creepy audio transform familiar corners of the palace and grounds into cinematic scenes with spectral light and creepy sound effects. The effects build toward late afternoon, deepening the mood without gore and complementing roaming ghosts and storytelling.

Plan your visit to Hampton Court Palace at Halloween

  • Palace opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
  • Halloween dates: 25 Oct – 2 Nov 2025. 
  • Roaming ghosts: 10am to 4pm
  • Storytelling: 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings/early afternoons for lighter crowds; half-term weekends are busiest.

Detailed Hampton Court Palace timings

Address: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU | Find on Maps

  • By train: South Western Railway (from London Waterloo to Hampton Court station)
  • By tube: There is no direct Underground line – take the Tube to Waterloo and connect to a train to Hampton Court
  • By bus: Routes 111, 216, 411 & R68 (stop near Hampton Court Bridge)
  • By boat: There are public boat services that will take you to Hampton Court Palace.
  • By car: Via A3 and A308 from central London or M25 (exit 10 or 12) towards East Molesey

Parking: Limited on-site (including Blue Badge bays); additional paid parking at Hampton Court Green and options in Kingston (e.g., Rose, Seven Kings).

Get directions to Hampton Court Palace
  • Restrooms: Toilets (all step-free) at Wilderness, Base Court, Fountain Court, and the Kitchen Garden (when the Magic Garden is open).
  • Lockers: There are small lockers by the Buggy Park (Clock Court) that require a £1 coin deposit; large luggage not stored.
  • Strollers/Pushchairs: Pushchairs and buggies are allowed in the Palace. If you want to leave your buggy during your visit, there is a place to park strollers beside the Family Room in Clock Court. 
  • Wi-Fi: There is free Wi-Fi inside the palace.
  • Gift shops: There’s the Undercroft Shop (at the Base Court) and the Palace Shop (Barrack Block/Clore Learning Centre), and you can also buy souvenirs from them online.
More about Hampton Court Palace
  • Step-free & distances: This is a historic site with cobblestones and gradients.  All accessible routes are signposted. Lift access to the first floor available with staff assistance.
  • Wheelchairs rentals: The Palace provides wheelchairs and electric buggies. But, the electric buggies are only for outdoor use.
  • Parking: Hampton Court Palace 10 nine disabled parking bays right on site, and if you have a Blue Badge, you get to park for free 
  • Toilets: Step-free accessible toilets at Wilderness, Base Court, Fountain Court, Kitchen Garden; no Changing Places toilet at present.
  • Sensory support: Quiet/sensory-friendly content mainly in Magic Garden programming; ask staff for current offers.
  • Service animals: Registered assistance dogs and medical alert dogs are welcome. 
  • Carer tickets: Free companion tickets are available for people with disabilities.
Plan your visit to Hampton Court Palace
  • Costumes: Only children under 12 may wear costumes; please avoid loose glitter. Plan outfits accordingly before your visit.
  • Photography: Non-commercial photography is permitted in the Palace, except for the Cumberland Gallery, Royal Chapel, and temporary exhibitions. Flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are restricted indoors.
  • Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is allowed on the premises.
  • Tiltyard Café: Hot meals, kids’ options, seasonal bakes; convenient for mid-visit lunches.
  • Privy Kitchen Café: Historic-setting light bites, cakes, and drinks near the Tudor kitchens.
  • Wilderness/Magic Garden kiosks: Grab-and-go snacks perfect between trail and storytelling.

Frequently asked questions about Hampton Court Palace Halloween events

Can I book tickets just for the Halloween events without a general admission ticket?

No, Halloween activities are included with palace admission (members go free). There’s no separate event-only ticket. Pre-booking is recommended.

Are the Halloween events suitable for children?

Yes. It’s designed as a family adventure with roaming ghosts in makeup and gentle scares; some children may find certain scenes spooky, so stay together.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Most elements are indoors or partially outdoors. The outdoor trail runs in typical autumn weather, but adjustments may occur for safety in extreme weather.

Can everyone wear costumes?

No. Only children under 12 may wear costumes. Remember to avoid loose glitter to protect the historic interiors and collections.

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