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Welcome as a member

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 unlimited adventures ahead. 

Yew Tree Walk showing two visitors walking along and enjoying the border of summer flowers.

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 a free ticket as a member?

Members enjoy unlimited, free general admission to our palaces during opening hours.  

Pre-booking a free member ticket is only required on select palace event days. In summer 2025, members must pre-book a free ticket through the member login for: Henry VIII's Joust (12-13 and 19-20 July) and the Food Festival (23 - 25 August 2025). Without a ticket, members are not guaranteed entry on these dates.  

At any other time, you do not need to pre-book a ticket to enjoy your unlimited, free entry as a member. This includes any other general admission visits to Hampton Court Palace, the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and our Dress Codes exhibition, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Simply show your membership card for free general admission (or for new members, show your confirmation email). 

Please note, pre-booking is still required for non-general admission events, unless otherwise specified.

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.

Accessibility at the palaces

Find information on accessibility at any of our palaces, including provision for visitors with mobility needs, for parents and families with children on the autism spectrum, for blind and partially sighted visitors and for deaf people and those with hearing loss. 

Accessibility information

Make the most of your membership

Friends with children picnic on grass at Artisan Fayre.

Picnic image © Hayley Bray

Explore what's on

Make the most of your new membership with free or discounted entry to a wide range of events and exhibitions, plus access to a programme of member-only events.

You may be required to pre-book your free member ticket(s) on select days to guarantee entry; please check the listed ticket information.

Upcoming events for members

BOOKING SOON

  • For members
  • Tours and talks
  • Events

Members-Only Gardens Tours at Hillsborough Castle

Explore the gardens surrounding Northern Ireland's only royal residence with an expert guide on these members-only tours.

  • 14 June and 20 September 2025

  • 11:00
  • Hillsborough Castle
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more

BOOKING NOW

  • For members
  • Tours and talks
  • Events

Members-Only Garden History Tours

Join our expert volunteer guides to walk in the footsteps of royalty, discovering how these gardens have evolved over the centuries.

  • 09 July, 13 August, 20 September

  • 10:30-11:30
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Free (advance booking required)
Learn more

BOOKING NOW

  • For members
  • Events
  • Families

Members-Only Bring Your Own Picnic Evening

Relax in the Wilderness and East Front Gardens after-hours on this members-only picnic evening. Bring your own picnic, blanket, chairs and games and enjoy the gardens without the crowds.

  • 25 July, 08 August 2025

  • 18:00 - 20:30
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Learn more

Membership FAQs

If you have questions about your membership, browse our Frequently Asked Questions.

Membership FAQs

Your 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
HRP Curator, Matthew Storey, leading a store tour as part of the community engagement project for Victoria: Woman and Crown 2019 exhibition at Kensington Palace.

More to explore

Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys rehearsal, 12th April 2022. Showing Chief Yeoman Warder Peter McGowran posing holding the ceremonial lamp and keys. Three-quarter-length view, Peter McGowran is looking down at the camera within the gateway arches.

Explore the digital hub

Visit our members' digital hub - The Vault for behind-the-ropes videos, expert insights, and fun activities for all the family. 

 Hampton Court Palace, staff member reading an issue of the members' magazine, Inside Story, in the Wilderness.

Your members' magazine

Read the latest issue of Inside Story, our Members' Magazine, online. 

Browse more history and stories

LGBT Royal Histories

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer histories in our palaces

Edward VI

The real story of Henry VIII’s 'precious jewel' and only son

Historic hauntings at Hampton Court Palace

Centuries of ghosts and grim tales