Hampton Court Palace contains an important part of the largest private collection of art in the world, the Royal Collection, the property of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This collection at Hampton Court contains material from the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries.
The Hampton Court Palace estate includes 60 acres of formal gardens, requiring 200,000 flowering bulbs each year and another 40,000 plants grown in the nursery.
In 1689, Sir Christopher Wren demolished large parts of the Tudor palace and began building a new palace for King William III and Queen Mary II.
By 1760, George III became king and abandoned Hampton Court as a royal residence.
In 1838, Queen Victoria opened the gardens and state apartments to the public free of charge.
It is no longer free (see ticket information) but is well worth a visit.
Visitor Tips
1. Photography RulesPhotography (including with a tripod as long as it doesn't restrict the access of other visitors) and videoing is welcomed within the courtyards of the palace, the gardens and the Tudor Kitchens, but is not permitted elsewhere inside the building to protect crown copyright.
2. No Mobile Phones
The use of mobile telephones is prohibited within the confines of the buildings.
