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More information

Palace facilities

Practical information for your visit

Practical information for your visit

Update 3 December: In line with government guidance, Hampton Court Palace will reopen on 5 December. Please read how we are keeping you safe on your visit

Map

Download a map for your visit. 

 

Downloads

Hampton Court Palace map
A family of two women, a boy and a girl look around them in Base Court of Hampton Court Palace

For families

Parent's guide

  • Balls, frisbees and roller-blades are not permitted in the formal gardens or the palace
  • Cycling and scooters are not allowed in any part of the courtyards or gardens
  • Extra care should be taken in the palace gardens where there are water features or wildlife

Buggies and pushchairs

If you are visiting with very young children, you may take pushchairs and buggies around the gardens. There is a Buggy Park off Clock Court if you do not wish to take the buggy around with you.

Baby changing

Baby changing facilities are available in the following toilets:

Magic Garden

Toilets

Toilets are available in the following locations:

  • Wilderness
  • Magic Garden

All toilets have disabled access.

Due to the one-way system in place, once out in the gardens, the only facilities available will be in the Wilderness.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted within the palace courtyards or gardens unless they are registered assistance dogs. Even small dogs are not to be taken inside the palace.

Dogs kept on a short lead are able to be walked on the West Front only.

We welcome all registered assistance dogs, even those in training. Please bring the dog’s 'Assistance Dog’s (UK)’ identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with you.

Unfortunately, due to conservation concern and the nature of items on display, we do not allow emotional support animals to enter the palace at this time.

Photography and filming

Visitors are welcome to take non-commercial photographs and films within most areas of Hampton Court Palace.

For religious and copyright reasons, photography is not permitted in the following areas:

  • Chapel Royal & Royal Pew
  • Cumberland Art Gallery
  • Any temporary exhibitions

The photography of certain, individual items may not be allowed due to loan arrangements. Please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Hampton Court Palace for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring Hampton Court Palace and its surrounding gardens for your event, visit our Hire a Venue page.

Commercial photography

Requests for commercial photography, filming and sketching should be made in advance by contacting our Press Team. 

Photographic equipment

Equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks may not be used inside the palace unless arrangements have been made in advance with our conservation team.

Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding aware organisation and takes its responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously . We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Read our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

Left luggage

Lockers are currently unavailable on site to store bags or luggage.

Visit London's left luggage guide

WiFi

Free Wi-Fi is available inside the palace.

Simply follow the on-screen prompts on your mobile device to get connected. 

Lost property

If you lose something at the palace or in the Magic Garden please email: [email protected]

Health and safety

  • Our palaces are very old and have many uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions.
  • Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain.
  • Light levels can be low in some places, so please allow sufficient time for your eyes to adjust, particularly when using stairs.
  • In some of our gardens we have steep slopes and drops from height, so please be aware of these, especially if you have children with you.
  • Where water features are present, please ensure children are supervised at all times.
  • Look out for our safety signs and follow the advice given to avoid spoiling your day.

First aid

Please alert a uniformed member of staff if someone within your party requires First Aid during the visit.

Prohibited items

In the interest of security, visitors are granted admission to the palace on the condition they may be searched before entering the premises. The following items are strictly banned:

  • Weapons, including knives
  • Fireworks and smoke bombs
  • Pepper spray or any other articles intended to cause injury
  • Any article which is illegal to possess under UK law

Sport and leisure

As well as visiting the palace and grounds, there are other activities and organisations based at Hampton Court.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted in the waters of Hampton Court and Bushy Park. To fish in the waters of Hampton Court, Home Park and Bushy Park you must have a valid Fishing permit and are subject to the permits Terms and Conditions. To fish in the River Thames you require an EA licence only.

The revised fishing permit application form for 2020/21 is now available. Due to safety measures for COVID-19, please read the form carefully before you submit your application, taking note of how to apply and the terms and conditions. Key changes include:

  • Payment is by card only, no cash or cheques
  • Applications will only be accepting by post, permits cannot be picked up on site. A stamped addressed envelope will need to included with your application so we can return the permit.
  • A copy of photo ID, EA licence (18+) and two passport photos need to be provided.

 

Fishing permit application form

Fishing permit application form 2020-21

Barge Walk events application

Please read the conditions of use, and follow the instructions on the form to apply for your event.

Barge Walk event application form

Golf

Hampton Court Palace Golf Club is set in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace near Kingston-upon-Thames in Surrey. It has the enviable accolade of being the only course in the country set within the grounds of a Royal Park.

Hampton Court Palace Golf Club

Tennis

Tennis has been played on this site since 1528 when Henry VIII commissioned the first Real Tennis court. Today the tennis club at Hampton Court Palace is a private members' club. An introductory lesson for non-members is available from the Club Professionals.

The Royal Tennis Court

Boat Mooring

Historic Royal Palaces no longer collects mooring fees paid in cash from boat owners. Payment will also be no longer available at the Hampton Court Palace ticket office.

Management of the mooring will fall under the control of District Enforcement Ltd. This company is responsible for the collection of mooring fees by telephone or online payments only. Boat owners must first register their arrival at www.where2moor.co.uk

The mooring fee is: first 24-hour period - free of charge, £8.00 per 24 hour period thereafter.