Hampton Court Palace: Recommended tours & tickets

Sarah has worked at Hampton Court Palace since 2008 so knows all the secrets associated with those, who in the past, have lived, worked and died within its walls. Sarah, a social historian and storyteller, will regale you with the tales of mistresses and betrayals whilst you walk where history happened, in the footsteps of kings and queens. See magnificent artworks in the State Apartments of Henry VIII and William III, the Astronomical clock, kitchens, wine cellars, gardens and more. Maybe even a ghost! Hampon Court is a 'palace of two halves'; the 16th century Tudor and Wren's 17th century Baroque. This is a tour for the whole palace, if you only wish to be guided around the Tudor side please see my shorter 'Secrets' tour. Note the Chapel may be closed on Sundays. Entrance fees to Hampton Court Palace are NOT included in the price of this tour booking, entrance tickets to the palace cost approximately £30 per person and should be purchased through the Historic Royal Palace's website.

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!

You can book palace entry tickets in advance on the Hampton Court website. Tours are non-costume and can be adapted for children, giving the whole family a fun insight. Join your historian guide, from television's 'Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace', to discover Hampton Court. Through its rooms you can chart Henry’s decline from athletic prince to bloated tyrant and hear about the six women who became his queens. Dig a little deeper and find hidden stories of ghost, executions and 'horrible histories'. Highlights are Great Hall, Chapel and Haunted Gallery, Baroque palace and gardens. Choose from one of two departure times. 11:00 or 13:30

On this 3-hour small-group bike tour around the area surrounding Hampton Court Palace, you will be picked up by the guide from the Palace to collect the bikes together. Cycle for a beautiful 8-mile (13 km) route to Hampton Court Palace and explore Royal Bushy Park, Eisenhower's WWII base, Long Water and Hampton Court Palace. See the beauty and history of the area.