hampton court palace day trip

How to do a Hampton Court Palace Day Trip from London

By: Author Wandermust Mummy

Are you wondering how to do a Hampton Court Palace Day trip from London? We think Hampton Court should be top of any London bucket list  but requires a bit of planning. In this guide we will tell you all the options for doing a day trip to Hampton Court from London via public transit or via car, tips for getting tickets and what you need to see at this amazing royal palace. 

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Hampton Court is one of the many royal palaces in London but it is not in central London. In fact it is in Greater London in the suburb of Hampton which is close to Richmond upon Thames (famed as the filming location of the AppleTV hit Ted Lasso). 

There are a couple of ways you can get to Hampton Court Palace via Public transit in the form of trains and buses or also via driving. 

However before we get into the details of how to get to Hampton Court Palace, we will first look at the brief history. 

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Brief history of Hampton court palace

Hampton Court Palace Day Trip from London

Hampton Court Palace is the original Tudor palace which was begun construction by Cardinal Wolsey. However it didn’t take long for Henry VIII to want the palace and it to go into his possession

At some point or other all of his wives were brought to Hampton Court Palace but it is most notably associated with the two most unfortunate of Henry VIII’s wives Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. Both of whom suffered the fate of being beheaded.

And in actual fact both of these wives are said to haunt the palace despite the fact netter were actually killed at the palace but were taken to the Tower of London for their execution. 

The palaces’ later history is most associated with William III and Mary II (1689-1702) and they they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build an elegant new baroque palace extension. 

The Palace today gracefully blends the old and the new and is a great way to explore both bits of history. In my opinion it is one of the best palaces near London! 

How to Buy Tickets for Hampton Court Palace

How to buy tickets to Hampton Court Palace

If you plan on going on an organised excursion to Hampton Court Palace the tickets will usually be included in the price. 

However if you plan to do Hampton Court on your own, which is what we recommend as it is a very easy day trip from London, you will need to organise your tickets separate to your transportation. 

Now you can buy tickets to Hampton Court Palace on the door but this isn’t something that we actually recommend. The reason for this is that the tickets on the day are usually slightly more expensive and also there are usually very long queues at the ticket office on the day. Therefore we recommend booking the tickets in advance. 

You can book your tickets via Viator online HERE

How to get to Hampton court palace on a day trip from London

How to do a day trip to Hampton Court Palace from London

So now you know about tickets and the history of the palace we will give you all the necessary information about how to get to Hampton Court Palace on a day trip from London. 

There are two ways to get to Hampton Court Palace on a day trip – either via train or via car. If you are coming from Central London we recommend taking public transit as traveling in and out of London in a car can be stressful and time consuming. 

The best way to do a Hampton Court Palace day trip by train is to start your journey at Waterloo Station. From there you will hop on board a Southwest Train to Hampton Court Station.

The journey takes 35 minutes and the trains run every half hour during peak hours.

Once you are at Hampton Court Station the Palace is just a short walk from the train station.

If do you choose to drive which we don’t advise from Central London please note that parking is limited so be warned you will have to get there very early to avoid having to walk a distance from the nearest offsite parking.

However one our our favorite ways to get to Hampton Court Palace, albeit not the fastest way to get there is via boat. 

You can head to Kew, Richmond and Kingston and pick up a boat that takes you to the palace. Kew is furthest away so the journey will take longest from there. The nearest boat stop and biggest stop is at Kingston. 

Best things to do at Hampton court Palace 

So know you how to do a day trip to Hampton Court from London we will turn our attention to the best things to do at Hampton Court Palace. 

Learn about Henry VIII

Things to do at Hampton Court palace

The King that Hampton Court Palace is most associated with  is of course Henry VIII. And in my opinion  it is the best place in England to learn about Henry VIII!

One of the things my kids love is the reenactments that are in the palace by costumed actors. Check the board as you enter the palace to check times of reenactments. 

Learn Tudor Cooking

Although there are so many favorite things to do at Hampton Court Palace my family’s favorite is the Tudor Kitchens. 

The Tudor Kitchens are a living history area where chefs will recreate dishes from the Tudor period. During the summer you will really feel the heat these chefs had to work in. 

And the helpful cooks will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. 

Get Lost in the Hampton Court Maze

If you are visiting Hampton Court Palace with kids then the maze is an absolute must do.  Be sure to keep close to your kids so you are not looking for them as well as the centre of the maze!

If you would like to find a London itinerary designed specifically for kids then check this post out!

Learn about Real Tennis!

Hampton Court is the home of Real Tennis – not the lawn tennis we know today! If you are lucky there will be a game going on on their historic court while you are there.

See the Great Vine

Did you know that Hampton Court Palace has the world’s largest single vine? No me either. But is definitely worth going to look at.

Take a Train or stroll around the Grounds

The grounds and gardens at Hampton Court Palace at extensive and are one of my favourite things to do is have a picnic in the grounds!

The Magic Garden

Best Things to do in London with a toddler

Ok if there is one things my kids love at Hampton Court Palace it is the Magic Garden. The Magic Garden is perfect for those traveling to London with toddlers or children

Tickets to the Magic Garden are included in your general admission ticket but it is worth noting that you can’t buy admission just to the Magic Garden.

Seasonal things to do at Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace has some great seasonal events so be sure to check the calendar for your dates of visit. 

If you are visiting Hampton Court Palace sin Summer then it is worth looking for The Hampton Court Flower Show. This is usually held in July every year and is a great alternative to its sister show and more famous Chelsea Flower Show.

However if you are visiting Hampton Court Palace in the Winter then our favourite thing to do is go skating on the Hampton Court Ice Rink. 

London has an array of amazing ice rinks that pop up all over the city in December. However Hampton Court Palace is one of my favourites and is less busy than some of its central London counterparts! Definitely one to add to your Christmas in London itinerary!

Things to read before visiting Hampton court palace

A tale of deception starring Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII

The other Boleyn girl

A historical romantic romp by Philippa Gregory!

What are you favourite things to do at Hampton Court Palace? Is  a Hampton Court Palace day trip from London on your bucket list?

• 50 + things to do in London with kids 
• 4 Day London Itinerary 
• 5-7 Day London Itinerary with Kids
• London Bucket List 
• UK Bucket List
• 50 Things to do on a Rainy Day in London
• Hampton Court Day Trip 
• Guide to Visiting London with a Baby or Toddler 
• Children’s Books set in London

Zenbabytravel

Monday 4th of March 2019

We are regulars of Hampton Court Palace for various reasons - ice skating in the winter, flowers in the spring, maze for fun, magic gardens for the kiddies, palace for historical outings ? thanks for sharing your lovely post with us on #CulturedKids

Vyki from Museum Mum

Saturday 2nd of March 2019

Totally agree, Hampton Court is a must do for visitors to London! The new playground is much enjoyed by my little ones. The kitchen and maze are probably my favourite bits. I must try a boat trip there one day #CulturedKids

Wandermust Mummy

The boat trip is amazing - you must try it ext time

Nicky@Go Live Young

Wednesday 27th of February 2019

Loved Hampton Court when we lived in this neck of the woods. Was pre-kid but still used to get lost in the maze! #CulturedKids

Thursday 28th of February 2019

It is our fave local thing

Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays

Tuesday 26th of February 2019

We live close to Hampton Court and used to pop in regularly, happy days! Our especial favourite was seeing who could get to the centre of the maze first and the velvet covered royal loo was popular too! Thank you for linking up with #CulturedKids

Yes it is our local place! My little one not big enough for maze races yet but I’ll remember that tip for when she is older

Emma Raphael

Sunday 24th of February 2019

We lived in Teddington for years, so Hampton Court was our neighbour just across Bushy Park. So beautiful, and definitely definitely worth a visit! :) Thanks so much for joining in with #CulturedKids

INSPIRATION FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Perfect Hampton Court Day Trip

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Updated on September 21st, 2023

For over 500 years Hampton Court Palace has been home to kings, queens, celebrations & taken its place in the history of England many times over. On a visit you can get a glimpse into the life of the Tudors, imagine working in the bustling kitchens & take a walk around the spectacular gardens. Here is all you need to plan your perfect Hampton Court day trip.”

Hampton Court Palace, London, United Kingdom

Hampton Court Palace is one of the great palaces in London. Built over 500 years ago, it was once home to Henry VIII & all six of his wives, along with many stories of family feuds, betrayal, scandal, ghosts, births, deaths, marriages & everything in between.

I’ll be honest, despite having lived an hour away from the Palace my whole life, I have only visited Hampton Court a couple of times. The first was on a school trip which I have very little recollection of. We made it straight to the Maze & spent most of the day there. Subsequently, I visited with my family, many years ago when we were planning to go to Paris for the day. Then we realised that my Australian brother-in-law didn’t have a visa. After much family discussion & a very long lunch by the river, we eventually arrived just before closing time & decided to just spend our time in the kitchens!

So, when my friends bought a flat literally around the corner, lunch & a walk seemed a waste without a visit to this notorious palace. I wasn’t disappointed! A trip to Hampton Court Palace has way more to offer than just the Maze & the kitchens!

It is a place of history, legends, exquisite interiors, stunning architecture, beautifully manicured gardens & an opportunity to transport yourself back in time & let your imagination wild.”

About Hampton Court Palace

The palace was originally built by Lord Chancellor Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16 th century. He had ambitions to entertain the King & heads of state from across the world within the walls of his grand house. However, his plan was thwarted when his friend King Henry VIII decided he liked it & took it for himself. I guess that’s the power you have as King of England!

Henry brought all 6 of his wives here during his reign & I read that the ghosts of two of his wives haunt the building to this day!”

He used the palace as a demonstration of his power in every way. It was used as a palace, hotel, theatre & general entertainment complex. This required a lot of staff & you can still get a feel of the sheer size of the operation with a visit to his kitchens, where 1600 meals a day were produced.

By 1689, the palace was taken over by William III & Mary II who commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to demolish the buildings & create an all-new Baroque Palace. Thankfully, he decided to add on rather than reduce to rubble & now there is a distinct difference as you move from one era of the palace to the other. In addition, the monarchs were responsible for creating some of the impressive gardens which are a must-see on your Hampton Court day trip.

Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Hampton Court Day Trip

Visiting Hampton Court Palace

You need to buy & print your ticket ahead of your visit & book a time slot. For an adult ticket, the entrance to Hampton Court Palace is £24.50, £12.20 for a child (2020 prices). The palace is open between 10.30am & 5pm.

However, if you are considering visiting any of the other palaces (Tower of London, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace or Hillsborough Castle), then you may like to consider becoming a Member . This costs £55 for a year & now is the best time to join as they are offering 15 months for the price of 12 (if you choose Direct Debit). Then admission to all palaces is free for as many visits as you like.

If you are interested in exploring more of London’s palaces, check out my Guide to the Top 5 London Palaces & 15 Top Tips for Visiting the Tower of London

If like me, you have never properly visited & are able to, then all I can say is DO IT NOW! Due to current circumstances, there are no crowds & no queues. Consequently, they are also desperately in need of our help. The palaces are a self-funding charity. If they don’t have money, they close. Currently like many businesses & institutions across the world, the palaces are facing unprecedented financial challenges.

Hampton Court Palace

For me, a day trip to Hampton Court Palace can be divided into 3 sections:

• Upstairs – visiting Henry VIII’s & William III’s Apartments. Both sections are very different in style & come with a wealth of fascinating stories.
• Downstairs – exploring Henry VIII’s vast kitchens are a must!
• The Palace Gardens – again, each has its own unique style & they are not to be missed.

I believe the palace curators here have made history very accessible. It allows easy connection for children & adults with a short attention span (I raise my hand to that one!). Sound effects are used to fuel your imagination & the gardens have a hint of humour. I loved it & here are my highlights:

Henry VIII Apartments

The great hall.

I started my Hampton Court day trip in The Great Hall. What a way to start! It was the perfect location for all the extravagant celebrations & entertainment organised by King Henry VIII & his various wives throughout his reign. Shakespeare & his company of actors performed many of his plays here. With high ceilings, it was built to impress & demonstrate the king’s power & magnificence.

You can now enjoy this spectacular room, surrounded by 500-year-old tapestries & stags heads. It is set up for a banquet with fascinating facts about the food served & etiquette guests had to adhere to in order to retain favour with the King.”

Chapel Royal

The chapel itself is a wonderful spectacle of gold ceilings, surrounded by wood panels. Sir Christopher Wren returned to the palace in 1710, by the request of Queen Anne. He totally redesigned the interior which we can see today. Unfortunately, it is the only part of the palace you cannot photograph. The Chapel is still in use & you can also view a replica of Henry VIII’s crown here, situated in the pew where he would have overlooked the rest of the congregation.

William III’s Apartments

Sir Christopher Wren was also the architect behind the Baroque Palace which was commissioned by William III & Mary II. They begin with the magnificently painted Kings Staircase which leads up to the Kings Guard Chamber. The chamber features 2,871 items of armour & weapons to demonstrate Williams credentials as a great soldier & peacemaker. Then follows the throne room, where all visitors had to bow as they passed, whether it was occupied or not. Finally, you have the impressive Communication Gallery which links the kings & queens’ apartments. It is hung with an impressive array of portraits from the royal collection.

Beyond a very impressive display of napkin folding in the Public Dining Room, my favourite part in this section was the beautiful drawing-room. The murals all the way around the walls & ceilings were spectacular.

The room was used to greet courtiers & often gambling took place at the card tables. As a result, the king & his guests lost a lot of money here during royal parties!”

Henry VIII’s Kitchens

An army of 200 cooks & assistants used to toil in these kitchens, the largest in Tudor England. Here, they produced meals for the 800 strong household of King Henry VIII. That’s a big & very busy kitchen! Once you observe the size of the fireplace & years of soot which has been deposited on the chimney, you get a tiny sense of the vastness of the task which was performed here all those years ago. It must have been hot & hard work! Apparently, many of the kitchen workers preferred to work naked due to the heat from the furnaces which wasn’t popular with those in authority!

The Gardens

Leave plenty of time to explore the gardens during your Hampton Court day trip. There is plenty of variety & loads to see across 60 acres of formal garden & 750 of parkland. Each of the gardens has its own distinct character & they are managed with humour by the team of exceptional gardeners. If you are a green-fingered visitor, then stop by the Gardeners Hut for more information on highlights & plants of the week.

For me, my favourites were:

Great Fountain Garden.

Home of 300-year-old yew trees & Britain’s longest herbaceous border! You can take a trip to admire the 28 beds in a carriage pulled by Henry’s giant shire horses. The trip takes 15 minutes (Weds – Sunday only) & needs to be booked with the carriage operator. You can currently only choose seats in sets, £10 for 3 spaces (to allow for social distancing).

Long Water.

Charles II dug this canal to celebrate his marriage. It’s ¾ mile long & once housed a Venetian gondola which he received as a wedding gift!

Privy Garden.

One of the most magnificent & intricate gardens at Hampton Court. It is a triumph in topiary! It’s hard to actually get an understanding of how beautiful this garden is from the ground.

I think it’s best viewed from the windows of William III’s apartments.”

Pond Gardens.

Henry VIII originally created these gardens but Mary II remodelled them to show off her exotic plant collection. They were my favourite. Apparently, the topiary is a work in progress & aimed to look like pheasants. Judge for yourself if you believe they have succeeded!

The Great Vine.

Less impressive than its neighbours in terms of beauty but worth a trip for its title of the largest grapevine in the world. Grapes are harvested at the end of summer & you can buy them from the shop in the first 3 weeks of September.

Rose Garden.

Spectacular in summer but unfortunately, I visited in September when it had passed its prime. The Dahlia Border by the Great Vine was in full bloom though & definitely made up for it!

The Wilderness.

Less formal but apparently best visited in spring when one million bulbs create a colourful display. In addition, it is home to the infamous Maze – the oldest puzzle maze in the world.

Enclosed by Henry VIII to enable him to hunt his deer. Once you leave Hampton Court, don’t miss your chance to see some of the descendants of Henry’s deer which still roam the park today.

Want to see more of London? Check out my One Day London Itinerary – 1 walk, 22 amazing attractions & 21 Fantastic Things to do at London Bridge .

What’s on at Hampton Court Palace?

There are always plenty of reasons to add a Hampton Court day trip to your London plans. For example, it would be a spectacular location to don your skates & show off your prowess/falling skills at the ice rink during the winter months. Also, they have a Festive Fayre before Christmas, billed as a food-lovers wonderland over 2 weekends in December. Your general Hampton Court ticket includes admission but book ahead to ensure you can visit on these dates. For all the information about what’s coming up at Hampton Court click THIS LINK .

Thinking about Christmas? Check out my Unique Travel Gift list for the perfect present for the travel lover in your life.

How to get to Hampton Court Palace

The easiest way to reach Hampton Court is by car. Put KT8 9AU into your Sat Nav. The car park costs £1.60 per hour (pay at the end, card only). However, if the main car park is full there is another at Hampton Court Green, which is only 500m walk away.

There is no London Underground service to Hampton Court. You will need to get to Wimbledon or Richmond & take a bus from there. The National Rail station for Hampton Court is just a 5-minute walk away & links directly to Waterloo in the city.

You could also get a boat to the palace which sounds great fun except for its 4 hours from Westminster so maybe not the most efficient use of your time!

Check Transport for London for all the details of services but also try Rome to Rio App which I use all the time on my travels.

If you like my choices & are exploring more of the UK, also check out Scottish Highlands Itinerary – A Perfect 10 Day Road Trip for the Highlands & Islands

Where to stay near Hampton Court Palace

If you love the area (it is a beautiful part of the world) & want to stay overnight then I would check out The Kings Arms , The White Hart Hotel , River Den or the Crowne Plaza if you prefer to stick to a chain hotel. All are within 2 km of the palace. Alternatively, use the map below to find your perfect bed for the night.

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30 comments.

I haven’t been to HC for quite a few years, the last time was for the annual garden show which was fantastic. I think out of all the palaces this one has to tick all the boxes for a great day out. It has history just oozing from its walls. A lovely post for those that are yet to visit.

Thank you, Angela, & I agree. For anyone wanting a full day out the Hampton Court is perfect with the house & the gardens…a little bit of something for everyone! 😉 Sue x

Hampton Court was one of the last places I ever visited before leaving the UK. I loved getting lost in the maze. Am I muddling up my historic houses but isn’t there meant to be some ghost lurking in the long corridor?

Thank you, Sarah, apparently there are 2 ghosts at least, both of whom are Henry’s wives. It was a shame the maze isn’t open at the moment (hard to make it COVID safe) or I could have spent lots of time getting lost & reliving old school memories! Sue x

Hampton Court looks like an brilliant day out … it seems like you could easily spend an entire day there and still have more to see, so that you feel like you have to schedule a return trip. I wonder if making it difficult to get too, means that many people staying in London, just don’t bother to make the trip out there.

Thank you, Jay, & you could be right. It is a little more difficult to get to than the palaces in Central London but well worth the effort for a packed & fascinating day out. Sue x

It seems like every time I read a blog post about England, a little bit of history I learned long ago struggles to come back to me. It would certainly be fascinating to visit Hampton Court and be where so much interesting history played out. Not surprised that Henry VIII took it for himself! If we planned a long visit to England, it sounds like a Member might be a cheaper way to see a bunch of sights. Since we won’t get back to England before Covid is a thing of the past, we might get to see all parts of this great historic spot.

Thank you, Linda & if you are looking to see a few of the palaces then membership is a great option. I hope you find it as fascinating as I did when you eventually do make it! Sue x

We have visited London twice now and I have never heard of Hampton Court before. It is fascinating to me that a place like this exists within the city limits of such a big crazy city like London! Sounds like there is quite a bit of history worth exploring there!

Thank you, Jenn, & it’s definitely worth a visit next time you are in London. Hampton Court is a beautiful & fascinating place! Sue x

I have not visited Hampton Court yet. Apart from its history, I would love to go through the upstairs and downstairs and understand how they lived in those days. The well-kept gardens are the best part of most of UK’s castles and I would surely enjoy browsing through HC’s various gardens! I am marking this place for a visit when I am in London next. 🙂

Thank you Jan & I know you will find it a fascinating day out when you do get there Sue x

My visit to Hampton Court was so much fun: There were people in costumes, showing old handcraft. I loved all the exhibitions and even joined a service at the Chapel Royal. I find that Hampton Court lets visitors relive history in a very vivid way – which I really liked.

Thank you, Renata, & I love hearing this. I was struck with how accessible they made the history & reading about your experience there only reinforces this. It sounds like you had a wonderful visit & I hope that they can get back to this level of interaction again soon. Sue x

I am a total History geek and love reading about the Tudors, so I adored HCP when I visited. I remember asking a young guy at the Tube information desk how to get to Hampton Court Palace. He looked very confused and said ‘I don’t know that. Is it new?’!!

Did they tell you which of Henry’s wives haunt the Palace? Poor women, it must have been dreadful living with him. I always feel a bit sorry for Wolsey too.

Thank you for your comment & that’s hilarious about the guy at the Tube…really useful 😉 And you are correct, 2 of his wives are said to haunt the palace. Don’t blame them for not wanting to leave as quickly as he wanted to get them out! Sue x

This was a great read and also funny because I went there on a sort of class trip when I studied a semester in London and don’t recall much! Thank you for this excellent walkthrough!!

Thank you, Heather. Glad I was able to show you the bits that forgot! Sue x

I’ve not heard of this place before. Such an interesting history. Looks like a wonderful place to go for an afternoon.

Thank you, Renee & it’s a great place, well worth a visit when you are next in London. Sue x

Fantastic guide on Hampton Court. I visited a few years ago and loved it!

Thank you, Krista, glad you enjoyed the guide…& of course the palace! Sue x

You’ve rekindled happy memories of visits to HC when I lived nearby in Twickenham Sue. I remember the vast kitchens well, but not the chapel, which looks glorious. Tudor history is so fascinating, and there’s so much to discover here – thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Thank you, Coralie & glad I was able to summon up some great memories for you. I agree – I loved those kitchens. Sue x

Even though I have been to London a few times I have never been to Hampton Court. I am just now finishing the third book in the Wolf Hall series and Hampton Court features heavily in these incredible books by Hilary Mantel! So of course I need to come back to London soon!!! If you haven’t read the books (or even better listen on audible) I recommend it very highly!

Thank you, Laureen, for the book recommendation & bearing in mind all your reading, you definitely need to get here next time you’re in London! Sue x

A great read about something still on my list to visit once I’m in the area again, good to know it’s a whole day trip.

Thank you, Cosette & I hope you enjoy it when you get there, but it will definitely fill a day! Sue x

A beautiful presentation of English history in everyway. I went many years ago when I was 20 and have a photo of me sitting on Henry VIII bed. Nice to (virtual) revisit the gardens.

Thank you, Marilyn & glad to have stirred some happy memories. It’s such a fascinating place! Sue x

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A Visitor's Guide to Hampton Court Palace in London

spgd / Getty Images 

Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence from the 1520s when King Henry VIII took over its development from Cardinal Wolsey, and its many royal occupants over the years have granted the palace its stunning furnishings, tapestries, and paintings.

Hampton Court Palace also contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection , which is the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This collection is on full display and contains material from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries.

In 1689, Sir Christopher Wren demolished large parts of the Tudor palace and began building a new palace for King William III and Queen Mary II, but by 1760, George III became king and abandoned Hampton Court as a royal residence.

In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens and state apartments to the public free of charge. It is no longer free (see ticket information) but is well worth a visit. The Hampton Court Palace estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens, requiring 200,000 flowering bulbs each year and another 40,000 plants grown in the nursery.

Hours of Operation, Photography Rules, and Audio Guides

Hampton Court Palace and the Formal Gardens are closed December 24, 25, and 26 each year while the Informal Gardens are closed December 25. Home Park is open year-round, however, the hours of operation are subject to change depending on the season, so always be sure to check the official website for more detailed information. 

General photography, without flash, for personal, non-commercial use is allowed within the palace and gardens, with the exception of the Chapel Royal and Royal Pew.

Audio guides are included in the ticket price and can be collected from the Information Center in the far left corner of Base Court. Languages offered for this service include English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, and Korean.

Directions: Getting to Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is next to the River Thames to the south west of London , and while there are WPSA riverboats to the palace from Westminster in the summer months—a journey that takes four hours—there are also a variety of other means of public and private transport that can get you there. Use  Journey Planner  or the Citymapper app to plan your route by public transport.

• Address:  Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9A
• Nearest tube stations: Richmond (R68 bus) or Hounslow East (111 bus)

Public Transit From London and Its Airports

South West Trains run services direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court, and the journey takes only 35 minutes, resulting in a 200 meter walk across the bridge from the station to the palace. The train service passes through Wimbledon station, where the London Underground District Line begins, and Hampton Court is in Travel Zone 6.

If you do travel by South West trains they have an offer for a combined travel and Palace ticket. That also means you've got your entry ticket in your hand so won't need to go to the Ticket Office when you arrive. Be sure to check out local bus routes for the following lines, which all run past Hampton Court Palace: 111, 216, 411, 451, 461, R68, and 513.

From Heathrow Airport take the 111 bus, from Gatwick Airport take a train from the airport station to Clapham Junction and change to the Hampton Court train, and from London City Airport, take the Docklands Light Railway to Canning Town and then the Jubilee Line to Waterloo, then catch the Hampton Court train from there.

Ticket Information, Accommodations, and Luggage Storage

Tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance from the Palace ticket office—located just inside the main gates on the left-hand side of the drive—or in advance from any staffed South West Trains station.

To save money on trips to Hampton Court Palace, you can buy a London Pass , which gives you unlimited admission to loads of top London attractions including Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and the Tower of London , or you can book online in advance on the official website and oftentimes score discounts on tickets.

If you're traveling with luggage or a backpack, Hampton Court Palace has some lockers, located off Clock Court, where hand baggage and small rucksacks or overnight bags can be left (locker size: 45cms wide x 45cms deep). A £1 coin is required to use them, which is returned after use. Large bags or suitcases may be left at your own risk in the Warders Office by the West Gate. Please speak to the Warders when you present your ticket if you would like to use this facility.

There are two self-catering apartments at the palace available to visitors for hire. Fish Court sleeps up to 6 people and the Georgian House sleeps up to 8 people. For bookings and information contact ​ The Landmark Trust .​

Hampton Court Palace Highlights

With over 500 years of royal history, Hampton Court Palace has something to offer all visitors, from the Tudor Kitchens to the famous Andrea Mantegna painting set "The Triumphs of Ceasar," you won't want to miss these highlights on your tour of the grounds.

From 1529, the Tudor Kitchens comprised 55 rooms, covered 3,000 sq ft, were staffed by 200 people providing 600 meals twice a day for the Royal court. What's more, King Henry VIII's court would have drunk an incredible 600 gallons of ale every year. Explore this section of the palace then venture into the Great Hall, England's last and greatest medieval hall which once served as King Henry VIII's dining hall for his staff and is still decorated with the tapestries hung to impress visiting ambassadors.

We always think of King Henry VIII as a large man with many wives but he was an attractive young man and was married to his first wife, the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, for 20 years and they were very much in love. They had 6 children die leaving him with no male heir and Henry saw this as God punishing him for marrying his brother's wife. Hence the story we know: the new Church of England was formed so he could divorce and his further five marriages in his quest to produce a male heir.

You'll also want to check out William III's and the Georgian Private Apartments, both of which were the results of different monarchs living in the palace. Mary II and her husband William III commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild a third of Hampton Court, which includes the "necessary office" (the king's toilet).

The Georgian Private apartments now host the Cartoon Gallery, which was designed to display the large Raphael cartoons, but instead features 17th-century copies as Queen Victoria gave the originals to the  Victoria and Albert Museum .

The Chapel Royal has been in continuous use for over 450 years, and it's constantly changed depending on who occupied the palace. When Cromwell lived at the palace he removed the ornate stained glass, and Queen Anne later put a wooden altar in front of the removed windows.

The Hampton Court Palace Gardens offer 60 acres of gardens that run down to the River Thames, with another 750 acres of tranquil royal parkland. Look out for the Privy Garden—King William III's garden restored to its 1702 glory, and the Great Vine, which was planted in 1768 by the celebrated gardener "Capability" Brown and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes that are sold in the palace shops in early September.

The Maze, the most visited attraction in the gardens, takes an average 20 minutes to reach the center. Also, look out for the Royal Tennis Courts , the oldest tennis court in England, which is still used daily.

Fun for All Ages: Family Activities

The Hampton Court Palace is a family-friendly attraction that entertains thousands of tourists each year and features activities focused on kids of all ages. For families with small children, or who are carrying buggies already, pushchairs or buggies may be taken around the palace and may also be left at the left luggage facility off Clock Court, which features a Buggy Park. Speak to a warder if you wish to use the lifts that are available for anyone unable to manage the stairs.

There is a Family Room off Base Court for the little ones to play freely within the confines of the palace. There is a similar children's play area in the Tiltyard Café, which is not available during school holidays, and there are also a variety of Family Trails available from the Information Centre for young children to do as they go around the palace.

However, not all the Family Trails are little ones. There are also some of older children that will enhance their knowledge of the Tudor period, and four family audio tours are available to guide children over 6 through the palace. During school holidays, the palace also offers costume guided events and craft activities that are aimed at children aged 5 to 11.

Dressing up clothes are available in the Information Center, where you collect your free audio guide. There are costumes for the whole family and it can make it easier to spot each other when the Palace is busy if all of your party dresses up. However, guests cannot come in costume as there are costumed actors in the Palace every day and the staff doesn't want others to confuse you with them.

The Maze is also recommended for all ages, and admission to the Maze is included in your palace ticket. Don't forget the gardens are beautiful and a great place to have a family picnic—you can bring your own meal or buy sandwiches and snacks from the Tiltyard Cafe!

Hampton Court Palace Disabled Access Information

Hampton Court Palace is very large so be aware visitors wishing to see all of the palace interiors and the gardens will travel over two miles. Since Hampton Court Palace is a historic building with uneven surfaces, it may be difficult to traverse. However, many of the staircases are wide and shallow because of William III, who was asthmatic, built them so they would be easier for him to climb!

Most of the routes within the palace are accessible to visitors unable to climb stairs as there is an elevator to take visitors to the State Apartments on the first floor. Speak to any warder for assistance. Manual wheelchairs are available for use within the palace and single-person scooters are available for use in the gardens only, but neither can be booked in advance.

Visitors with disabilities are admitted at the standard rate but an accompanying carer, personal assistant, or a companion is given a free entry—please notify the admissions staff when purchasing your tickets if your accompanying person is a service person. Guide dogs are also welcome. 

There are accessible toilet facilities in Base Court, Fountain Court, on the first floor, in the Wilderness Garden, and the Tiltyard Cafe. Nine disabled car parking spaces are available on site on a first come, first served basis. Two of the four shops are accessible to wheelchair users: the Barrack Block Shop and the Garden Shop.

Those unable to get to the Young Henry VIII exhibition in the Wolsey Rooms can see a virtual tour—be sure to check out the full access details on the exhibit's official website.

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Lady’s Guide to a Hampton Court Palace Day Trip

Today I want to share my guide to a Hampton Court Palace day trip with you. This stunning Tudor palace in London is a great place to spend a day out in the UK capital.

Hampton Court Palace Day Trip

There’s nothing more English than a garden. When I first moved to London, I became obsessed with the idea of growing all kinds of things in my back yard, from green peas to summer roses.

But my travel schedule got in the way, and I decided to leave gardening to the experts. This week some of those experts invited me to visit the Royal Kitchen Garden at Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace.

Royal Kitchen Garden at Hampton Court Palace

The kitchen garden itself isn’t a new concept for the palace. In the 17th century, William and Mary saw Henry VIII’s former jousting grounds as a potential site for a garden that could provide the royal palaces with fresh produce throughout the year.

From 1689 until 1842, Hampton Court Palace’s Royal Kitchen Garden did just that. But the garden was eventually converted into other things, and over the years the flower beds grew into cafes, restaurants, and shops.

In recent years, one sixth of the original garden was rededicated as the site of a new Royal Kitchen Garden. Unlike many other areas of Hampton Court Palace, the garden offers free entry to the public.

I received an invitation from the palace to tour the garden with Vicki Cooke, the Kitchen Garden Keeper, and I took a Hampton Court Palace day trip to see them.

After passing through the amazingly fragrant Rose Garden, I found myself under sunny skies in the Royal Kitchen Garden.

The design of the garden stays true to its original plan, prioritizing ornamentation and formality in its geometric flower beds and regimented rows of lettuces and peas.

Colorful flowers line the edges of the beds, and rows of manicured fruit trees surround the perimeter.

While some of the garden beds are still sprouting, others are in full bloom. Checkerboard patterns of green and red lettuces blanket the ground, while tall stalks of sweet peas with bright pink flowers stretch towards the sun.

The overall effect of the Royal Kitchen Garden at Hampton Court Palace is both pleasing to the eye and tempting to the stomach. It makes this place one of the best garden day trips from London .

Not far from the garden are Henry VIII’s famous kitchens. Vicki explained that some of the produce features in their vast labyrinth of rooms, which used to showcase supermarket vegetables.

Some of the garden’s herbs also appear in the food at Hampton Court Palace’s cafe, and other plants are sold in the shop.

Hampton Court Palace Grounds

But the gardens are only one part of the royal residence, and the grounds are extensive enough to take up an entire Hampton Court Palace day trip from London.

One of the highlights is a famous maze from the 1690s, which I stumbled through and managed to make my way out of before starving to death (this is a serious fear of mine; I’m sure there’s a long Greek word for it).

Additionally, the formal Privy Garden, with its perfectly manicured 18th-century lawns and huge fountain, is a beautiful part of the palace.

As I walked through, the pink roses were in full bloom along the hedges, and the whole space looked gorgeous in the sun. It reminded me of my time at the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival .

Hampton Court Palace has 60 acres of gardens and 750 acres of parkland, and even at a fast pace, I could never have seen it all in a day. That’s not least because the palace itself deserves a visit in its own right.

Hampton Court Palace State Apartments and Interiors

And the palace is larger than life. This comes as no surprise given it once belonged to Henry VIII. His apartments, including the stunning Great Hall—with its elaborate ceiling and rich tapestries—are highlights.

As is the Chapel Royal, which has a stunning Tudor ceiling replete with golden stars and gilded cherubs.

Elsewhere, the Queen’s State Apartments show off the palace’s sumptuous interior decor and art. Temporary exhibitions come complete with music, performances, and olfactory tours.

Hampton Court Palace Chocolate Kitchen

Back outside, I wandered through the Fountain Court and stumbled upon the 18th-century Chocolate Kitchen, a little cocoa-inspired Hanoverian cooking space.

I loved the idea of a dedicated chocolate kitchen, and when I’m a billionaire I will have one in my palace. I will.

It’s hard to top a chocolate kitchen, so I decided to make the room the last stop on my Hampton Court Palace day trip.

Day Trip to Hampton Court Palace

Back out front, I came full-circle to the Royal Kitchen Garden as I made my way to the train station to travel back to London.

The gardeners were hard at work making the beds look as impeccable as all the palace’s other gardens, and as they receded into the distance, I couldn’t help but revisit my desire to pick up the English passion for gardening.

If only I ever stayed in England long enough to keep a garden growing…

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10 Comments on Lady’s Guide to a Hampton Court Palace Day Trip

How lovely! I absolutely love Hampton Court Palace and remember the famous tapestries so vividly. I definitely have to go back and explore the garden soon. Thanks for sharing.

Happy travels 🙂

You’re welcome! I’m glad it brought back good memories!

OMG – I love the idea of being able to tour the palace kitchen gardens. Lucky lucky you.

This looks amazing, thank you for the write up! I loved Hampton Court Palace, and would really love to come back to explore the kitchen garden.

You’re welcome! I hope you get a chance to explore it!

Great post! I love that you got an invitation from a palace…that’s not something one can say every day! 😉

Haha, true!

Those purple flowers look too perfect to be real. Such a lovely place.

Yeah, it’s really pretty there!

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Hampton court palace – a favourite day trip from london.

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Hampton Court Palace is one of my favourite day trips from London.

Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace has a long and fascinating history, beautiful grounds and attractions for visitors of all ages. You almost feel like part of living history as you walk in the footsteps of former Kings and Queens of England.

 A brief history of Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace was a royal residence for just over 200 years.  With origins in medieval times, the palace was transformed by influential Cardinal Wolsey during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign.

The palace was to become Henry’s favourite residence after he seized the palace from Wolsey. Here the six Queens of England married to Henry played out their tumultuous lives and the palace was the scene of some of the most important events in British history.

England changed forever when the king decided to leave the Catholic Church to pursue his marriage to the now infamous Anne Boleyn. Much of the intrigue and mystery took place at Hampton Court Palace.

Learn more about Henry VIII:

Subsequent monarchs made minor alterations however it wasn’t until the late 17th century that the palace was developed with baroque opulence by King William III and Queen Mary II based on the designs of Sir Christopher Wren .

Highlights of Hampton Court

Visitors enter the palace via the main gates into Base Court. Built by Cardinal Wolsey to house his important guests, the buildings remain largely as they were in the 16th century. If you are lucky you might see some historical reenactments taking place.

Discover Henry VIII’s palace, his six wives and all the court intrigue 

The exhibition leads you through Henry’s life via a tour of the palace apartments in the old part of the palace. After you have learned about his childhood and first marriage your tour takes you through the magnificent Great Hall and the king’s apartments.

If you have read the history of these times it is eerie to see the familiar faces of the past peer at you from the walls. In particular the eyes of Anne Boleyn gaze down soulfully from her portraits. Her ghost is said to haunt the palace.

This is my favourite part of the Hampton Court interior. The medieval palace is so atmospheric with oak panelled walls beyond which you can imagine secret doors and passages that link the rooms and corridors. There are many nooks and crannies to explore.

King William’s apartments

The baroque style of the more recent additions to the palace are in stark contrast to the Tudor wings. The rooms are bright, grand and full of light and enjoy magnificent views over the curated gardens. During this part of the tour you visit the King’s state and private apartments and immediately get a sense of the wealth and grandeur of the era. The mural on the ceiling of the entrance hall by Italian artist Verrio is spectacular.

Explore the palace kitchens, cellars and chocolate room

As you walk around the palace you get a sense of the logistical effort to run a household of this size. There is no better place to experience this than the palace kitchens which were designed to feed over 600 people twice a day.

This wonderful video shows you the process behind preparing for a feast at the palace in Tudor times.

During the Georgian era the palace housed Britain’s only royal chocolate kitchen.  Explore these rooms and learn all about the King’s personal chocolatier and admire the elaborate dishes used to serve the treats to the royal family.

Stroll in the beautifully manicured gardens

Get lost in the world famous maze.

Who doesn’t love the challenge of a garden maze? Commissioned in around 1700, Hampton Court’s maze was described as

the most famous Maze in the history of the world, and immeasurably the one most visited

The maze has many dead ends and tricks to keep you on your toes.

Picnic on the grass

On a sunny summers day you can lay down your picnic blanket or pull up a deck chair and admire the beautiful surroundings of the palace grounds. Hampton Court Palace gardens are lush and green, perfect for a few hours of lounging.

Visiting Hampton Court Palace with kids

The palace and gardens are wonderful places for kids of all ages to learn and be inspired by its historical past. There are family audio guides, tours and even costumes to help bring the past alive for its youngest visitors.

Kids inspired by history will love discovering the stories of the palace featuring ghosts, unicorns and Tudor feasts.

But even children who love discovering history need a break to play and run about. Now there is a new attraction at Hampton Court Palace that will let them run off some energy and fire their imagination.

Hampton Court’s Magic Playground  

The newly opened Magic Playground (May 2016) is simply amazing. Inspired by Tudor legends, the playground caters for children aged 2-13 and is simply a wonderfully designed space for children to play.

From water and sand play to treehouses and aerial walkways, the playground is one of the best I have seen. There is even a sleepy dragon for children to climb on.

Entry to the Magic Garden is included in the price of your ticket however families can visit the playground without entering the palace by purchasing a Magic Garden and Maze only ticket.

Hampton Court opening times and tickets

The palace is open from 10am every day except 24, 25 and 26 December. You can find more information on opening and closing times here .

Do check the palace website for updated ticketing information as prices change throughout the year and vary based on the attractions you visit. There is no charge for children under the age of 5.

Getting to Hampton Court Palace

Travel to Hampton Court Palace on the train from Waterloo station in central London. The journey takes 35 minutes and trains run every half hour. The train station is a short walk to the palace.

If you choose to drive, parking is limited. Avoid having to walk for miles to and from the nearest offsite parking area by getting there early.

Useful information

Visualise your journey with this handy map of Hampton Court Palace  and of the palace gardens .

There are several cafes onsite offering hot and cold meals at reasonable prices. If you like to bring your own lunch and snacks there are many peaceful spots throughout the garden to sit down and relax.

Families with small children are well catered for with buggy parks, lockers and toilet facilities. We also appreciated the availability of staff to assist with lift access when our children were younger.

Visit the official palace website for lots of historical information and details of their busy events calendar.

A favourite day trip from London 

Hampton Court Palace is one of my favourite places to visit in England. I often take visitors there as there are so many aspects to the palace to explore and discover. It is one of those places where you will find something new and interesting each time you visit.

If you are visiting with children, there are many activities to keep them interested and engaged while you tour the palace and its gardens.  I am sure the Magic Garden will encourage a whole new generation of history buffs to fall in love with Hampton Court Palace.

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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels , Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.

Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy

Inside Hampton Court Palace

By: Author Kristi

If you are a fan of the Tudor dynasty, or just enjoy exploring historical venues, Hampton Court Palace should definitely be on your list of places to visit. It is one of only two surviving palaces (the other is St. James’s Palace ) owned by King Henry VIII and full of interesting stories and artifacts. Here are just a few highlights of what you can expect to see inside Hampton Court Palace.

Hampton Court Palace History

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, purchased Hampton Court when it was a manor house around 1515 and turned it into a magnificent palace in order to host royalty from near and far.

Unfortunately for him, he didn’t get to stay in the palace very long due to the fact that the Papacy would not grant Henry VIII the divorce he wanted (from Catherine of Aragon).

Even though Henry VIII had dozens of homes, Hampton Court was his favorite.

On any given day, there would be 1000 people (courtiers, staff, and guests) at the palace, and depending on your rank, you might NEVER see the King while he was at Hampton Court.

This is because the King designed the palace to have a maze-like system where people were filtered into different areas based on their rank.

This kept those closest to the King in his inner circle while others were given restricted access.

It was only those closest to the King that would be able to access his private quarters (eating room, an entertainment area, and bed chamber).

Hampton Court Palace saw many monarchs in its prime and it wasn’t until King George III (1760s) that it was abandoned and turned into stately apartments.

This lasted until Queen Victoria opened it to the public in 1838.

A trip to Henry VIII’s favorite royal residence will allow you to step back in time and see Henry’s State Room, Tudor kitchens, the expansive royal gardens, and much more.

Here are some of the things you can see inside Hampton Court Palace:

The Great Hall

The Great Hall in Hampton Court Palace is where Kings entertained and were entertained for centuries.

The room features a hammer-beam roof and a large stained glass window with King Henry VIII front & center!

Take your time in this room to look at all the detail in the ceiling. You may find some interesting hidden images and carvings.

On the walls are beautiful tapestries that tell the Biblical story of Abraham.

It is worth noting that William Shakespeare’s King’s Men performed in The Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace for King James from 1603-1604.

The Tudor Kitchens

The Tudor kitchen was in service for some 200 years and had three Master Cooks, one for the King, one for the Queen, and another for the rest of the Court.

There was even a room inside Hampton Court Palace specifically designed for making chocolate.

The Royal Chambers

Your tour inside Hampton Court Palace will give you a chance to see the spaces that even some of those living during the time of Henry VIII never got to see!

The bed chambers were elaborately decorated with tapestries and beautifully painted murals on the ceilings. Many of the murals feature angels to show that they had the favor of God.

Besides bed chambers, you will also get to see their leisure rooms, like this game room that was meant only to be visited by guests of the King.

Hampton Court Palace Gardens

A day trip to Hampton Court isn’t complete without seeing the gardens.

There are over 60 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens here.

Summer is a great time to take a tour of Hampton Court Palace so that you can see the rose gardens in full bloom.

Each of the Hampton Court gardens has been reconstructed to look exactly like they had at the time that they were originally designed.

You will find many different types of flowers and herbs along with vegetable gardens.

Hampton Court Maze

Take your time to walk through them and be sure to try your hand (or foot) at the oldest surviving hedge maze!

The maze was created for the court of William III and Mary II and is still keeping kids and adults busy throughout the year.

Entry to the Hampton Court Maze is included in a normal admission ticket to Hampton Court Palace.

The Great Vine

Not only does a tour of Hampton Court Palace get you into the oldest hedge maze, but you will also get to see the largest grapevine in the world.

“The Great Vine,” as it is named, was planted in 1769 and still survives to this day making grapes that are harvested each spring for wine!

Hampton Court Palace Activities for Kids

Download the app.

Download the Time Explorer app to your phone and you can access “missions” for families at Hampton Court Palace. This digital guide will explain what you are seeing and give you challenges where you can win a badge!

Family trails

Packed with fun quizzes, activities, facts and illustrations, the free family trails are the perfect way to explore Hampton Court Palace as a family. Hard copies are available at the palace’s Information Center. When you’ve completed one, bring it back for a prize!

The Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden

Kids will love exploring this outdoor space filled with areas focused on myths, legends, and stories. There are slides, things to climb, and plenty of room to run around and just be a kid! You don’t have to visit the palace to visit the Magic Garden.

Hampton Court Palace Map

Before you plan to visit the palace of HenryVIII, I suggest you download the Hampton Court Palace Map . This will show you just how expansive the property is and how much you will have to see & do there!

Hampton Court Palace Tickets

Hampton Court Palace is open daily except for 24-26 December. Ticket prices vary based on the time of the year and will give you access to:

• All public areas of the palace.
• The gardens and courtyards.
• The Magic Garden

Free fast-track entry to Hampton Court Palace with The London Pass .

How to Get to Hampton Court Palace from London

H ampton Court Palace is just 12 miles outside of London in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, which makes it a great day trip.

The quickest way to get to Hampton Court Palace is by train from London’s Waterloo Station.

If you are driving, you will find that on-site parking is limited. Plan to park on the streets nearby.

Have you been on a Day trip to Hampton Court Palace? What did you think?

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Tuesday 31st of July 2018

The Great Hall looks very similar to the dining room in Hearst Castle!

A Day Trip To Hampton Court Palace

Last weekend it was a beautiful summers day and Danny and I decided to make the most of it and go on a little adventure. Hampton Court Palace has always been on my list of must visit places and so that’s exactly where we headed.

Dress | Bag | Sandals  | Sunglasses

Hampton Court Palace is by the River Thames and is a perfect place to visit on a warm summers day. Hampton Court Gardens surround the Palace and are a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the sunshine. In the gardens you will find the Hampton Court Maze, this is a giant garden maze that I thought would be easy to get out of it, I was completely wrong. You need a ticket to go in the maze, which you can either buy separately or your Palace ticket also includes this. Alongside the maze is the Magic Garden a giant fun garden space for children. There is also The Tiltyard which is a great cafe for sandwiches, cakes, hot food and drinks to enjoy.

We got lost in the maze and then enjoyed some lunch in the outside gardens before going into the Palace. It was much bigger than I could even have expected. Inside you will see Henry VIII’s apartments and kitchens, William III’s apartments, learn of Young Henry’s VII story in a visual experience, explore many of the rooms, as well as plenty of art along the way.

The Palace also has access to their own gardens, which were breathtaking. What seemed to span for miles were extremely pretty and very well-kept trees and gardens. Pass by The Orangery where you will see many a fruit-growing to also the great vine, the world’s longest grape-vine.

There is so much to see at Hampton Court Palace, you really can have a lovely day here. You also don’t feel like you’re in London at all.

For more details or to book tickets click here .

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we can receive a commission. 

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Im so going to visit here again this summer! I remember going when I was in school and just being in awe of the whole place! Plus i’m a history geek! Leonie ♥

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