Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom

Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces

Outty Ranking 73 5.0 · 100 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $312
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 100 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces worth booking?

Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces is a 3-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $312 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 100 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
5/5 (100)
Duration
3 hours
From
$312 per person

Hampton Court Palace, the home of England's most notorious king Henry VIII, has tales of ghosts, executions and his expanding collection of wives! Perfect if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of central London, Hampton Court has something to please all the family.  There are two palaces to look round, Henry VIII's and William III's and the suite of Georgian rooms tell the tale of one of the most dysfunctional dynasties ever to take the throne of England. The stunning gardens, a maze and the chance to see the complicated game of real tennis in action, makes this a wonderful day out. My name is Sandy and this private tour accommodates groups of up to 5 people only meaning everyone can feel comfortable throughout. Please buy your entry tickets to the Palace, which is an extra cost to my tour, in advance as this will make it easier on the day. 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'Excellent' so I must be doing something right!

What you get

    About this experience

    Hampton Court Palace, the home of England's most notorious king Henry VIII, has tales of ghosts, executions and his expanding collection of wives! Perfect if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of central London, Hampton Court has something to please all the family.  There are two palaces to look round, Henry VIII's and William III's and the suite of Georgian rooms tell the tale of one of the most dysfunctional dynasties ever to take the throne of England. The stunning gardens, a maze and the chance to see the complicated game of real tennis in action, makes this a wonderful day out. My name is Sandy and this private tour accommodates groups of up to 5 people only meaning everyone can feel comfortable throughout. Please buy your entry tickets to the Palace, which is an extra cost to my tour, in advance as this will make it easier on the day. 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'Excellent' so I must be doing something right!

    What's included

    Included

    • Sandy is a fun and professional local guide, accredited by the ITG and University of Westminster

    Not included

    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities
    • Transportation to/from attractions
    • Cost of entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace

    What you'll see and do

    1. Hampton Court Palace

      There is so much to see at Hampton Court! The main attraction is Henry VIII's palace including his magnificent Great Hall, the vast kitchens and the eerie Haunted Gallery where the ghost of one of Henry's wives has taken up residence; but there is a second palace at Hampton Court, that built for William III. A ceremonial staircase leads up to William's state apartments where there is a huge collection of weaponry, exquisite furnishings, a couple of optical illusions and some very peculiar etiquettes! If there's time, we can also fit some of the following into your tour: a wander through the apartments which belonged to the Georgians, perhaps the most dysfunctional dynasty ever to take the throne of England; watch the ancient, complicated sport of real tennis and explore some of the 60 acres of beautiful gardens including the largest and oldest productive grapevine in the world. There is so much to see, do and be enthralled by - you will not be disappointed!

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    London

    Please meet me (Sandy) at the end of the driveway in front of the West Front Gatehouse. I suggest you buy your entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace online in advance which will make it easier on the day. These are in addition to the cost of the tour. https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Please meet me (Sandy) at the end of the driveway in front of the West Front Gatehouse. I suggest you buy your entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace online in advance which will make it easier on the day. These are in addition to the cost of the tour. https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace

    Options you can book

    • Hampton Court Palace p.m. tour

      2-3 hour tour of Henry VIII's Tudor palace, William III's State Apartments and the south side of the gardens

    • Hampton Court Palace a.m. tour

      2-3 hour tour of Henry VIII's Tudor Palace, William III's State Apartments and the south side of the gardens

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Hobnob Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • My name is Sandy and my aim is to give you the best experience you could possibly have so if you have any special requests, be sure to tell me what they are! If you need to go at a slower pace, or stop for a break midway through the tour, that will also be fine. There are plenty of places to sit during the tour and I will let you know where these are.
    • Please note I will ALWAYS make contact with you to finalise the details of the tour, so if you have not heard from me a week before the tour date, please contact me.
    • The tour will cover roughly 2 miles in total and last up to 3 hours
    • The tour will go ahead come rain or shine so please don't be put off by the weather. Do wear comfortable shoes and clothing and, if needs be, bring waterproofs and an umbrella.
    • Due to uneven surfaces, and an unreliable lift used to take customers to the first floor, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Visitors must be able to cope with stairs and so this tour is not suitable for anyone with serious medical conditions and back problems.
    • When you turn into the palace grounds from the main road, follow the driveway with grassy stretches on either side and I will meet you at the end of the drive in front of the West Front Gatehouse
    • The tour starts at 10.00 a.m. but once a firm booking has been made, the start time can be adjusted to fit with your arrival time at the palace.
    • If you need directions to travel to Hampton Court from your hotel, please contact me on sandyrhodes@live.co.uk
    • 100% of my Trip Advisor/Viator reviews are graded 'excellent' and as I now have over 175+ reviews in total, I must be doing something right!
    • I prefer to guide small groups of up to five family or friends. This way, everyone can hear what I'm saying in the sometimes narrow corridors of Henry's haunted palace. Also, everyone can feel relaxed enough to ask as many questions as they want to.
    • I only accept bookings directly from customers. Any bookings made by a travel agent on behalf of a customer will be cancelled.

    Photos

    Hampton Court Palace East Front, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in LondonField of the Cloth of Gold fountain, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in LondonAstronomical clock, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in LondonSir Christopher Wren's colonnade, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in LondonAntonio Verrio's artwork on the King's ceremonial staircase, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in LondonOutside of the Real Tennis Court on the East Front, Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces in London

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 100 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    9 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Good for families

    2 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    2 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    100 verified traveler reviews for Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    99
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    MattHeggie · September 2026

    Hampton Court Tour with Sandy - Excellent 5*

    We had the pleasure of being shown around Hampton Court Palace by Sandy this morning. Sandy was excellent from start to finish. She was warm and personable, and she made us feel at ease straight away. It was like walking around with a long standing friend. Her knowledge was hugely impressive, as was how easily she recalled it: names, dates, stories and little details, all without a notepad or prompt in sight. She is obviously well known and liked by Hampton Court staff, and was frequently engaging with other resident staff / historians within the palace, all of whom added to our experience. It might sound like a cliché, but she really did bring the palace to life. Being walked through its history by someone so engaging was a completely different experience to the one we had months before, whilst visiting the palace with our young children. We were so pleased we came back and so pleased we booked the tour with Sandy. If you're visiting Hampton Court and would really like to understand the history of the palace in detail, I'd highly recommend a tour with Sandy. She really did make our visit.

    Response from the operator: Hi Matthew, what a fabulous review! Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm delighted that you and Catrina enjoyed the tour as much as you did. As you say, exploring a historic space with a guide does bring it to life. I hope our paths might cross again in the future. All the best. Sandy

    via Tripadvisor

    DFWLovesToTravel · August 2026

    Excellent tour guide!

    Just finished a fantastic private tour of Hampton Court Palace with Sandy! She was very informative, entertaining, and energetic. Her deep knowledge of British history brought the palace to life. She was attentive to our questions and adjusted the tour to our interests. She was just a lovely companion throughout the day. Highly recommend you work with her!

    Response from the operator: Hi there, I am assuming that 'DFWLoves to Travel' is Carey and Chris? If yes, thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review and I'm delighted that you enjoyed the tour. I enjoyed guiding for you. All the best. Sandy

    via Tripadvisor

    Lucas_T · August 2026

    A day with Henry & Sandy

    Sandy was a polished performer, well connected with the Palace staff and clearly at home in the facility. She was very consultative all the way from booking to tour day, and maximised our time to best effect. We would highly recommend her service.

    via Viator

    Culture822279 · June 2026

    The best private tour of Hampton Court Palace

    We had the most wonderful tour with Sandy. She lead us through Hampton Court Palace for three hours-and it was both informative and entertaining. I had been to the Palace before, and had done a self guided tour. Being with someone who was able to put the history in context, explain the political situations at the time, as well as more gossipy tidbits, was so much better. My young adult children thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Next time I'm in London I would absolutely do another tour with her-would be fascinating to hear about other areas.

    Response from the operator: Hi Heidi, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm delighted your family enjoyed the tour - there is something for all ages at Hampton Court! I'll look forward to seeing you again when you next visit London. We can do one of my central London tours next. Thanks again. Sandy

    via Tripadvisor

    Jack_C · June 2026

    Fabulous Day at Hampton Court with Sandy!

    We enjoyed a wonderful tour with Sandy today! Her knowledge of history was extraordinary but she delivered things at a pace that wasn't overwhelming. She was very considerate of everyone in our party and went out of her way to accommodate a member of our party with physical constraints. She gave us some great recommendations for lunch and the best ice cream afterwards!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    35
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Hobnob Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.1.

    See everything Hobnob Tours runs

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)96
    Review evidence (18% weight)61
    Booking momentum (14% weight)55
    Value for money (12% weight)19
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)85
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.

    How much does Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces cost?

    +

    Prices start at $312 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in London usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in London is not rushed.

    Is Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 100 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in London, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Around 35 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in London can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in London and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central London within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in London?

    +

    London's best attractions split cleanly: the museums are free and need no booking, so the paid market is about views, theatre and getting out of the city for a day. That makes value scoring unusually important here, and the Outty Ranking penalises anything charging premium prices for access you could get for nothing. On Outty we rank every London experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour, Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit London?

    +

    May to September for long evenings, December for the Christmas markets. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in London?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Included: Sandy is a fun and professional local guide, accredited by the ITG and University of Westm. Not included: Food and drinks; Gratuities; Transportation to/from attractions; and Cost of entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Please meet me (Sandy) at the end of the driveway in front of the West Front Gatehouse. I suggest you buy your entry tickets to Hampton Court Palace online in advance which will make it easier on the day. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Due to uneven surfaces, and an unreliable lift used to take customers to the first floor. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in London. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    Across 100 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, good for families. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    What booking options are available for Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Hampton Court Palace p.m. tour, Hampton Court Palace a.m. tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Hampton Court Palace 3hr tour: Henry VIII's & William III's intriguing Palaces.

    Pick your date