Reviewed on Feb 27, 2026
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026
If you are a King Henry VIII fan, this is where to go! Easy train ride and there are so many "characters" walking around telling stories plus a walking tour, that you don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy. Eating at the castle is possible, but it is expensive and not very good. Would suggest walking into the village around the castle and eat there.
Closed early the day we were there. But had been previously, an interesting bit of history and architecture to see.
Go by train! Use your Oyster card (much cheaper than buying a train ticket)! Forget expensive and crowded packaged bus tours...come and go on YOUR schedule. Allow yourself a minimum of 3 - 4 hours to visit the palace. Afterward, make sure to stop at the Prince of Wales Pub in picturesque Hampton Court Village, only steps from the train station. Their pork pies and Comfortably Numb Ale are so yummy you may just decide to take a later train back to London!
Heritage week gives free entry to selected sites. The Royal School of Embroidery at Hampton Court was open to the public on the day I visited. And the gardens are beautiful!
Don't bother with going to the gardens at Kensington. Go here! It's a quick train ride (maybe 20 min) from London. This is truly a beautiful castle that takes you back in time. Reminded me of Game of Thrones so much! The tour guides throughout the castle and the audio tours were fantastic. If you can only see one castle while in England, I highly recommend fitting this one in!
A little expensive but averaging it with the free museums made it not so bad. Great history!
Explore the great outdoors at Bushy Park, a lovely green space in London. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
You can study the exhibits at Hampton Court, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to East Molesey. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Explore the great outdoors at Hampton Court Park, a lovely green space in London. Discover the acclaimed theater scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Find out about the history of East Molesey with a stop at Anne Boleyn's Gateway. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply enjoy its restaurants.
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Cigarette Island Park during your travels in East Molesey. Experience the acclaimed art scene or attend a sporting event in this vibrant area.
You can take time to visit Kingston Barge Walk during your travels to Kingston Upon Thames. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
