My two 20something daughters and I want to go to Hampton Court Palace. I would like to know about how much time we should a lot. The web site had a long list of things to see and we will want to see it all and have afternoon tea there also, not to mention the travel time to and from London.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
With train travel, castle and garden wandering, and tea, it will be a full day or at least half.
Visited last November and besides one group of school children and maybe 10 other visitors had the place to myself. Spent well over 4 hours there throughly enjoying both Henry's and William's rooms, strolling the gardens, etc. Was totally spoiled as I imagine that will not be the same case during the Summer months. I'd take the earliest train possible and be there when it opens.
In all my trips to London I'd never gone and was so pleased I finally did! Its fantastic. Pleasant helpful staff. So much to see and appreciate.
Enjoy your day.
Posted by
39 posts
My husband and I were also at Hampton Court Palace last November. It's worth a full day visit. The first person interpretation is outstanding. The building and gardens are pretty cool as well.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Half a day to a day depending on how "in depth" you want to see, how much garden wandering (weather may matter), how much tea you drink. ;-) The Tudor part of the palace is fascinating, the William III part less so -- or maybe we were just tired then.
Posted by
Seattle
287 posts
Allot a day, especially when you factor in travel time from/back to London (although the train trip is fast and the palace but a few minutes easy walk from the train station). If you have good weather (as I did in early October) you can spend hours wandering in the gardens. It's not to be missed, in my opinion.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thanks, it will make scheduling much easier and we will be going the first week in Oct. But the only days we have are Saturday and Sunday open I will assume weekend are more crowded. Oh well it will be wonderful trip no matter what!
Posted by
Denver
53 posts
We enjoyed having Anne, Henry, and other characters taking us on a tour of the palace. You might want to check if they are doing that when you are there.
Posted by
9 posts
Hampton Court is at the top of my palace/castle/manor home list and I have seen many. I allotted 5 hours there last summer, but as it turns out that didn't leave time for the gardens. The shops (there are multiple and all slightly different) are also good and worth a browse or even an indulgence or two. Enjoy!
Posted by
64 posts
My take: it was interesting for about an hour, then we left the palace and went out in the garden, where I had a nice nap.