Hampton Court
 

Has anyone taken the daytrip to Hampton Court from London? What did you think?

yes. good

We liked it.

If you go by train to Hampton Court Palace, you can purchase admission tickets in combination with your train ticket at Waterloo station and get a $2-3 discount off the Palace ticket, not to mention the time it saves you once you get to the palace.

We think Hampton Court is a gem. It's only about a 30-minute train ride from London, but well worth your time. Expect to spend at least half a day there.

Also, if you plan to see the Tower of London or Kensington Palace, you can get a combination ticket for the two properties that will save you a few pounds.

If you haven't done so already, check out their website:

http://www.hrp.org.uk/webcode/what_t...hamp.asp?ID=50

Just be sure that you will get to see inside the castle. If the Queen is in residence you won't be able to do so. Our tour co. (forgot its name) must have known the Queen was there and knew we wouldn't have gotten to see the castle but they never told us until we arrived. We could only see the chapel, dollhouse, and grounds.

We went in the fall, a lot of the flowers were gone, but that made no difference, it is so beautiful and a lovely way to spend at least half a day.
We took the train to Kew and met a friend who lives there, so we went to Hampton Court then to a tea place in the afternoon near the Botanical Gardens.
My daughter went by the boat that takes you up the Thames, which she enjoyed because she could see the homes on the small islands in the Thames, ( Michael Caines, etc) and they took the train back.
Go, you will love it!

With all the publicity about the current sale on the British Heritage Pass, I noticed that Hampton Court is one of the attractions where you'd do big savings. Normal admission there is 11.50 pounds -- pretty steep, but covered on the pass.

francophile03 is confusing Windsor Castle and Hampton Court. Ignore the comments.

Yes, I loved it. We spend 5 hours there. It was a highlight of my trip to London.

Maybe francophile was there a looooooonnng time ago and Henvy VIII was in residence with one of his wives???

Perhaps francophile has Hampton Court confused with Windsor.

Actually we took my kids when they were young. They loved the maze which is pretty amazing!

This is a great day trip, you do not say when you are going, butif it is spring the flowers/gardens are just beautiful in full bloom. We've been several times and it is a lovely place. Easy to get to as well. Just a few minutes walk from train station to castle too. Not much in the town itself tho (unlike Windsor which is pretty tourist oriented).

Probably one of the best ways to spend a sunny day in England. Did it in May 2001 and really enjoyed it. Have fun.

I have a question, am I confusing the tube with the train. Directions to reach HCP read catch a train from Waterloo station to HCP station, from there the palace is a 2 minute walk. Is the train from Waterloo not the tube? So would I buy a zone 6 travel card for the trip or a "train" ticket?

Give yourself time to take a couple of the tours by guides in period costume. Also, do the recorded tour of the Tudor quarters. These are all included with the price of your ticket.

Yes, I was confusing Hampton Court with Windsor Castle. Sorry. And no, I wasn't referring to Queen (take your pick), one of Henry VIII's wives.

Cole:

Years ago we lived not far from Hampton Court and often visited. It was a great place to walk with our children who were quite small at the time. It was always lovely regardless of the time of year and always had many visitors even when it was very cold. In my opinion this is a must visit.

Sandy

Bettyboop, you can buy either. Travel cards are good on the underground AND on most national rail trains within the 6 zone area. This includes the train to Hampton Court.

Thanks Ron, one less thing to ponder.

BettyBoop: hope you are still watching this thread. If you have a zone 1 or zone 1-2 travel card you do not need to buy a 6 zone travel card too. You'll just pay a small supplement for the trip out to Hampton Court.

Thanks everyone, very useful information!

Thanks Janis.