Hampton Court Palace Festival

Hampton Court Palace is easily reached by public transport. The closest station is Hampton Court, just a 5-minute walk from the festival entrance. Direct trains run from London Waterloo to Hampton Court about every 15-30 minutes, with a journey time of roughly 35-40 minutes. From the station, festival signage guides visitors through the Home Park to the venue. Several local buses serve the area: for example, the frequent 111 and 216 run from Kingston-upon-Thames to Hampton Court (and the 111 runs 24 hours), and the R68 connects Richmond. These services make commuting to the festival straightforward.

By car, Hampton Court Palace lies roughly 20 minutes southwest of central London. It is easy to reach via major roads: the A3 runs directly from central London, and the M25 motorway is nearby (junctions 10, 12 and 15 are closest to Hampton Court). If you enter the postcode KT8 9AU into a satellite navigation system, you will be directed to the festival parking area. On-site parking is available (usually requiring advance purchase of a pass), though spaces are limited. Nearby public car parks in East Molesey or Kingston are alternatives. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy on summer weekend evenings, so allow extra travel time.

For those arriving by air, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the nearest major airport, about 18 km to the north. From Heathrow, you can take the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line into central London (Paddington or Bond Street stations) and then transfer to a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court. The total transfer usually takes around an hour. Gatwick, Stansted, and London City airports are farther away; passengers can use Gatwick Express or Stansted Express to central London and then catch the train to Hampton Court. If you land late, consider staying overnight either in London or a nearby town (Richmond or Kingston) and traveling to Hampton Court the next day.

Once you’re in the Hampton Court area, taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, etc.) are widely available and can drop you at the designated Home Park drop-off point (KT8 9AU). If you want a scenic approach, consider the riverboat: during summer evenings there is a scenic boat service from Kingston-Upon-Thames (near the railway station) that goes directly to Hampton Court (the journey takes about 30-40 minutes). Some tour operators may offer a festival discount, so check schedules before you travel. Once at the palace, the festival grounds are all within walking distance.

There are many accommodation options nearby. Kingston-upon-Thames (just across the river) and Surbiton have hotels, inns, and B&Bs of all kinds. Nearby Richmond and Twickenham also offer convenient lodging and dining options. If you prefer a city stay, central London is only about 35-40 minutes by train. There are budget hotels along the A3 or near Heathrow for travelers on a tight schedule, as long as you don't mind a slightly longer transfer. Quaint guesthouses and B&Bs in East Molesey and villages like Thames Ditton offer a cozy, local experience. No matter where you stay, book early for the busy summer season and check that your lodging is near a train or bus route to Hampton Court.