Car Hire Hampton Court

Even if you’ve never stepped foot in Hampton Court, chances are you’ve imagined it. There’s something about the way the palace appears: grand yet grounded, opulent yet somehow open to everyday wanderers. Nestled along the northern bend of the Thames, not far from the leafy edges of Bushy Park and within striking distance of Surrey’s suburban fringe, this spot bridges centuries with a certain ease.

Access is straightforward by road, especially if you’re coming off the A3 or slipping round from the M25. We arrived just as the light shifted through the trees, the kind of soft gold that makes old brickwork glow. Depending on the season, you’ll either want a sunhat or something to keep the drizzle off. It’s often a touch cooler near the river. Spring brings floral bursts to the palace gardens, while December sees the ice rink sparkle against the backdrop of Tudor towers. While nearby in Teddington, we decided to make a day of it and found Hampton Court far more than just a palace stop.

Attractions In Hampton Court

History runs thick through Hampton Court but this isn’t a place frozen in time. Strolls through formal gardens turn up secret paths and seasonal blooms. There are playful corners for families, stories embedded in stone and spaces where quiet stillness sits alongside grand spectacle.

Hampton Court Palace

It’s impossible to ignore the palace itself, with its brick façade that looks like it could still echo with Henry VIII’s footsteps. Once inside, we followed the route through apartments, chapels and shadowy hallways, pausing often to take in details like carved ceilings and centuries-old tapestries.

The sheer scale makes sense when you realise this was once designed to host hundreds of courtiers. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, it’s an ideal first stop for anyone approaching from Kingston Upon Thames.

Henry VIII’s Kitchens

One-third of the palacez’s ground floor is given over to the kitchens and not in a ceremonial sense. This is where food was roasted, boiled, salted and served by the tonne. We walked through vast open rooms, some with old blackened hearths still visible and others displaying meat hooks, cauldrons and endless prep stations.

It felt more industrial than noble. That honesty made it all the more fascinating.

Hampton Court Maze

We very nearly walked past the entrance, tucked away near the edge of The Wilderness. Once inside, the hedges closed around us and the noise faded. It’s one of the oldest surviving hedge mazes in the country, open daily from 10am to 4pm.

Though not vast, it did manage to spin us around once or twice before we found the centre.

Magic Garden

We heard the water before we saw it. Children splashed around while parents camped out with coffee and snacks on the stone walls. The Magic Garden is a playground, yes but one built with towers, tunnels and slides that feel like part of the wider palace story.

Boots or waterproof shoes are wise here. We saw more than a few soaked trousers. The garden runs Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm. A popular option with those based in Hampton, it’s a handy midday break for families.

The Great Vine

Inside the palace grounds, tucked behind a modest glasshouse, is something quietly remarkable: the largest grapevine in the world. We stepped inside and could smell the leaves and soil immediately. Planted in 1768, the vine stretches over 36 metres and still produces fruit.

Among the grandeur, here’s something living and lasting. It’s open throughout palace hours, so there’s no need to rush.

Diana Fountain

Driving up from Surbiton, we parked near Bushy Park and took the long path past deer and broad, open lawns to reach the fountain. The sculpture rises from a circular pond and draws the eye from far off.

Around it, people picnicked or simply sat with books. The park is open daily from 6am to 10pm, with a café nearby and plenty of room to stretch your legs.

Rose Garden

In early summer, the palace’s Rose Garden becomes a scented corridor of colour. We wandered through in June and found classic English varieties blooming in soft pinks, whites and yellows.

The path loops in gentle curves, offering new views each time you turn. It’s peaceful, fragrant and easy to enjoy during palace opening hours.

Hampton Court Green

This wide expanse of lawn sits just outside the palace walls. We passed by carriages and cyclists and watched people laying out picnics beneath the shade. Styled in the 1700s under Capability Brown’s influence, the Green carries a sense of openness that balances the formality of the grounds.

It’s open 24 hours. We returned later for a quiet dusk walk before heading back to Thames Ditton.

The Fountain Gallery

Tucked along Bridge Road, the Fountain Gallery is run by a group of local artists who rotate exhibitions every fortnight. We stepped inside during a rainy afternoon. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm and the welcome was immediate.

The artwork was fresh and full of personality. It felt far removed from a typical museum, more like visiting someone’s creative home.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Open seasonally from November to early January, the rink appears each winter on the palace front lawn. When we visited, fairy lights glowed above the ice and music drifted from nearby speakers.

It was busy but friendly, with plenty of space to wobble or glide. During a trip from Esher, we brought friends along and watched the younger ones try their luck on skates while we warmed up with hot chocolate from the stall.

Base Court & Clock Court

Wolsey’s grand entrance remains a theatrical start to any palace visit. We looked up and saw the great astronomical clock, ticking away since the 16th century, its golden sun hand marking more than just the hour.

In Clock Court, we paused again. The sound of footsteps softened by worn flagstones added to the sense of place.

Henry VIII’s Apartments

These rooms, designed to impress, do exactly that. Lavish wooden panelling, tall windows and painted ceilings still manage to dazzle after five centuries.

We moved slowly through each chamber, reading snippets of court life and royal scandal. The quiet in the chapel felt especially heavy, as though something still lingered there.

Something To Eat, Somewhere To Stay

By late afternoon, we were ready to pause. Just opposite the palace gates, The Mitre Hampton Court served as an ideal spot to unwind. Its riverside terrace offered views across the Thames and the restaurant and bar had a relaxed atmosphere with well-prepared small plates. For something more casual, we crossed the street to The Albion, a traditional pub on Bridge Road known for its Sunday roasts and cosy seating.

If you’re staying overnight, The Mitre also offers boutique-style rooms with Thames views and walking access to the palace grounds. A little further out, there are budget hotel options toward Tolworth and New Malden, which are well placed for those continuing their journey through southwest London or deeper into Surrey.