Hampton Court Palace Tickets
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We live five minutes away in West Molesey and East Molesey. This is where we actually eat before and after a palace visit — not just a TripAdvisor list. It includes dog-friendly, family and quick-bite options.
There are two main cafes inside the palace, both run by Historic Royal Palaces: the Privy Kitchen, in the Tudor part of the palace, and the Tiltyard, beside the gardens. The Lower Orangery also opens seasonally for lighter lunches and afternoon tea.
An honest word on price: expect to pay ££ — you are eating inside a royal palace, and the prices know it. The queues build sharply between 12:00 and 13:30. Our tip: eat at 11:30 or wait until 14:30 and you will walk straight in. You do not need to bring your own food, but picnics are very welcome in the gardens — just not inside the palace rooms. For full menus, prices and opening times, see our palace cafes guide.
Directly opposite the main palace gates — you cannot get closer without a ticket. A modern, welcoming pub with a direct view of the palace that's hard to beat on a warm summer evening.
Local tip: when the palace closes at 16:30 (or 17:30 in summer), the Mute Swan fills up within minutes as several thousand visitors come out of the gates at once. Either book a table in advance, or do what the locals do — walk five minutes into East Molesey, where it is quieter and cheaper.
Cross the road from the palace, walk over the bridge towards Hampton Court station, and you are in East Molesey — a proper village high street along Bridge Road. This is where palace staff eat their lunch, and where we send every friend who visits.
The cafes along Bridge Road do good sandwiches, soups and salads at sensible prices with fast service — ideal if you want to maximise palace time rather than linger over a meal.
Bridge Road has a couple of lovely independent cafes and bakeries doing homemade cake and a proper pot of tea — the kind of places with a counter full of fresh bakes. They get busy at weekends, so go before 15:00.
Two proper locals' pubs sit on Bridge Road itself. The Prince of Wales (number 23) is a friendly, traditional boozer that fills with East Molesey regulars rather than tourists. The Albion (number 34) is another honest local with a welcoming feel — children are welcome, and it does food too. Both are a five-minute walk from the palace gates and a world away from the post-closing-time crush by the river.
East Molesey has a handful of good Italian and Indian restaurants within a few minutes' walk of the palace — independent places that survive on repeat local custom rather than passing tourists. Wander Bridge Road and the streets just off it and take your pick.
Driving? Park at Cigarette Island or the East Molesey car parks, eat in the village, then walk five minutes to the palace. Full parking details and prices are in our getting there guide.
Dogs are not allowed inside the palace (assistance dogs excepted), but they are welcome in the gardens on a lead — and in most of the local pubs. The Mute Swan and The Albion on Bridge Road both welcome dogs, and Bushy Park across the road is one of the best dog walks in London. With children, the palace cafes are the easiest option — high chairs, changing facilities and food that arrives quickly. The Bell on Bell Road is a relaxed, family-friendly pub with a big garden if you would rather escape the site.
One driving warning: Hampton Court Way during the school run (roughly 08:00–09:00 and 15:00–16:00 on term-time weekdays) crawls — avoid those windows or add twenty minutes.
Quick Visit — Coffee + Palace: arrive on the 10:00 train, grab a coffee on Bridge Road in East Molesey, and be at the palace for opening. Full Day — Palace + Pub Roast: book lunch at the Mute Swan for 14:30, after the midday rush, then walk the gardens. Summer Evening — Gardens + Riverside Drink: walk the Thames Path, then settle on the Mute Swan's riverside terrace or wander into East Molesey for dinner.
Still deciding whether the palace deserves a day of your trip? Read our honest verdict on whether Hampton Court Palace is worth visiting.
Yes. There are two cafes inside the palace — the Privy Kitchen and the Tiltyard — plus seasonal kiosks in the gardens. They are convenient but on the expensive side. You are also welcome to bring a picnic and eat it in the gardens, though not inside the palace rooms themselves.
No, there is no pub inside the palace. The nearest is the Mute Swan, directly opposite the main palace gates — about a thirty-second walk from the gates, with a direct view of the palace.
Mostly in East Molesey, the village a five-minute walk from the palace gates. Bridge Road and the streets around it are full of independent cafes, bakeries and restaurants — that is where you will find the people who work at the palace having their lunch.
No. This is an independent local guide written by people who live a few minutes from the palace. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that runs the palace.
Please note: this is an independent local guide and is not affiliated with Historic Royal Palaces or any of the businesses mentioned. Opening times and menus change — check with the venue before you visit. This page contains affiliate links, which may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Information checked: 22 October 2026.
This is an independent guide. Historic Royal Palaces is the official custodian of Hampton Court Palace; always check their website for the latest opening times and prices.