Private Tour
Private Tour of Hampton Court Palace with Award-Winning Architectural Historian
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
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 To Expect
Hampton Court Palace
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.
What‘s 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.
Tickets to Hampton Court Palace (these can be purchased online in advance - £26.10 per adult)
Transport
Food and drink
Gratuities
Options
Private Tour of Hampton Court Palace with Award-Winning Architectural Historian
September 12th
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
dswells1,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00James 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
Tudor obsession satisfied!!
Andrea A,Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00James 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!
Outstanding experience with personalized attention to our interest.
U402PGkathrynt,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James 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.
Highly recommend a tour with James!
James R,Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Highly, highly recomended
Jennifer S,Aug 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00What James doesn't know about Hampton Court Palace isn't worth knowing!! Fabulous afternoon spent in his company.
Highly recommended
harism772,Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00James 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.
Highly recommended
Haris M,Apr 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00James 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
Excellent Tour
Michael H,Oct 7, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00James’ 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!!
Step Back in Time with James
mlomonaco,Sep 14, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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.
Don’t miss this tour!
andyelder,Sep 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An 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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