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About
Learn about the favourite game of Henry VIII at the Royal Tennis Court, where kings and their courtiers once enjoyed this fast-paced, exciting sport.
The display in the viewing gallery includes handmade balls, life-sized character illustrations and custom-made racquets.
TENNIS AND THE TUDORS
As a young man, Henry VIII was athletic, graceful and loved sports, especially tennis. He was a keen and talented player who spent hours on court.
In 1519, the Venetian Ambassador wrote: 'it was the prettiest thing in the world to see him play; his fair skin glowing through a shirt of the finest texture'.
Henry's second wife Anne Boleyn was gambling on a game of tennis when she was arrested to be taken to the Tower of London. She even complained that she couldn’t collect her winnings!
HISTORY OF THE ROYAL TENNIS COURTS
The first tennis court at Hampton Court Palace was built for Cardinal Wolsey between 1526 and 1529.
The current tennis court was built for Charles I in 1625. Three of its walls date from this period and the external wall to the right of the viewing gallery is one of Cardinal Wolsey's originals.
Guide Prices
Included in palace admission (members go free).
Access to the spectator viewing area is via the East Front Garden.
Book Tickets Online
Map & Directions
Road Directions
By Car:
The palace is located on the A308 and is well signposted from all the major local roads. From the M25 take either exit 10 on to the A307 or exit 12 on to the A308. From the A3 and then the A309.
Car Parking
Limited parking is available. During our busy periods it is advisable to consider other means of travel.
Accessible parking
There are 9 disabled parking bays available on site. Parking on site is free for Blue Badge holders.
On-site
£1.60 per hour (car parking bays fit a standard car only). Pay for your parking with cash or card.
Public Transport Directions
By Train:
South West Trains run services direct from London Waterloo to Hampton Court. The journey takes only 35 minutes and the palace is a 2-minute walk across the bridge from the station. Hampton Court station is in zone 6. Oyster cards are accepted on this route.
By Bus:
From Kingston - 111*, 216*, 411*, 461, 513 From Richmond - R68* *These services accept Oyster cards, LT cards, bus passes, Travelcards, Freedom Passes and Saver Tickets.
By Minibus/coach:
Drop-off and collection points: - Hampton Court Green (500 metres from entrance). - Hampton Court Station Coach Park (200 metres from entrance).
By River boat:
From Richmond or Kingston with Turk Launches (April - mid September) and from Westminster with Westminster Passenger Cruises (April - September).
On-site
£1.60 per hour (car parking bays fit a standard car only). Pay for your parking with cash or card.
Nearby
Hampton Court Green (500 metres from entrance) - £1.50 per hour Hampton Court Train Station (200 metres from entrance) - For information about prices, please visit the National Rail website.
Accessible by Public Transport.
