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Top attractions

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Why combine Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace?

Royal timeline

Windsor Castle shows the ceremonial face of today’s monarchy, while Hampton Court brings you into Tudor politics and Henry VIII’s world. Together, they tell a fuller royal story.

Different moods

One palace feels formal and still working; the other feels more theatrical and domestic. Pairing them keeps the day varied, so the second visit doesn’t blur into the first.

London-friendly

Both are realistic from London, so you can compare two major royal residences without changing hotels or building two separate out-of-town days around them easily.

Fewer decisions

Booking Windsor with transfers first narrows the planning load, then lets you add Hampton Court around your pace, budget, and preferred amount of guiding for the day.

The best ways to explore both

AspectSeparate ticketsCombo tours

Cost

Windsor Castle starts from £32 booked ahead; Hampton Court is booked separately.

Bundled savings available.

Availability

Windsor tightens first on weekends and school holidays; Hampton Court is easier to layer in later.

Guaranteed access to both attractions.

Timeslots

You control both entries, breaks, and travel gaps.

One coordinated schedule would be simpler.

Convenience

Two checkouts, two confirmations, and your own rail timing.

One-booking convenience available on this pairing.

Flexibility

Best if you want two lighter half-days or a custom order.

A combo would be more fixed, but easier.

Best for

Visitors willing to self-manage transport between two royal sites.

Visitors wanting a guided royal day with a dedicated combo.

Making the most of your experience

  • Plan the day: Visit Windsor Castle first, then add Hampton Court separately. Windsor usually needs 2–3 hours; Hampton Court needs another 3–4.
  • Choose upgrades: For Windsor, look at Blue Badge guiding, train or AC coach transfers, or afternoon tea. Those add structure without locking you into a full multi-palace schedule.
  • Know the highlights: Windsor covers State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House; Hampton Court adds Tudor kitchens, grand courts, and Henry VIII-era atmosphere.
  • Windsor Castle: Open Thursday to Monday and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, and some State Apartment closures happen at short notice.
  • Hampton Court Palace: Daytime entry is the norm, but operating hours can shift seasonally, so a late arrival leaves less time for the palace interiors and gardens.
  • Start at Windsor Castle: It has stricter closure patterns and security-sensitive entry, so anchor your plan here first and fit Hampton Court around it only if connections are smooth.
  • Best timing strategy: A same-day pairing works best with an early London departure. If you start late, split them across two days instead of rushing both palace visits.
  • Location context: Windsor sits west of London in Berkshire, while Hampton Court is south-west of central London on the Thames in East Molesey.

Windsor Castle: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

Hampton Court Palace: Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

  • Train and car: Windsor and Hampton Court are not direct neighbours. By rail, the simplest route is usually Windsor & Eton Riverside to London Waterloo, then South Western Railway to Hampton Court; allow about 90 minutes. By car, allow roughly 40–50 minutes in light traffic.
  • Parking: Windsor relies on paid town-centre parking, while Hampton Court has paid on-site parking. For both in one day, public transport usually saves time and decision fatigue.
  • Windsor Castle: Partially wheelchair and stroller accessible, with accessible routes and guide dogs welcome.
  • Hampton Court Palace: Step-free access covers many public spaces, but historic floors, courtyards, and some stair-only routes can slow the visit.
  • Wheelchair rental: Windsor can provide wheelchairs subject to availability; Hampton Court also offers mobility support on request.
  • Sensory-friendly: Indoor rooms at both palaces give weather shelter, but Windsor’s security process and Hampton Court’s echoing halls can feel busy at peak times.
  • Service animals: Assistance dogs are generally accepted at both sites.
  • Start with the stricter palace: Windsor closes on Tuesday and Wednesday and has tighter entry rules, so book that first and build Hampton Court around it.
  • Don’t force a sprint: If you want Windsor’s State Apartments and Chapel plus Hampton Court’s kitchens and gardens, two lighter days usually feel better than 1 rushed one.
  • Use Windsor’s audio guide fully: It adds detail that transfer-based day trips often compress, especially in the State Apartments and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
  • Save exterior photos for Windsor: Photography is prohibited inside Windsor Castle, so plan your best shots around the precincts and terrace views.
  • Give Hampton Court the later slot: Its courtyards and gardens suit a slower finish better than Windsor, which is more timing-sensitive.
  • Pack light for Windsor: Large backpacks and pushchairs aren’t permitted inside the State Apartments, and rearranging bags can slow your entry.
  • Watch Sunday planning: St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, so Sunday works better only if Hampton Court is your main draw.

Frequently asked questions about Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace tickets

Not necessarily. You can do both in one day, but two lighter half-days usually feel less rushed.

More reads

Windsor Castle tickets

Hampton Court Palace tickets

London to Windsor day trips