Palace facilities

Trails

We have two trails for you to enjoy when exploring the gardens.

• Adult trail on the history and horticulture of the gardens
• Family trail 'Follow the Molecatcher' where you can discover tudor beasts and courtiers hiding

Trails can be collected from the East Gate.

Guided tours are not available at this time.

For families

Parent's guide

• Balls, frisbees and roller-blades are not permitted in the formal gardens or the palace
• Cycling is not allowed in any part of the courtyards or gardens. Scooters will have to be carried and not used through the courtyards, only in the gardens
• Extra care should be taken in the palace gardens where there are water features or wildlife

Buggies and pushchairs

If you are visiting with very young children, you may take pushchairs and buggies around the gardens. There is a Buggy Park off Clock Court if you do not wish to take the buggy around with you.

Baby changing

Baby changing facilities are available in the following toilets:

• Base Court (male and female toilets)

Toilets

Toilets are available in the following locations:

• Base Court
• Wilderness

All toilets have disabled access.

Due to the one-way system in place, once out in the gardens, the only facilities available will be in the Wilderness.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted within the palace courtyards or gardens unless they are registered assistance dogs. Even small dogs are not to be taken inside the palace.

Dogs kept on a short lead are able to be walked on the West Front only.

We welcome all registered assistance dogs, even those in training. Please bring the dog’s 'Assistance Dog’s (UK)’ identification book (or the appropriate international equivalent) with you.

Unfortunately, due to conservation concern and the nature of items on display, we do not allow emotional support animals to enter the palace at this time.

Photography and filming

Visitors are welcome to take non-commercial photographs and films within most areas of Hampton Court Palace.

For religious and copyright reasons, photography is not permitted in the following areas:

• Chapel Royal & Royal Pew
• Cumberland Art Gallery
• Any temporary exhibitions

The photography of certain, individual items may not be allowed due to loan arrangements. Please ask a member of staff if you’re unsure.

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is exclusive to couples hiring Hampton Court Palace for their wedding day. To find out more about hiring Hampton Court Palace and its surrounding gardens for your event, visit our Hire a Venue page.

Commercial photography

Requests for commercial photography, filming and sketching should be made in advance by contacting our Press Team. 

Photographic equipment

Equipment such as tripods and selfie sticks may not be used inside the palace unless arrangements have been made in advance with our conservation team.

Historic Royal Palaces is a safeguarding aware organisation and takes its responsibility to protect children and vulnerable people seriously . We may sometimes ask therefore that visitors refrain from filming or photographing other visitors.

Health and safety

• Our palaces are very old and have many uneven surfaces, for example cobbles, worn steps, uneven steps and slopes. Please choose footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the conditions.
• Some surfaces may be slippery, particularly if they are wet from rain.
• Light levels can be low in some places, so please allow sufficient time for your eyes to adjust, particularly when using stairs.
• In some of our gardens we have steep slopes and drops from height, so please be aware of these, especially if you have children with you.
• Where water features are present, please ensure children are supervised at all times.
• Look out for our safety signs and follow the advice given to avoid spoiling your day.

First aid

Please alert a uniformed member of staff if someone within your party requires First Aid during the visit.

Prohibited items

In the interest of security, visitors are granted admission to the palace on the condition they may be searched before entering the premises. The following items are strictly banned:

• Weapons, including knives
• Fireworks and smoke bombs
• Pepper spray or any other articles intended to cause injury
• Any article which is illegal to possess under UK law

Boat Mooring

Historic Royal Palaces no longer collects mooring fees paid in cash from boat owners. Payment will also be no longer available at the Hampton Court Palace ticket office.

Management of the mooring will fall under the control of District Enforcement Ltd. This company is responsible for the collection of mooring fees by telephone or online payments only. Boat owners must first register their arrival at www.where2moor.co.uk

The mooring fee is: first 24-hour period - free of charge, £8.00 per 24 hour period thereafter.