hi there,i have a question on entrance fees:the tower of london or a palace ticket costs £12. but you can get a combined ticket for tower & 1 palace for £16. this sounds much more affordable but you have to choose between the two palaces. how would you compare these two palaces? thanks

Hampton Court is amazing and shouldn't be missed. Kensington is so-so, would only go if you happen to be in the area. Kensington is much closer to central London (Hyde Park area), Hampton Court sort of off by itself.

Not even close.Hampton Court Palace.

If you mean Hampton COurt Palace then there is no camparison IMO. Hampton Court is amazing and the area around it is charming. The best palace we have toured. You have to take a train to Hampton Court. Don't get me wrong, Kensington Palace is a lovely palace and if you are in London, then you don't have to take a train so it is much more convenient and you don't have the added cost of the train but for me it would be Hampton Court Palace.

Definitely Hampton Court - more like visiting a real castle with lovely grounds; Kensington Palace was not very interesting altho' the park is nice.

I'll keep in unanimous -- Hampton Court Palace!

I haven't been inside Kensington Palace, just outside the gates, but I have been to Hampton Court and loved it! The grounds alone were amazing, the castle is very interesting. It also was very easy to get to from London, just took the train from Victoria station and I was there within 30 minutes. Hampton Court is a 5 minute walk from the train station and though I didn't get a chance to visit the town, it looked very inviting. Bottom line I think Hampton Court will be more of an experience.

Ditto the above.

Kensington Palace is a big house. Hampton Court is an experience.

The tour of Kensington Palace is nice, but I would not consider it a "must see" on a first trip to London unless you have a particular interest in the history of the royal court during the reign of William and Mary. Princess Diana lived there and some of her dresses are still on display, but the tour does not even mention Diana (if that is your main reason for seeing KP.) You will only see the State Apartments - interesting, but not nearly as much as Hampton Court Palace is.

We've been to HCP a couple of times and if the weather is nice, it's great to take the train out to HCP then take the Thames cruise back to London.

Even if the weather isn't nice well cold is what I really mean, it is an experience. We were there during Christmas holiday and it was cold. The pond was frozen, the benches were so covered in frost, it looked like snow, ice hung from the roof tops and still it was a faubulous experience.