— Our tours
Private Hampton Court Palace tours
st UK Tours provides private, premium sightseeing tours and visits to Hampton Court, and other popular destinations across the UK. Whether you would like to visit the palace on its own, combine it with other iconic sites such as Windsor Castle and Bath, or design a completely custom itinerary, we’ll ensure the perfect tour for you.
— Private Tours
Private tours to Hampton Court Palace
Travel in comfort from a pick up point of your choice – including major airports and ports – with expert guidance from your knowledgeable tour guide. If you’re planning a vacation to the UK, our sightseeing experiences can make memories you’ll treasure forever.
Get in touch today to start planning your private visit to Hampton Court Palace. With Best UK Tours, your dream British adventure awaits you.
— where history meets luxury
What to expect from Private Hampton Court Palace tours
A personalised tour of Hampton Court Palace: Experience an itinerary that has been especially tailored to your interests, ensuring you see and do everything you want to during your time at Hampton Court Palace, entirely at your own pace.
History brought to life: Our tour guides are highly experienced and have extensive knowledge of Hampton Court Palace. On a private visit, you will receive one-on-one attention at all times including engaging stories, fascinating insights, and an immediate answer to all of your burning questions.
Luxurious transport: You will travel to Hampton Court Palace in total comfort in a luxurious 4-seater Mercedes E220. For larger groups or special requests, we can arrange alternative transport, including a minibus for large parties by special arrangement. We want your experience to be as comfortable as possible, so we will do all we can to accommodate your transport needs.
— Hampton Court Palace tours
Available Tours to Hampton Court Palace
Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace
Delve deep into England’s royal history as we explore the country’s storied treasures. Starting at Windsor Castle, the UK’s oldest inhabited castle, we will wander through the grand state rooms, learn all about the Order or the Garter, and visit St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of monarchs like Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and Henry VIII. Following this, we will head to Hampton Court Palace to step back into Tudor times, exploring the palace itself, the famous maze, and the enchanting gardens for a truly memorable British experience.
2-Day Bath Discovery
Experience England’s unforgettable must-see sites on this impressive tour. From the historic grounds of Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle to the stunning Georgian architecture of Bath and the bewitching history of Stonehenge, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience quintessential England.
— where from?
Pick Up Points for Hampton Court Palace day trips and tours
We are able to begin your tour to Hampton Palace (including multi-day tours) directly from your arrival in England, or from your hotel in London. Whether you’re in the UK for a short while, or staying longer to soak up everything England has to offer on your vacation, Best UK Tours make it as convenient as possible. As well as direct-from-hotel pick ups, we can meet you at the following locations to get your sightseeing trip started:
- Gatwick Airport
- Dover Port
- Heathrow Airport
- Southampton Airport
- Tilbury Port
If you’re arriving or staying elsewhere, do talk to us about the custom pick ups that are possible – we can often come and meet you at a location of your choice.
Where our guests visit from
We are so fortunate to meet guests visiting the UK from around the world, from our neighbours in mainland Europe to our friends travelling from the USA and beyond; it’s always a privilege to share in your journey. Every visit is unique, and we’re proud to help reveal the charm and magic that makes the UK such a special place to explore. No matter where you’re from, we can introduce you to the landscapes, buildings, and stories that make this country unforgettable.
What a private Hampton Court tour costs
There is no standard figure, because the day is put together around the people taking it. What moves the number most is how long you want us for and how far we travel to reach you, and then whether the palace has the day to itself or shares it with Windsor Castle or another stop on the way back. A late morning start from a London hotel and a full day beginning at Dover Port involve very different amounts of road, and the road is a large part of what you are paying for.
Entry to the palace sits outside the quote, since guests buy their own tickets, and lunch is chosen on the day to suit you rather than costed in advance. If there is a particular interest to build the day around, our bespoke tour planning is the place to start, and our day trips from London page shows what else can reasonably sit alongside a palace in a single day. Send us your dates and a sense of how much you would like to see, and you will have the itinerary and what it comes to in front of you before anything is booked.
— why us?
Why choose Best UK Tours?
At Best UK Tours, we don’t just offer private guided tours of Hampton Court Palace: we craft captivating, unforgettable experiences tailored specifically to you and your interests. From the illustrious Tudor heritage and enchanting gardens of Hampton Court Palace to stunning royal property of Windsor Castle and beyond, we are dedicated to creating spellbinding memories that last a lifetime.
We are extremely proud of our passionate and knowledgeable guides who bring Hampton Court Palace’s incredible history to life with true finesse. With fascinating storytelling, historical insights, and local insider tips, we can help you to gain a deeper connection to every site you visit. And with luxury transport, priority access, and smooth logistics, you will spend less time waiting and more time exploring.
We’ve proudly hosted thousands of happy travellers from across the globe. Our friendly, responsive team are here to help from the moment you reach out to us until the end of your trip and beyond, turning your travel dreams into reality.
Contact us today to start planning your perfectly tailored private Hampton Court Palace experience with Best UK Tours.
— Rich history
A History of Hampton Court Palace
Built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century, Hampton Court is a magnificent royal palace with over 500 years of history. It is best known for having been home to King Henry VIII and all six of his wives and the heart of the Tudor Court. This palace was used by King Henry VIII to demonstrate his magnificence and power through lavish banquets, extravagant court life, and expensive art.
In the late 17th century, parts of the original Hampton Court Palace were demolished and a stunning baroque palace was built in its place for King William III and Mary II. Almost a century later, the palace was abandoned as a royal residence when King George III became king; much of the palace became home to Grace and Favour residents. Queen Victoria opened Hampton Court Palace up to the public, free of charge, in 1838.
— ready to explore?
Book your private Hampton Court tour today
Featuring an impressive display of classic Tudor architecture and surrounded by over sixty acres of vibrant, luscious gardens featuring a puzzle maze and the Great Vine, Hampton Court Palace is a true wonder to behold for those with a love of history, impressive architecture, and stunning natural splendour.
To experience the beauty and intrigue of this historic palace, reach out to us today to start planning your bespoke, private day trip to Hampton Court Palace.
— What to do when i’m there?
What to See and Do at Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII’s Apartments and the Great Hall
Step into the world of Tudor splendour as you explore Henry VIII’s opulent apartments and the magnificent Great Hall, a richly decorated and grand space that once hosted royal feasts and Tudor court life.
William III’s State Apartments
Experience the elegance of the Baroque era in the State Apartments of William III. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, these rooms reflect the refined tastes of the late 17th century and feature sweeping views of the gardens.
The Chapel Royal
An architectural masterpiece, the Chapel Royal remains one of the most breathtaking parts of Hampton Court Palace. Its soaring ceiling, stained glass windows, and iconic royal pew make for a serene atmosphere steeped in centuries of history.
The Cumberland Art Gallery
Housed in the former apartments of the Duke of Cumberland, this gallery showcases a number of masterpieces from the Royal Collection including works by renowned artists such as van Dyck, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio.
Hampton Court Gardens
Stroll through over sixty acres of vibrant seasonal flowerbeds and gracefully manicured gardens, featuring the world’s oldest puzzle maze and elegant fountains. From the Great Vine to the Privy Garden, every corner offers a tranquil royal escape.
— a typical tour itinerary
Windsor Castle & Hampton Court Palace Tour Itinerary
8:00 AM: A Regal Start
The adventure begins as we set off on a day filled with history and grandeur.
9:30 AM: Discover Windsor Castle
Explore the fascinating history and breathtaking architecture of the UK’s oldest inhabited castle, a residence steeped in royal tradition.
11:30 AM: Onward to Hampton Court Palace
We continue our journey to another iconic royal landmark.
1:00 PM: Lunch Break
Take a moment to relax and savour delicious local cuisine, recharging for the afternoon’s exploration.
2:00 PM: Uncover Hampton Court Palace
Step into the world of Tudor royalty as we delve into the palace’s opulent history. Navigate the famous maze, stroll through stunning gardens, and soak in the timeless elegance of this historic gem.
4:00 PM: Journey Home
Reflect on the day’s experiences as we make our way back.
5:00 PM: Return
Arrive back, filled with memories of an unforgettable royal adventure.
— FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hampton Court Palace worth visiting from London?
Yes, and it is quieter than the central London palaces, which is half its appeal. You get two palaces in one: Henry VIII’s Tudor kitchens and Great Hall on one side, and William and Mary’s baroque state apartments on the other, with sixty acres of gardens and the maze outside. Our post on Henry VIII’s Hampton Court gives a sense of what is there.
Can you do Windsor Castle and Hampton Court in one day?
Yes, they are close to one another west of London, which is what makes the pairing work. It is a full day and neither is a quick visit, so we usually take the castle first and the palace afterwards. Our Windsor Castle and Hampton Court day trip is built around that route, with the driving between them handled for you.
Which is better to visit, Windsor Castle or Hampton Court?
They answer different questions. Windsor is a working royal residence with St George’s Chapel and the royal tombs, so it suits anyone interested in the monarchy today. Hampton Court is Tudor and baroque history you can walk through, with better gardens and far fewer crowds. If you only have one day, our Windsor Castle page sets out what that visit involves.
Do the royals still use Hampton Court Palace?
No. George II was the last monarch to live there, in the eighteenth century, and the palace has been open to the public since Queen Victoria’s reign. It is now cared for by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces. That is precisely why so much of it can be visited: nothing is closed off for a resident household the way parts of Windsor are.
How many other attractions can I visit as well as Hampton Court Palace?
That depends on your itinerary and your pacing preferences. Hampton Court sits close to Windsor and to the western side of London, so a faster paced day can add two or more stops. A slower one lets the palace, the gardens and the maze fill the afternoon properly, with a single stop alongside. Tell us how you like to travel and we will pace it accordingly.
Does the tour price include entrance to Hampton Court Palace?
Entrance to Hampton Court Palace isn’t included in your tour price, but it couldn’t be easier to book; simply arrive with your Hampton Court tickets, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Is food provided?
Light refreshments are provided, but lunch isn’t included. However, arrangements will of course be made to match your food preferences.
What is the best time to visit Hampton Court Palace?
Early in the day, and outside the school holidays if you can manage it. The gardens are at their best from late spring to early autumn, and the maze is more fun when it is not full. Because your day is private we can start when the gates open rather than after a coach has been loaded, which makes a real difference to the first hour.
— What our tour clients say