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Hampton Court Palace | Opening & Closing Hours

Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace located in Hampton Court, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London. It was originally built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who served as the Archbishop of York and Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII. The palace passed to the king upon Wolsey's demise and was acquired by King George I in 1702. Today Hampton Court is open to the public nearly every day of the year. If you're looking for Hampton Court Palace opening times, we've got all the information you need below. 

Hampton Court Palace Opening Times

08 December to 19 December 

Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 3:30 PM, last admission at 2:30 PM

20 December 2021 to 02 January 2022

Every day: 10 AM to 3:30 PM, last admission at 2:30 PM

24, 25, 26 December 2021 and 03, 04 January 2022: Closed

05 January 2022 to 11 February 2022

Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM, last admission at 3 PM

12 February 2022 to 20 February 2022

Every day: 10 AM to 4 PM, last admission at 3 PM

23 February 2022 to 27 March 2022

Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM, last admission at 3 PM

Chapel Royal Opening Times

Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM to 4:30 PM

Magic Garden Opening Times

Every Weekend: 10 AM to 3:30 PM, last admission at 3 PM

Plan Your Visit to Hampton Court

Hampton Court Palace Closures

Cumberland Art Gallery: 4th Jan to 7th Jan 2022

The Georgian Story: The Queen's State Apartments: 31st Jan to 4th Feb 2022; first three rooms will be open on 5th to 11th Feb 2022

Magic Garden: Closed for winter from 20th Dec 2021

Hampton Court Conservation Works

These rooms or routes will be open but may have barriers and scaffolding in place. 

Great Watching Chamber: 17th to 21st Jan 2022

King's State Apartments: 21st Feb to 4th Mar 2022

Great Hall: 14th to 18th Mar 2022

Inside Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace Location

Hampton Court Palace Tour Durations

Hampton Court Palace offers a variety of experiences, there is something for everyone. However, if you're in a hurry, you can choose which type of experience you want to get exactly what you came for. 

henry viii kitchen hampton court palace

If You Have 1 Hour

You can either choose to have a Tudor Experience or the Baroque Experience. 

Tudor Experience

Visit Henry VIII's Apartments and see his crown (20 mins). You can also sit on a throne in the great medieval hall before you head through the Haunted Gallery. After this, you can head towards the Tudor Kitchens to transport yourself back in time (20 mins). 

Baroque Experience

Look at how King William lived in his time at William III's State Apartments (35 mins). Then watch the Baroque Story film to see how things were back in those days (15 mins). After this, head towards the only surviving Royal Chocolate Kitchens reopened after almost 300 years (10 mins). 

chapel royal hampton court palace
william iii apartments hampton court palace

If You Have 3 Hours

Take a tour through Henry's living quarters at Henry VIII's Apartments (35 mins) and then travel back in time to the hustle-bustle of the Tudor Kitchens (20 mins). Pay your respects at the Chapel Royal (10 mins) and look at how King Henry was in his younger days at the Young Henry VIII Exhibition (25 mins). Watch the Baroque Story film (15 mins) before heading towards King William's living quarters in William III's Apartments (35 mins). Visit the sole-surviving royal Chocolate Kitchens (10 mins) and then visit the stage where George I and his son played out their bitter rivalry at the Georgian Story (30 mins).

Best Time to Visit Hampton Court Palace

Visitors can enjoy Hampton court palace during all seasons of the year but crowds are very large from Easter until the end of September. If you like lesser crowds, winter to early spring is usually quiet. However, the Magic Garden may be closed for winter so try visiting towards the end of November and early December if you don't mind the slightly chilly weather. 

The Hampton Court Gardens are also in full bloom from late March till the end of October. So, if you're a summer person, make sure to visit before the Easter rush. Opening times vary throughout the year, so make sure to pre-book your tickets to plan your visit properly and ensure entry. 

Plan Your Visit to Hampton Court




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FAQs About Hampton Court Palace Opening Times

Q. When are Hampton Court Palace opening times?

A. Hampton Court Palace is usually open from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. However, the timings may change so make sure to visit our timings page or pre-book your tickets to ensure your entry. Get detailed timings here

Q. How long does it take to get around Hampton Court Palace?

A. Hampton Court Palace is a large site, so allow at least 3 hours to explore the palace and the garden. But if you're not in a rush, we recommend that you allow 4-5 hours in total. Get the Hampton Court map

Q. What is the best time to visit Hampton Court Palace?

A. Hampton Court Palace is a year-round destination. However, the gardens are in bloom between March and October and the palace sees higher crowds from Easter to winter. So, we suggest that you visit the palace before Easter in the summer to make sure that you can enjoy the palace without bumping into crowds. Hampton Court Timings

Q. What can I see at Hampton Court Palace?

A. Hampton Court Palace is home to some of the most famous historical rooms in the world, including the Henry VIII Apartments and the Great Hall. There are also beautiful gardens to explore along with the hedge maze that is fun for all ages alike.

Q. How much does it cost to visit Hampton Court Palace?

A. The Hampton Court Palace ticket prices start from £25.30. Buy your tickets

Q. What is the best way to get to Hampton Court Palace?

A. The nearest train station to the palace is Hampton Court Station, which is a short walking distance from the palace. There are also a number of bus routes that stop right outside Hampton Court Palace. Read further on our getting there page.