Private Tour
Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Ex State Apartment Warder having worked at the Palace for over 18 years.
Highly knowledgeable, having done many previous tours for Functions, Events and VIPs.
A comprehensive tour of Hampton Court palace tailored to your historic interests. .
I cover all aspects of the Palace's history including tales of Henry VIII, Ghostly stories, Grace & Favour, and all others who have lived there.
I am a bubbly person who loves meeting new people & sharing the Palace history and engaging tales, that I can also tailor specifically for children as required.
I also offer a ghostly tales tour (same duration & times) suitable for adults and children. Please mention this when you book.
Additional Info
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Sheila also specializes in Ghost, LGBTQ+ & Grace and Favour tours
Personal tour with your own knowledgeable guide with 18 years experience of working at The Palace.
Sheila has a Level 2 Accreditation from the Institute of Tourist Guiding
Sheila has an EDI Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage (learning & interpretation)
Food & Drink
Gratuities
Hampton Court Palace
What To Expect
Hampton Court Palace
A comprehensive tour of Hampton Court palace tailored to your historic interests. I can also be in Tudor or Victorian authentic costume (note, no adults allowed in period costume). Children can wear what they like! I cover all aspects of the Palace's history including tales of Henry VIII, Ghostly stories, Grace & Favour, and all others who have lived there. You will see a Palace in two halves, half Tudor, half Baroque. Highlights include Henry's Great Hall, the Haunted Gallery, King Williams spectacular Staircase, Guard Chamber and the beautiful Versailles style gardens.
Options
Without Costume
No costume: The guide will not wear the costume.
Reviews
262 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ab Fab Tour Guide Sheila Dunsmore
Claudia F,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, Sheila Dunsmore, was expert in her knowledge of Hampton Court Palace, and held our attention throughout the entire tour! She asked what we wanted out of the tour, and 100% delivered on what we requested. Sheila was a pleasure to have as our guide!
Fabulous Hampton Court tour guide!
Cynthia F,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sheila Dunsmore is fantastic! She took us all over Hampton Court. She started the tour by asking what kind of tour we wanted so she could cater to our expectations. She is a wealth of knowledge about the architecture, history and people associated with the palace. It was so much better than listening to an audio tour. We could stop where we wanted, ask questions and even got to hear a ghost story. If you want a fantastic tour guide, pick Sheila.
Excellent knowledgeable guide
Christina A,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00She has detail knowledge of the Palace. Her knowledge of history was excellent; she was patient with questions. She told the history in a well crafted manner with the proper amount of visual prop.
Who Doesn’t want to know more about Henry VIII ?
Connie P,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was wonderful experience. Sheila, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and readily fed us tons of interesting facts that made our limited knowledge come alive. The time flew by & we surprised at just how much we did not know.
Extremely knowledgeable!
Catherine T,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing tour from Sheila today. She sure knows her stuff! Very much appreciated how she geared the tour towards my interests. I had high expectations based on other reviews and they were exceeded. Thanks Sheila for an amazing first time experience, can't wait to come back!
Great tour!
4trevora,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sheila was fantastic! A wealth of knowledge and super patient with our kids. She kept all our attention with her story-telling! We truly enjoyed our day and left wishing we had more time with her. Don’t hesitate- book with Sheila!
A fascinating and professional tour not to be missed!
Anya E,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sheila is fantastic! Her tour was fascinating from start to finish, we had a wonderful time wandering the hallowed halls of the palace with her and came away full of stories. She's incredibly knowledgable about the vast history of the Tudors and the reign of Henry VIII (and his many, many wives), alongside her incredible knowledge of Hampton Court. We really got a true insider's look at the palace and those who have inhabited it throughout history, both living and paranormal. Overall Shiela gives a professional tour which delivers a very interesting and concise roundup of an historical masterpiece. We would 100% recommend, especially Mick!
Sheila was exceptional!
Diane C,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sheila’s knowledge and skill in making history come alive was exceptional. She made it very interesting and the tour was so informative.
Hampton Court history
James M,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sheila was a great guide, very knowledgeable and enjoyable. She has been giving tours at the palace a long time, and worked there before becoming a private guide. So she knows about the behind the scenes too. She tailored the tour to our interests and kept checking in to find out if there was anything else we wanted to see.
Great tour. Do it if you can.
joshh518,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Sheila was knowledgeable about the palace and gave us good highlights of the history and rooms, etc. She was cognizant of my kids, who really did enjoy it but let’s also be honest, have limited attention spans in today’s digital age. My daughter - in her cynical teen stage - said it was one of her favorite tours in London…I’m not sure there is a stronger endorsement than that.
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