Tours/London/Private Tour of Hampton Court Palace with Award-Winning Architectural Historian
Viator · Private tour

Private Tour of Hampton Court Palace with Award-Winning Architectural Historian

5.0(20)London1 hour
VIATOR5.0(11)TRIPADVISOR5.0(9)

Description

Enjoy a private bespoke tour of Hampton Court Palace, the home of thirteen English monarchs, with an award-winning architectural historian. Drawing on expertise built over many years working at the palace and writing about its history, I tailor my tours to your interests. I can offer an overview of the history of the palace and its most famous inhabitants – including Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I – or something more specific, such as a tour of the palace’s baroque architecture or many artistic treasures. I pride myself on providing guests with stories about the palace which are not only fascinating, but well researched and accurate! As an historian, I keep up to date with the latest research and am able to share hidden gems and aspects of the palace's history that go unseen or are commonly misunderstood.

Tour Options

September 12th
Private Tour of Hampton Court Palace with Award-Winning Architectural Historian

Itinerary

Admission not included120 min

A private walking tour of Hampton Court Palace that is tailored to your interests. If you would like a general overview of the palace, then I will accompany you through its Tudor and Baroque parts, talking you through its fascinating history and that of its famous inhabitants. For guests with specific interests, I will adapt the tour to your needs, focusing on the aspects of the palace, its art collection, or inhabitants in which you are most interested.

Highlights

Was awarded the Hawksmoor Medal by the SAHGB for one of his research papers on the palace's history.
Previously worked as an Architectural Investigator, researching the history of buildings.
He holds a masters in architectural history, for which he was awarded a distinction.
A private tour of Hampton Court Palace with James, who first started working at the palace in 2014.
Gives talks for the public, staff and volunteers at Hampton Court Palace.

What's included

Included
Was awarded the Hawksmoor Medal by the SAHGB for one of his research papers on the palace's history.
Previously worked as an Architectural Investigator, researching the history of buildings.
He holds a masters in architectural history, for which he was awarded a distinction.
A private tour of Hampton Court Palace with James, who first started working at the palace in 2014.
Gives talks for the public, staff and volunteers at Hampton Court Palace.
Not included
Tickets to Hampton Court Palace (these can be purchased online in advance - £26.10 per adult)
Transport
Food and drink
Gratuities

Traveller Ratings

5.0
20 reviews
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20
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Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(20)

D
dswells1
April 1, 2026
Great tour

James was extremely well informed. Easy to communicate and connect with ahead of the tour. Provided more information than we could have received from the audio guide

A
Andrea_A
June 15, 2025
Tudor obsession satisfied!!

James was wonderful! I am traveling solo and got a full private tour of the Hampton Court Palace! I couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide. James is extremely knowledgeable and he packed a ton of Tudor and Stuart history in the time we spent wandering the palace. As a structural engineer I was especially interested in the architectural aspects of the buildings, so James made sure to focus on that. He definitely pointed out several things that I wouldn’t have found had I not done this tour. If you are as obsessed with English history and the tudors as I am, this tour is a must!

U
U402PGkathrynt
May 19, 2025
Outstanding experience with personalized attention to our interest.

James was pleasant and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. It was nice to have his personal attention and have the ability to ask questions and make comments without imposing on others. We highly recommend a private tour James.

J
James_R
April 8, 2025
Highly recommend a tour with James!

We LOVED our tour with James. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a pleasure to spend time with. James has the ability to go in-depth several areas, which allows you to tailor the tour to your preference (can focus more on architecture, or royal history, or a balanced mix of everything)! We would highly recommend booking a tour with James for the best Hampton court experience.

J
Jennifer_S
August 3, 2024
Highly, highly recomended

What James doesn't know about Hampton Court Palace isn't worth knowing!! Fabulous afternoon spent in his company.

H
harism772
April 25, 2024
Highly recommended

James was a very knowledgeable guide, and told us about factual details in a clear manner, and answered every question of our guests from USA. It immensely enhanced our experience of re-living royal history of Hampton Palace. Hence, would highly recommend having James alongside.

H
Haris_M
April 25, 2024
Highly recommended

James was very knowledgeable guide, giving us factual details in clear manner which was easy to understand and relive the royal history. He has background of masters in architectural history, so could answer each and every question of our guests from USA, who also thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommended - and going to Hampton palace without a guide would be less enjoyable

M
Michael_H
October 7, 2023
Excellent Tour

James’ knowledge added greatly to our visit to Hampton Court Palace. He provided context and colour that helped bring the history of this beautiful building to life. Thank you so much!!

M
mlomonaco
September 14, 2023
Step Back in Time with James

Our guide James was delightful and completely knowledgeable on this subject. His expertise was exactly what we wished for and his explanations of the art, architecture and history of Hampton Court Palace and Henry VIII was clearly presented. He pointed out intricacies in the architecture and history of the tapestries that added a tremendous depth to the overall experience. Bravo, James. Could have spent more hours talking to him about the palace.

1 people found this helpful
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andyelder
September 10, 2023
Don’t miss this tour!

An enjoyable, historical tour of Hampton Court. James has knowledge of the era that we enjoyed very much. Great site, wonderful guide.

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