Committed to access for all
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We are committed to making our historic spaces more accessible and to supporting learners with additional needs who are visiting our palaces.
The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them.
We want all our learners to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share and we extend the warmest welcome to everyone.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of our team regarding any access or additional needs, please contact: hamptoncourtlearning@hrp.org.uk.
Updates for SEND visit to Hampton Court Palace
Bookings now open for visits from September 2025 - July 2026.
Prepare for your visit
Key information and guides to support your school visit. You may wish to share the following web page information with your learners.
Useful resources
Click to download.
Essential visit information Potential risks and hazards On the day information What to see and doThis content is hosted on YouTube
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SEND Visual Stories
These resources support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities students prior to a visit to the Tudor Kitchens and Georgian Rooms at Hampton Court Palace.
More accessibility information
If you require more information on what we are doing to support access at Hampton Court Palace, please visit our Hampton Court Palace Accessibility Page. The page contains more information when it comes to the following areas:
- Facilities at Hampton Court Palace
- Step-free routes and visitors with limited mobility
- Deaf or hard of hearing visitors
- Blind or partially sighted visitors
- Information about light levels in different parts of the palace
- Hidden disabilities schemes
Accessible travel to Hampton Court Palace
Public Transport
For school and home educator groups travelling via public transport you can get to the palace via train, arriving at Hampton Court station. Hampton Court Palace is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station. The station has step free access.
You can also reach the palace via bus. Buses stop right outside the palace gates and most buses that stop nearby are wheelchair accessible.
Coach Parking
Mini-buses that are no larger than 12 seats and taking up no more than one car park space can use the on-site car park. The fee is £1.80 per hour. Mini-buses arriving with a blue badge can park on site for free. Please be sure to advise our team in advance for this to be arranged.
Please note coaches are not permitted in the on-site car park. We may be able to facilitate drop off at the palace gates with advance notice. Free coach and mini-bus parking is available on Hampton Court Green (KT8 9BP) or what3words: truck.noble.fans, situated a short walk from the main entrance to the palace. For further information about how to get to the palace, please visit the page below.
Accessible Car Parking
We have 10 allocated Blue Badge parking bays for visitors with access needs or limited mobility. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
If you're arriving by car, ask the Security Officer at the gate for the car park and they will direct you.
Getting hereArriving at the palace
On the day of your visit, make your way with your group to the Clore Learning Centre. If you use what3words, the Clore Learning Centre is honey.catch.rice.
You will be welcomed by a member of our team. You will be asked to sign in by providing a contact name, number and confirming the number of students and adults. We will give each member of your group a coloured wristband which you will need to show at the palace entrance.
The Clore Learning Centre can get crowded on busy days during school term times so please be mindful that the space may:
- Be crowded
- Be very loud
- Be very bright
Toilets and personal hygiene
Accessible toilets are available in the following locations. All have step-free access:
- The Clore Learning Centre
- The Wilderness Garden
- Base Court
- Fountain Court
- The Kitchen Garden (open when the Magic Garden is open)
We may be able to accommodate groups bringing their own portable hoists. Please contact our Schools team for more information at the address above.
Please note some of our toilets may be closed for cleaning or maintenance reasons.
Lunchrooms and spaces to eat
The Barrack Block lunchrooms 1, 2, and 3 are located at the end of the Barrack Block, opposite the onsite car park. You access lunchroom 1, by walking through lunchroom 2.
Fountain Court lunchrooms 1 and 2 are located on the ground floor of the Palace, by Fountain Court. Both require a step down and step up via the main entrance. However, Lunchroom 2 is accessible from a side entrance. Please ask staff if you require access.
The Buttery lunchroom is located on the first floor, up the Buttery Stairs and along a corridor. This can be accessed by lift.
Sensory information
Please be aware that some of the lunchrooms may:
- Have differing light levels
- Be close to visitor routes
- Be noisy
- Be crowded
For conservation reasons, it is very important not to eat or drink anywhere in the palace apart from in the designated lunchrooms or gardens. If you have not been assigned a lunchroom, you are welcome to picnic in the gardens around the Tiltyard Café, or on the grass at the front of the palace. Please do not leave any litter.
Other spaces with seating
Seating is available in our cafés, gardens and indoor rooms, including in the following locations:
- Tiltyard Café (This is chargeable space)
- Privy Kitchen Café (This is chargeable space)
- Rose Garden and Wilderness
- Great Fountain Garden
- Chapel Court
- Clock Court
- Henry VIII's apartments
- The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms
Interaction with costumed presenters
At Historic Royal Palaces we bring the past to life through costumed presenters portraying figures from Hampton Court’s history. These are modern people who dress and act like people from the past. You may see them around during your visit.
All sessions are delivered by presenters in costume with experience of delivering to SEND audiences unless otherwise requested.
School sessions at Hampton Court Palace
SEND presenter-led sessions available at Hampton Court Palace.
The King's Kitchen
Students will find out about the workings of Henry VIII's Tudor kitchens at Hampton Court Palace and discover how the great feasts were organised and prepared.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Subject: History
Topic: Tudors
Session Type: Route-based and classroom-based
Palace Arts
Find out about life and art at the Georgian court and explore the magnificent state apartments! The session is delivered by a presenter skilled in supporting students with special educational needs.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Subject: History
Topic: Georgians
Session type: Route-based and classroom
Henry to Mary: A Religious Rollercoaster MLD
Students will explore the reign and personality of King Henry VIII, using replica objects, and contemporary sources to construct a balanced opinion of the King and his reign.
Moderate learning difficulties (MLD), Key stage 3
Subject: History
Topic: Tudors
Session type: Route-based
Investigating King Henry MLD
Students will explore the reign and personality of King Henry VIII, using replica objects, and contemporary sources to construct a balanced opinion of the King and his reign.
Moderate learning difficulties (MLD), Key stage 2
Subject: History
Topic: Tudors
Session type: Classroom-based
A Royal Christmas Celebration
Experience Christmas like the royals! Discover how royalty celebrated at Hampton Court Palace in the past, through games, storytelling and craft.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Subjects: History, English
Topics: Tudors, Stuarts, Victorians
Session type: Seasonal
Schools Only Tuesdays
Join us for one of our schools only days on select dates throughout the year.
Available dates
Tuesday 8 July 2025
This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to explore the Tudor parts of the palace and all the gardens whilst the site is closed to other visitors. Schools will have access to the Tudor Apartments, Tudor Kitchens, all courtyards, the gardens (including the maze), a gift shop, audio guides and an allocated lunchroom (subject to availability). There will also be costumed characters roaming the Tudor Kitchens and Apartments ready to interact with your students. Plus, all our education sessions will be available to book.
The Magic Garden and all other visitor routes in the palace will be closed.
Find out more