Unlimited adventures await
Welcome as a member of Historic Royal Palaces, and thank you for playing your part in keeping the spirit of the palaces alive for the future, for everyone.
Let us help you make the most of your new membership, guiding you through everything you need to get started and sparking inspiration for a year of unlimted adventures ahead.
Using your Historic Royal Palaces Membership
Can I use my membership straight away?
You can start enjoying your membership immediately and can visit the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for free within opening hours. Please check our opening times before your visit.
If you joined online, just show your confirmation email as proof of your Historic Royal Palaces membership. We reserve space every day to welcome brand-new members.
Your membership card may take up to 28 days to arrive in the post. Once you've received your membership card, bring this on every visit as proof of your membership. Please be prepared to present it on entrance and to show a form of ID to verify your details.
The membership and any associated benefits are non-transferable and can only be used by the named member(s) on the membership card.
Do I need to pre-book when I visit?
Pre-booking is not needed for general admission, simply show your membership card on arrival or your confirmation email as proof of purchase of your membership if you are awaiting your membership card.
Pre-booking is required for exclusive member events, as well as select palace events and exhibitions. Please visit our What's On webpages to check booking requirements. If you are attending a ticketed event, you will also need to present your tickets on entry.
You can book free or discounted tickets via our Member login by entering your surname and membership number. Your membership number is included in your welcome email and letter and printed on your membership card. Please remember to use the same email address associated with your membership when booking online.
Where should I go on arrival?
You will be asked to present your membership card on arrival at the main entrance points, as shown on each palace map.
Explore what's on
Make the very most of your new membership with free or discounted entry to a wide range of palace events and exhibitions. Pre-booking may be required to guarantee entry.
Upcoming events for members
- For members
- Events
Members-only Ceremony of the Keys
Members-only access to the traditional locking up of the Tower of London, the Ceremony of the Keys.
- 19 January, 16 February, 23 March 2025
- 21:30
- Tower of London
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- For members
- Events
- Exhibition
Members-only preview day: Dress Codes
Members are invited to an exclusive preview day of Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace that will share never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures.
- 12 March 2025
- 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry 16:00)
- Kensington Palace
- Free (advance booking required)
- For members
- Events
- Exhibition
Members-only preview day: Royal Style in the Making
Members are invited to an exclusive preview day of Royal Style in the Making, a new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle that will unveil the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers.
- 14 March 2025
- Hillsborough Castle
- Free (advance booking required)
Membership FAQs
If you have questions about your membership, browse our Frequently Asked Questions.
Membership FAQsYour support matters
Our sites have been the scenes of the most remarkable moments in our history, from the Norman Conquest to the negotiation of the Good Friday agreement; they have so many stories to tell.
Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity. Your support through membership makes a real difference in keeping the spirit of the palaces alive for the future, for everyone.
About us
More to explore
Explore the digital hub
Visit our members' digital hub - The Vault for behind-the-ropes videos and articles that connect you with our palaces and the experts who care for them. Watch exclusive member-only videos and read your members' magazine online.
Browse more history and stories
The story of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
‘The Grandest House in County Down’
Art at Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has become a place in which to see amazing art
The story of Kew Palace
Britain's smallest royal palace and George III's private retreat