
Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 292 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace worth booking?
Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace is a 1.5-hour experience in London, United Kingdom, from $180 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 292 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (292)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $180 per person
Ex State Apartment Warder having worked at the Palace for over 18 years. Highly knowledgeable, having done many previous tours for Functions, Events and VIPs. A comprehensive tour of Hampton Court palace tailored to you
What you get
- Personal tour with your own knowledgeable guide with 18 years experience of working at The Palace.
- Sheila also specializes in Ghost, LGBTQ+ & Grace and Favour tours
- Sheila has a Level 2 Accreditation from the Institute of Tourist Guiding
- Sheila has an EDI Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage (learning & interpretation)
About this experience
Ex State Apartment Warder having worked at the Palace for over 18 years. Highly knowledgeable, having done many previous tours for Functions, Events and VIPs. A comprehensive tour of Hampton Court palace tailored to your historic interests. . I cover all aspects of the Palace's history including tales of Henry VIII, Ghostly stories, Grace & Favour, and all others who have lived there. I am a bubbly person who loves meeting new people & sharing the Palace history and engaging tales, that I can also tailor specifically for children as required. I also offer a ghostly tales tour (same duration & times) suitable for adults and children. Please mention this when you book.
What's included
Included
- Personal tour with your own knowledgeable guide with 18 years experience of working at The Palace.
- Sheila also specializes in Ghost, LGBTQ+ & Grace and Favour tours
- Sheila has a Level 2 Accreditation from the Institute of Tourist Guiding
- Sheila has an EDI Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage (learning & interpretation)
Not included
- Food & Drink
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Hampton Court Palace
A comprehensive tour of Hampton Court palace tailored to your historic interests. I can also be in Tudor or Victorian authentic costume (note, no adults allowed in period costume). Children can wear what they like! I cover all aspects of the Palace's history including tales of Henry VIII, Ghostly stories, Grace & Favour, and all others who have lived there. You will see a Palace in two halves, half Tudor, half Baroque. Highlights include Henry's Great Hall, the Haunted Gallery, King Williams spectacular Staircase, Guard Chamber and the beautiful Versailles style gardens.
240 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
London
West Gate - Main entrance (down drive) to Palace (not large gates by main road)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
West Gate - Main entrance (down drive) to Palace (not large gates by main road)
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sheila Dunsmore
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 292 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
292 verified traveler reviews for Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
extremely knowledgeable,...
extremely knowledgeable, knows all the other guides on site and the story of every stone and corners of the palace. well recommended
Response from the operator: Hi Martin, Thank you for taking the time to review my tour, and the lovely feedback. I hope you enjoyed your concert tour with The Weekend! Regards Sheila
via Viator
You won’t regret having Sylvia.
Sylvia was an informative guide, enthusiastic, knowledgable and sensitive to our situation. We had landed that morning from Australia. There were laminated cards with lots of information on them, which helped us with remembering and keeping track of who was who!!! We hadn’t realised how big Hampton Court was, having Sylvia made the visit more insightful. Thank you Sylvia.
Response from the operator: Hi Fiona and Bill, Thank you so much for taking the time to review my tour and the lovely feedback. I hope the jet lag has subsided and you are enjoying yourselves. My name is Sheila ( but don’t worry easy mistake especially when very jet lagged😂) Regards Sheila
via Tripadvisor
The Absolute Best
Sheila was truly exceptional! Her knowledge of Hampton Court Palace was encyclopedic. The manner in which she guided us was so relaxed and engaging. So many wonderful stories. We were really well looked after. I can’t recommend Sheila enough.
Response from the operator: Hi Thomas, Thank you so much for the lovely review, it was pleasure to guide for you and Sally.Just to clarify a point of interest, Thomas Moore was was Lord protector after Wolsey fell from grace. , not lasting to long as he wouldn’t compromise his Catholic principles. I hope he rest of your holiday is as enjoyable. Regards Sheila .
via Viator
A step back into medieval and renaissance time
Jo Cooper was so fun, personable and knowledgeable. She took us to out of the way places, showed us creaking doors, haunted hallways. She knew all about Christopher Wren, William and Mary and king Henry the eighth and all his wives.
Response from the operator: Hi Cheryl, You need to put this on Jos reviews, as I didn’t take your tour. We are both separate Guides on Viator. I’m sure she will be thrilled with your review. Regards Sheila
via Tripadvisor
Hampton Court Palace
The private tour of Hampton Court Palace, with our guide Sheila, was outstanding. My husband and I have taken many, many tours in many, many countries and this is definitely in our top 10. Sheila is very knowledgeable and personable. We highly recommend her!
Response from the operator: Hi Karen, Thank you leaving me such a lovely review, I am very grateful. Henry VIII is an intriguing character and most people who book a tour with me , want to know more about him and his wonderful Palace. I am very happy that you and Richard enjoyed my delivery of Hampton Courts Tudor History, and I hope the gardens were a wow factor for you as well! Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Regards Sheila
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $180 to $199
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 102
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for London.
How much does Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace cost?
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Prices start at $180 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 Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace take?
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Plan for about 1.5 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 Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 292 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 Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace?
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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 Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace?
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Around 102 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?
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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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour, London Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs, The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour. 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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