Hampton Court Palace

Explore Henry VIII's notoriously haunted palace for Halloween 2024, the spookiest time of the year at Hampton Court Palace.

Lose yourself in atmospheric projections and creepy sound effects as magical spells transform the palace.

As you tiptoe through the dark, winding corridors and courtyards, feel the chilling presence of our infamous ghosts hiding around every corner. Keep your distance – these ghosts are best kept to the past.

After all that exploring, cosy down to hear some spooky stories and then relax with a Halloween-themed treat from the cafe.

Explore the forgotten story of Indian Army soldiers who camped at Hampton Court Palace in the early 20th century through a new exhibition of previously unseen objects, photographs, film and personal stories.

Soldiers from the Indian Army camped at Hampton Court Palace on a number of occasions in the early 20th century.

They were invited to join the coronation celebrations of Edward VII (1902), George V (1911) and George VI (1937), as well as the First World War peace parades in 1919. For some, this would have been their first visit to England.

This remarkable new collection brings to life the experiences of those within the camps and the press and public reactions to their presence.

Sitting at the heart of the Tudor Palace, the Great Hall towers over the surrounding buildings. Commission by King Henry VII, the grandeur and size of the Great Hall remains impressive even today. 

The Chapel Royal is a grand example of Tudor opulence at Hampton Court. Installed by Henry VIII during the 1500s, the Chapel's vaulted ceiling is vibrantly colourful, rich and layered with history. In 1710 the interior of the chapel was remodelled by Sir Christoper Wren at the request of Queen Anne. 

When William III and Mary II (1689-1702) took the throne in 1689, they commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to build an elegant new baroque palace. Wren scrapped his original plan to demolish the whole palace and instead created the spectacular Fountain Court, leaving much of the Tudor palace intact. Later, Georgian kings and princes occupied the splendid interiors. When the royals left in 1737, impoverished 'grace and favour' aristocrats moved in.

See Henry VIII’s Kitchens and transport yourself back to the heydey of Tudor cooking and entertainment. Henry VIII's Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace were the largest of Tudor England. 200 cooks, sergeants, grooms and pages worked to produce over 800 meals a day for the hungry household of Henry VIII.

Enter the UK's oldest hedge maze. Commissioned by William III in 1700, it is a third of an acre in size with many twists and turns, and dead ends. It takes visitors an average of 20 minutes to reach the centre.

Let the adventure begin in the Magic Garden. Come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto in this magical children's playground.

The Magic Garden provides a unique way for your family to explore the history of Hampton Court Palace. Each section of the garden represents myths, legends, stories, or even real objects that can be found there.

Usual Opening Hours from 07 September - 27 October 2024

Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 17:30. Last admission: 16:30 (except the below dates)

Closed Monday and Tuesday

Closed on the following dates:
Sunday 22 September 2024
Sunday 13 October 2024

CLOSURES:
- Little Banqueting House is closed until further notice
- The Mantegna Gallery is closed until 2026
- 20th Century Garden is closed until further notice
- The East Front Gardens will be closed all day on Saturday 07 September and Saturday 21 September 2024
- The Chapel Royal will be closed until 29 September 2024 for conservation work (The Chapel is always closed on Sundays for religious services)