Discover the Best Stays by Hampton Court Palace

Unwind in style near London’s Hampton Court Palace.

Published: April 8, 2025
Discover the Best Stays by Hampton Court Palace

Planning a trip to the historic Hampton Court Palace? Whether you're stepping back in time with a palace tour or enjoying a stroll in the gardens, you'll want to find the perfect place to lay your head afterward. We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels close to this royal retreat, covering high-end to budget-friendly options. 

High-end 

The Mitre Hotel 

Walking distance: 5 minutes 

By public transport: Not applicable 

The Mitre Hotel offers a luxurious experience steeped in history and charm, just a stone's throw from Hampton Court Palace. This boutique hotel on the banks of the River Thames combines contemporary comfort with quirky decor. Each room is thoughtfully designed, featuring plush bedding, unique artwork, and beautiful views.  

The CopperNose restaurant delights guests with innovative dishes, while the riverside terrace provides a peaceful spot to unwind with a drink. The Mitre goes beyond the ordinary by offering personalised touches like bespoke toiletries and cozy robes, ensuring an unforgettable stay. 

The Lensbury 

Walking distance: 25 minutes 

By public transport: Take the 461 or 281 bus to Hampton Court Gardens (15 minutes) 

Situated in 25 acres of stunning grounds, The Lensbury is a haven of relaxation and luxury. Spacious, elegantly decorated rooms provide a comfortable retreat, with many offering views of the gardens or river.  

The extensive leisure centre includes indoor pools, a gym, and spa services. Dining options cater to all tastes, from fine dining to casual eateries, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.  

Warren House Hotel 

Walking distance: 45 minutes 

By public transport: Take the 111 bus to Hampton Court Gardens (20 minutes) 

Set in a magnificent Victorian mansion, Warren House Hotel is an elegant retreat . The hotel is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens, providing a stunning backdrop for visitors. Rooms are tastefully decorated, combining period details with modern amenities for a luxurious stay.  

Guests can unwind with spa services or a dip in the indoor pool, while the library offers the perfect setting for afternoon tea. The dining experience is exceptional, featuring locally sourced ingredients that delight the senses. Although slightly farther from the palace, its serene setting and refined ambiance make it a sought-after choice for discerning travellers. 

The Bingham 

Walking distance: Not feasible for walking 

By public transport: Take the South Western Railway to Hampton Court (25 minutes) 

Located in Richmond, The Bingham is a delightful blend of 18th-century charm and modern sophistication. Each room is uniquely designed, offering luxurious comfort with picturesque river views.  

The award-winning dining experience focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, providing a culinary journey guests won't forget. The elegant garden provides a peaceful oasis, perfect for relaxation.  

 

Mid-range 

The Park Hotel Teddington 

Walking distance: 30 minutes 

By public transport: Take the 285 bus to Hampton Court Gardens (15 minutes) 

The Park Hotel Teddington is a charming mid-range option that combines comfort with a friendly atmosphere. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, offering all the necessary amenities for a relaxing stay.  

The hotel’s popular onsite pub serves delicious British classics and craft ales, providing a cozy spot for dining and socialising. Guests can enjoy proximity to Bushy Park, perfect for leisurely strolls, while Hampton Court Palace is easily accessible.  

The Lion Gate Mews 

The Lion Gate Mews 

Walking distance: 15 minutes 

By public transport: Not applicable 

The Lion Gate Mews provides charming self-catering apartments in a prime location just outside Hampton Court Park. The cozy and tastefully decorated apartments are perfect for guests seeking independence and flexibility.  

Each unit features a fully equipped kitchen, ideal for longer stays. The peaceful surroundings and secluded setting offer privacy and relaxation, a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. With its close proximity to the palace, historical adventures are easily accessible. For travellers who value comfort and autonomy, The Lion Gate Mews offers a delightful and convenient option. 

The Kings Arms Hotel 

Walking distance: 5 minutes 

By public transport: Not applicable 

Located adjacent to the palace gates, The Kings Arms Hotel offers a delightful combination of historic charm and modern conveniences. Rooms are chic and comfortable, providing essential amenities for guests.  

The traditional pub serves seasonal dishes and boasts a lovely garden terrace, perfect for enjoying a drink. Its prime location allows for easy exploration of Hampton Court Palace. For history enthusiasts or those simply wanting a cozy retreat near the palace, The Kings Arms Hotel is a standout choice. 

The Foresters Arms 

Walking distance: 25 minutes 

By public transport: Take the 216 bus to Hampton Court Gardens (10 minutes) 

The Foresters Arms in Hampton Wick provides a quintessential British pub experience with comfortable lodging. Rooms above the lively pub are stylish and well-appointed, offering a convenient stay for travellers.  

Guests enjoy hearty meals, a vibrant atmosphere, and the chance to mingle with locals. The warm and welcoming environment ensures a pleasant experience, while the proximity to Hampton Court Palace and local attractions makes it a convenient base.  

Budget-friendly 

The Bushy Park Lodge 

Walking distance: 20 minutes 

By public transport: Take the R68 or 111 bus to Hampton Court Gardens (10 minutes) 

The Bushy Park Lodge offers affordable comfort with its cozy, self-catering apartments. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, the lodge overlooks Bushy Park and offers easy access to Hampton Court Palace.  

Apartments are tastefully decorated and spacious, equipped with kitchens that offer flexibility and independence. Its peaceful location ensures a relaxing escape, with the Thames nearby for pleasant walks. 

The Travelodge Kingston upon Thames 

The Travelodge Kingston upon Thames 

Walking distance: Not feasible for walking 

By public transport: Take the South Western Railway to Hampton Court (20 minutes) 

The Travelodge Kingston provides reliable and budget-friendly accommodation in a vibrant area. Rooms are simple but comfortable, offering all the essentials for a short stay.  

Guests find easy access to local shopping and dining, as well as convenient transport links to Hampton Court Palace. Its central location makes it a superb base for budget travellers eager to explore historic sites and the bustling local scene.  

The Antoinette Hotel Wimbledon 

Walking distance: Not feasible for walking 

By public transport: Take the Overground to Hampton (45 minutes) 

The Antoinette Hotel in Wimbledon provides a budget-friendly escape with pleasant rooms and a welcoming vibe. The garden courtyard is a peaceful retreat.  

While slightly farther from the palace, excellent public transport links make travel straightforward. The local area is full of charm, which is ideal for guests wanting to explore London on a budget. 

The Warwick Lodge 

Walking distance: Not feasible for walking 

By public transport: Take the South Western Railway to Hampton Court (20 minutes) 

The Warwick Lodge in Surbiton is a perfect choice for budget-savvy travellers. Offering clean and comfortable rooms, the lodge provides excellent service and a relaxed atmosphere.  

Hearty breakfast options create a good start to the day, while the peaceful location ensures a quiet night’s sleep. With easy access to public transport, exploring nearby attractions is simple. The Warwick Lodge combines affordability with comfort, making it an ideal base for those eager to enjoy Hampton Court Palace and its surroundings without breaking the bank. 

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

We’ll give you the best route to check off all your must-sees, museums, landmarks and more

Create my ownGenerate my trip
Powered by our data and AI
BETA


For more, check out the rest of London’s best palaces, and discover the best historic attractions in the city. 

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®.   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® - just choose a pass to get started! 

 

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?

What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Blog

10 Shakespeare Facts We Bet You Didn’t Know

"Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon 'em." Born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest playwright of all time. Generations of schoolchildren have - sometimes begrudgingly - studied his plays. Theatre lovers around the world turn out to see them come alive. But what do we actually know about his life? Check out some interesting Shakespeare facts we bet you didn't know. And if you can't read, or simply hate reading, why not go see for yourself at the Globe? Crazy Wordplay According to the folks at the Oxford English Dictionary, Shakespeare introduced almost 3,000 new words to the English language. As well as completely original words, he changed nouns into verbs and verbs into adjectives. Through combining existing words in new ways, as well as by adding prefixes and suffixes, he also gave new meanings to existing vocabulary. In fact, the term ‘box office’ was coined at the Globe theatre. Presumably, their ticket office was a box, or box-shaped. Sounds comfortable. Translations Through The Nations Shakespeare’s plays have been translated into dozens of languages and performed around the world. There's even Shakespeare in Klingon. Surely as beautiful as originally intended. Famous translators include Catherine the Great, who translated The Merry Wives of Windsor into Russian. Thanks, Catherine, you truly were great. And the first president of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, translated two plays into Swahili. Plague Poetry An outbreak of the plague in Europe closed all of London’s theatres between 1592 and 1594. Since there was little demand for new plays, Shakespeare instead turned to poetry, writing many of his much-loved sonnets during this time. Turns out the plague was responsible for at least one good thing. Not sure if that outweighs all the...plagueness. But it's something! Names In The Stars Several moons orbiting Uranus are named after characters from Shakespeare plays. The likes of Titania, Oberon and Puck are plucked from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And Ariel and Miranda from The Tempest. So there you go. Bet you didn't know that fact, did you? No. You did not. Birds Of A Feather The first starlings were imported into the US in 1890 by Eugene Schiffelin. Schiffelin was such a Shakespeare fan that he imported all birds mentioned in his plays. Well, at least the ones that didn't already exist in the United States, at least. From Playwright to Copyright Copyright didn’t exist in Shakespeare’s time, so scripts had to be carefully guarded. Actors often only got their lines once the play was in progress, courtesy of lots of careful cues. In fact, many of Shakespeare’s plays weren’t formally published during his lifetime. Perhaps they banned ink, quills and parchment from the audience, too? Otherwise, any old clever clogs would simply take notes and get rich. Shakespeare Or Shakespear..? No list of Shakespeare facts would be complete without some questions regarding the name. The first English dictionary was published in 1604 and only contained 2,449 words (none beginning with the letters W, X or Y). During most of Shakespeare’s lifetime, spelling was not standardised - he even signed his name inconsistently. In fact, there are no records of him ever having spelt it "William Shakespeare", as we do today. Stirred, not Shaken? No, that sounds silly. Lend Me Your Quotes Shakespeare is the second most quoted writer in the English language. Unsurprisingly, only the Bible is more popular. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations, Shakespeare wrote close to a tenth of the most quoted lines ever written or spoken in English. “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Will-i-Learn Over a million visitors come to the Stratford-upon-Avon theatres of the Royal Shakespeare Company each year. This is in addition to 530,000 children and young people who take part in the Company’s education work. Globe Today, Gone Tomorrow The Globe Theatre in London is built near the site of the original Tudor building. That's because it sadly burned down in 1613. Like the original theatre, it has three levels of seating as well as the ‘pit’. The original theatregoers who paid just a penny to stand and watch a performance were called ‘groundlings’ or, in summer, ‘stinkards’. Lovely... Love the Bard and all things theatrical? Be sure to pop by Shakespeare’s Globe for an incredible behind-the-scenes look and tour of the iconic playhouse. A reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse built in 1599, Shakespeare’s Globe is a timber frame building with an open-air stage, maintaining the authentic feel of Shakespeare’s time.

Dom Bewley
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour
Blog

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour: FAQs

So, what is Shakespeare’s Globe? Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the 1599 Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse where many of William Shakespeare’s plays had their debuts. And now you can find out all about it on the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour. Is it the original? No, that was demolished in 1644. This reconstruction stands just 230m from the original site. It is designed to be as faithful to the original as possible and is based on lots of academic research into the features, size, materials and shape of the original. Is it simply an attraction, then? No. Shakespeare’s Globe, like the original, is a working theatre. It is open-air, with an authentic thrust stage that leans out into the audience. The building provides cover for three tiers of seating, but most audience members stand, entirely unprotected from the elements. As such, the theatre puts on performances during the summer only.  There’s a self-guided exhibition area too, which you’re free to take a look at afterwards, or beforehand whilst you wait for your allocated tour time slot. Do the tours run year-round? They are indeed. So whenever you’re looking to come to London, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to see the building from the inside and dip your toe into a little London and Shakespeare history. Tours finish at midday during the performance season, which runs from April to October. But no tour is called off due to inclement weather. Because of the open-air nature of the yard, bring appropriate clothing if you think it’s going to rain. What does the tour include? Visitors are taken into the theatre to see the thrust stage and the covered seating of the ‘Wooden O’. You’ll discover how plays were performed in Shakespeare’s time, and how the modern theatre tries to carry on the theatrical legacy of the Elizabethan stage. It’s particularly enlightening to consider the practical problems and considerations that affected the way Shakespeare developed his most famous works. You’ll be guided through the history of the original building and its modern reconstruction, getting introduced to fascinating real-life characters who made the theatre what it was then, and what it is now. Can I stand on the stage? Unfortunately not. It’s for safety reasons though, so fair enough. If you come as part of an educational group, you might be able to during one of the workshops. But for ordinary entry, nope. You do get incredibly close to it though. Just one tiny step and a giant leap from stardom.  Do I get to go backstage then? There isn’t really much to see backstage at Shakespeare’s Globe. So, no. Does it last as long as the Bard's longest play, Hamlet? Blessedly, no. The tour lasts around 40 minutes. Can I book in advance? You can book advance tickets online. If you’re turning up on the day, get there early or else tickets may sell out. The quietest tour is the first one of the day, which runs at 9.30am. I’m bringing my whole crew with me. Can we just turn up? First up, congratulations on having so many friends.  But no, you can’t just turn up if you’re bringing a large number of people. You’ll need to book in advance. What are the opening times? Tours run every 30 minutes from 9.30am until 5pm year-round, apart from April to October when performances are on. During this time, tours end at midday. It’s also during the performance period (when the weather’s nicer, really) that tours get busier. It’s best to turn up as early as you can during the summer months so that tickets don’t sell out on you. Are tours in any languages other than English? No, all tours are conducted in the language of Shakespeare. Although the dialogue is usually not so flowery or hard to follow. However, there are free information sheets available on the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour. They come in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, Portuguese, Romanian, Greek and Hungarian. Is the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour fully accessible? Yes, it is. Ask at the ticket office for more details if visiting with someone with hearing or sight difficulties. How do I get to Shakespeare’s Globe? Shakespeare’s Globe is positioned on the Southbank, right by the River Thames. It’s in an enviable position, right in the heart of London, just as the original 1599 Globe Theatre was. This means that it is easy to get to from a number of London locations. Take an easy stroll along the Thames from a nearby attraction. It’s a lovely way to arrive at this centre of theatrical history. You’ll also find it easily accessible by a number of cycle routes. The closest tube stations are Blackfriars and Mansion House, which are both a 10-minute walk away. MBNA Thames Clipper services drop you off at Bankside Pier, which is right by the theatre. There’s some limited parking for blue badge holders on New Globe Walk. If you’re on the train, Blackfriars Station is 10 minutes walk away, while London Bridge is 15. And for all your bussers out there, you can get the 45, 63 or 100 to Blackfriars, the 15 and 17 to Cannon Street; and the 11, 15, 17, 23, 26 and 76 to Mansion House. How much does it cost to go on the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tour? Entry to the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour costs from £17 for standard tickets. Children get in for £10, and Seniors (60 years and over) for £15.50. Bring your ID if you’re a student, and you can get in for £13.50. Family tickets are £46. But as you know, entry is included with your London Pass.  Experience everything London has to offer with The London Pass® Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️

Matthew Pearson

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.