Frequently Asked Questions

We can make changes to unused admission tickets bought directly via our website (exc. events such as the Ceremony of the Keys or special events etc.) for an amendment fee.

Amendments to times and dates can be made by contacting the Contact Centre on 0333 320 6000 or emailing info@hrp.org.uk before or after your visit. You can book any date we’re open, subject to availability. To do this, follow these steps:

• Check availability of tickets across the sites here
• Pick your date and time
• Call our team on 0333 320 6000 to make change. Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 14:00.

Ticket changes are subject to terms of use and availability, and must be made at least 3 working days before your new visit date. In the meantime, DO NOT make a new booking as it will not be refundable.

Please see our membership FAQs

Disabled visitors are entitled to a free carer/companion ticket. 

Complimentary adult carer/companion tickets can be booked online (1 per booking) or obtained on the day of your visit upon presentation of supporting documents (such as a Blue Badge, Freedom Pass, DLA letter or PIP letter).

The access page has further detail on how to book and what to expect during your visit.

My e-tickets are missing

We recommend searching your email inbox for hrp.org.uk. If you can't find your e-tickets, you can show your confirmation email/booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I can't download my e-tickets

Please show your confirmation email / booking reference at the Ticket Office.

I don't have a booking confirmation email

You can search your email for hrp.org.uk or you can quote your booking number or email address at the Ticket Office. 

We release admission tickets a few months in advance and you can keep up to date by signing up to our mailing list. Just enter your email address at the bottom of the page.

Do I need to arrive at the beginning of my time slot?

During scheduled events such as the Festive Fayre, you can arrive any time within your selected half-hour time slot. 

At all other times, you are welcome to arrive any time before the last admission time.

My ticket has no time slot

If you were not prompted to choose a time whilst booking your ticket, you can enter any time from opening to last admission. 

You can arrive at any time within your chosen timeslot, but if you cannot make this allotted time, the admissions team will try their best to accommodate you in the next available timeslot.

Please be aware that timeslots on the day may be fully booked and this cannot always be guaranteed.

Holders of a valid MOD90 card, the Defence Discount card, or the MOD Certificate of Eligibility are entitled to a concession rate. For more information about the concession rate, please see the FAQ below.

• Student: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are over the age of 16 and in full time education. You are required to show a current student identification card once on site to validate the discounted price. International students are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements with a valid id card.
• 65+ years: You are entitled to a concession rate ticket if you are 65 or over. You may be required to show an identification card (with your date of birth) once on site to validate the discounted price. International visitors are entitled to this rate if they also meet these requirements of proof of age.
• Disabled visitors
• Military: Holders of a valid MOD90 card, the Defence Discount card, or the MOD Certificate of Eligibility are entitled to a concession rate. You will need to bring MOD90, Defence Discount card or MOD Certificate of Eligibility and tickets are only available on the day of their visit.

London Pass holders need to bring their Pass with them to show our Palace Hosts team on arrival on the day of your visit.

Separate terms and conditions apply. 

Third party vouchers cannot be redeemed on the Historic Royal Palaces website, and you will need to contact the voucher provider to make your booking for you. Tickets purchased through a third party provider are subject to the Terms and Conditions of that company and you would need to contact them directly to discuss your booking or request further information about the offer.

Visitors can exit the site and come back in as long as they show their ticket(s) to Palace Hosts at either West Gate or at the entrance to The Rose Garden.

All of these parts of the gardens are now within the pay boundary and a palace admission ticket must be purchased to access these areas.

As Historic Royal Palaces is a charity, we receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors.  We are unable to support other fundraising activities with complimentary tickets.

You can’t pre-book tickets for any discounted offers at any of our sites. You need to bring your card / pass with you to the Ticket Desk to collect a ticket. Blue Peter badge holders with a valid badge card and proof of age must be accompanied by a full paying or concessionary adult to gain free entry. If a disabled badge holder is accompanied by a registered carer, both can gain free entry. Carers must bring supporting documents.

We’ll admit you on the next available timeslot (subject to availability) and will not ask your party to split up if you are visiting with people with pre-booked tickets however due to limited capacity, you may have to queue.

Yes, limited parking is available on-site but cannot be pre-booked. It costs £1.60 per hour. Pay for your parking with card only. Please note the parking machines are touch screen and sanitiser dispensers are next to machines. Alternatively, you can use the Gilde app.

Disabled parking

There are 9 disabled parking bays available on site. Parking on site is free for Blue Badge holders. On the rare occasion that these bays are full, disabled visitors are welcome to park in any other space as long as their Blue Badge is displayed.

Toilets are available in the following locations:

• Wilderness
• Base Court
• Fountain Court
• The Kitchen Garden

All toilets have disabled access.

You are welcome to use one of our wheelchairs or electric buggies – please speak to a member of staff on arrival who can help you with this. Wheelchairs cannot be pre-booked, and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Electric buggies are for outdoor use only.

The Tudor Apartments, Georgian Story, William III's Apartments, and Cumberland Art Gallery are all available on the first floor. This can be accessed via a lift at the back of the Palace.

Please make your way to the East Gate (Garden exit) and ask a Palace Host or Volunteer, wearing either a red uniform or red sash, if you wish to use it. See our accessibility page, which includes an Access Guide and further information.

The Tiltyard Cafe is open with indoor and outdoor seating. You can choose from a variety of food and drink including barista-style coffees, teas, pastries, cookies, muffins, cakes, along with light lunch options.

The Wilderness Kiosk is open at weekends and school holidays, serving ice creams, snacks, teas and filter coffees.  The Privy Kitchen Café is also open inside the palace. 

See our catering page for the latest information. 

You can shop online for gifts and souvenirs or visit our onsite shops.

Picnics are allowed in the Palace Gardens.

Dogs are not permitted within the palace, courtyards or gardens unless they are trained assistance dogs. This includes medical alert dogs. We are happy to provide water on request.

You are able to spend as much time as you like for your visit, dependent on your entry time.

Lockers are available on site to store bags or luggage. These are located in the Buggy Store in Clock Court.

Alternatively, you can find secure luggage storage options nearby by visiting the Stasher website.

If you lose something during your visit please contact the nearest member of staff. Alternatively, contact info@hrp.org.uk and we’ll do our best to try to reunite you with your property.

The objects and paintings on display in the Palace are real, valuable and delicate. Any handling of them is strictly prohibited to ensure the conservation of these historic pieces. Please do not touch them, and take care with your personal items such as buggies. You may be asked to carry backpacks at your side or store them in our locker facilities.

There is no specific dress code for visitors to Hampton Court Palace. We do ask that you dress respectfully as families are likely to be present. If there are offensive slogans or other clothing items deemed to be inappropriate you may be approached by a member of staff. Please note we do not allow adult visitors to be in costume at Hampton Court Palace, but children are permitted to dress in costume. There are costumed interpreters and guides on site, and to avoid confusion for other visitors please refrain from dressing in costume. 

Buggies and pushchairs are permitted in the palace and gardens, but a buggy park is located in Clock Court if you prefer to leave it during your visit.

Cycling, scooters, balls, frisbees and roller-blades are not permitted in any part of the pay boundary.

You are welcome to take non-commercial photographs (without the use of flash) within most of the palace with the exception of the Chapel Royal, the Cumberland Art Gallery and temporary exhibitions. Some additional items or imagery may be prohibited from being photographed and this will be clearly signposted, or ask a member of staff if you are unsure. The use of tripods and selfie-sticks is prohibited. For more information on visitor photography can be found here. Images of the palace are available for sale from our Image Library. Requests for commercial photography, filming or sketching should be made in advance. 

Breastfeeding is welcome throughout our palace. Team members are always on hand should you need any further information and we will happily assist should you wish to breastfeed off the main visitor route.

Dogs can be off the lead in Home Park except during the following dates:

01 May until 31 July dogs MUST be on leads in all areas of Home Park.

During this season female deer are most vulnerable when they are carrying and giving birth to young. Female deer hide their young in long grass to conceal them from dogs and other perceived predators. Having your dog on a lead will reduce the risk of your dog coming close to an area where fawns are hidden.

We kindly ask that visitors observe the following to help us protect the welfare of the deer during this time:

• Keep at least 50 metres away from the deer
• Clean up after your dog
• Keep out of the long grass and stay on the mown paths

Owners of dogs who chase wildlife in the park could face prosecution. Thank you for your support.

Wedding and engagement photography is available exclusively to our brides and grooms. 

For general information browse History and Stories and What's on. For detailed information relating to the collections on display, email curators@hrp.org.uk

In 2025 and 2026, some routes will have reduced access or be closed as we carry out vital conservation work. This includes The Great Gatehouse, Base Court and the East Front façade. Whilst the conservation and maintenance work takes place, our historic spaces will remain open to explore with lots to see and enjoy.

Please check our opening times for further information about closures ahead of your visit. To find out more about conservation at the palace, see our What’s Happening at Hampton Court Palace page.

We are proud to care for some of the most important buildings in the world. It is vital that we carry out expert conservation at Hampton Court Palace to maintain, protect and preserve the palace for everyone to enjoy.

Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity, we receive no funding from the Government or Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors. 

Following Covid-19, many building conservation works were delayed but now can be completed to conserve the Palace. We thank you for your understanding and support as these works are completed. For more information about the works and to discover what’s on, see our What’s Happening at Hampton Court Palace page. 

The Magic Garden will not be affected by the conservation works happening in the Palace. Please see the Magic Garden page for opening hours. 

Rise and Roar sessions in the Magic Garden will be available to book on select dates. 

These are quiet sessions in the Magic Garden aimed at those living with or caring for someone with Autism, or other sensory needs. The Magic Garden will open at 11:00 on these days.  

From 27 May to 26 June 2026, you will need to enter the Palace via Seymour Gate, which can be found just to the left of the Great Gatehouse. The Great Gatehouse will be closed from 27 May with conservation work beginning from June 2025 to June 2026.

Due to the conservation and maintenance works taking place, some areas near the entrance will be closed to the public. Please ask a member of staff or our volunteers for directions on the day or see our facilities page for more information about your visit, including a palace map, ahead of your visit.