We'll be in London in mid-March and want to take a trip out to Hampton Court. I'm considering splurging on a guided tour and have found several listed online, but wanted to see if anyone had any specific recommendations based on their own experience. (BTW, we're fine navigating the train, so I'm focusing on tours that meet at the palace, not necessarily ones that include transport/car service). Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Guernsey
734 posts
There are brilliant audio guides included with in the price of your entry ticket. When my mother in law i went in November we thought they were excellent, and we could go at our own pace, were there a whole day and only had time for the palace not any of the garden. I dont think we would have wanted a guide rushing us. We were there from 10-4, an amazing palace
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2181 posts
We did the audio guide as well and there were docents in several rooms to give further details and assistance. They have one of the best audio guides we’ve experienced.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8340 posts
I also used the audio guides and was quite pleased. It allowed me to visit the parts that interested me most and spend as much time as I wanted. Train is quite easy. Walk out of the train station, over a bridge, and you are there :)
Posted by
Guernsey
734 posts
Oh yes, the chap in the room with the Elizabeth 1 skirt was excellent, chatted to him for ages😁
Posted by
Chicago
1323 posts
I’ll add to the praise of the audio guide. This was a maybe sight for me on the trip I saw it, so I hadn’t done a ton of research. But one of my London friends had a day off and we decided to go since he hadn’t been since he was a boy.
The audio guide was perfect, not aimed at little kids but also not so overwhelming with detail like it’s a college lecture class. And, it allowed you to go at your own pace, lingering when you wanted and moving more quickly through areas of not of as much interest.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
4077 posts
I'll agree that the audio guide at Hampton is very good, but I think a good guide can enhance the experience so much. I spent about 6 hours at Hampton Court 18 months ago and I can't wait to go back and experience it in a different way. If you do choose a guide, please post after your trip with a review.