Hampton Court Palace Accessibility Guide

Overview

Hampton Court Palace is a Tudor royal palace set along the River Thames, about 30 minutes by train from central London. The palace is mostly accessible on the ground floor, with ramps fitted at key entrance points. Upper floors have limited wheelchair access due to the building's historic structure. The gardens are a real highlight, with mostly paved paths running through formal gardens, the famous Maze, and riverside grounds. Free wheelchair loans are available, and a companion enters free with proof of disability.

Getting There

• Train: Hampton Court station is served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo. The journey takes about 35 minutes. The station has step-free access with a ramp to the platform. From the station, it is a flat 5-minute walk across Hampton Court Bridge to the palace entrance.
• Bus: Route 111 from Kingston connects to the palace. Route 216 also stops nearby.
• Blue Badge parking: Free parking for Blue Badge holders in the main car park, close to the palace entrance.
• River boat: During summer months, accessible river boats run from Westminster and Richmond to Hampton Court Pier. The pier is a short, flat walk from the palace.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• The main entrance has a ramp, and ground floor rooms in both the Tudor and Baroque sections are step-free.
• Upper floors, including Henry VIII's State Apartments above ground level, are not wheelchair accessible. These areas have stairs with no lift alternative.
• The Tudor Kitchens are partially accessible. The main kitchen rooms at ground level can be entered, but some smaller rooms involve steps.
• The Chapel Royal is accessible and worth visiting for its painted ceiling.
• Free wheelchairs (manual) can be borrowed from the main entrance. First come, first served.
• The gardens are largely paved or have compacted gravel paths. The Privy Garden and Great Fountain Garden are fully accessible.

Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are located near the main entrance, inside the palace at the Base Court level, and in the garden area near the Tiltyard Cafe. All have grab rails, adequate turning space, and emergency pull cords. There is no Changing Places facility on site.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Book tickets online in advance. Select the accessibility option to get your free companion ticket.
• Audio guides are included with admission and provide descriptions of rooms you cannot physically access on upper floors.
• The Tiltyard Cafe has level access, plenty of space between tables, and an accessible toilet nearby.
• Allow at least 3 hours for a visit. The palace and gardens together cover a large area.
• Cobblestones appear in some courtyard areas. These can be bumpy but are generally manageable for wheelchair users.
• If visiting in summer, the gardens alone are worth the trip. You can spend a comfortable hour rolling through the formal layouts without entering the palace buildings.