Advice Needed: 3½ Hours at Hampton Court
 

On a Sunday in July, we can get to Hampton Court for their 10am opening. Our flight for the US leaves Heathrow at 4:30pm. I am hoping we could spend 3½ hours there, leaving HC at 1:30pm. Does that sound manageable?

We are open to suggestion on how to manage our time there. How would you spend the time?

Also, it is very (very) expensive to arrange for a private guide, but not completely out of the question.... in case that might help.

Thanks!

Which terminal and are you flying in a premium cabin? That does make a difference. But I think leaving HCP at 1:30 would be cutting things a bit close. 'Normally' it is about a 35 or 40 minutes drive . . . but absolutely nothing M25-related can be called 'normal' and it could easily take an hour+ The M3/M25 route is a bit longer than other routes but surface streets could have even more delays.

I wouldn't bother with a private guide -- you can see quite a bit in 2+ hours.