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About
WILLIAM III'S STATE APARTMENTS
The grand staircase (King's staircase) leads to William III's State Apartments. On the wall is 'Victory of Alexander over the Caesars', by Italian artist Antonio Verrio (c.1636-1707).
The 12 Caesars represent the Catholic forces that William has ousted in the Glorious Revolution. William is the hero Alexander.
THE GUARD CHAMBER
The Guard Chamber displays a remarkable collection of weapons on the walls. Yeomen of the Guard would have been stationed at the door, checking courtiers were suitably dressed and behaved before allowing them into the Presence Chamber.
THE PRESENCE CHAMBER
This is the official throne room, with the chair of estate under its formal canopy. Visitors still had to bow to the throne as they passed, even if it was empty.
The State Apartments look empty to modern eyes but they would once have been filled with beautifully dressed courtiers who would be meeting, gossiping and playing politics.
THE EATING ROOM
This large room was intended for public dining, an opportunity for the crowd to see the king and how he entertained his invited guests. In fact William III cared little for such public display.
Tables and chairs were brought in specially for the occasion: otherwise the only clue[s] to the room's function are the ears of wheat on the carving by Grinling Gibbons, and the picture of William's ancestor, King Christian IV of Denmark, whose banquets got out of hand.
THE PRIVY CHAMBER
Next comes the Privy Chamber, where only statesmen and courtiers close to the king are allowed entry. You can see the spectacular Privy Garden from the windows.
Don't miss the ornate wood-carvings throughout William's apartments. These incredibly delicate, virtuoso carvings are the work of Grinling Gibbons, a master-craftsman of the seventeenth century.
THE GREAT BEDCHAMBER AND LITTLE BEDROOM
The spectacular Great Bedchamber wasn't for sleeping in but for the King to be dressed in public.
Next door, the Little Bedroom has a painted ceiling by Verrio with a bed-time theme; here Mars, the God of War, lies snoozing in the arms of Venus, Goddess of Love. Only the King's most personal staff and close courtiers came in here.
Guide Prices
Included in palace admission (members go free).
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.
