Please note that this is a temporary outdoor event on open parkland and is subject to varying weather and ground conditions. Although some temporary trackway is laid, the event is on open ground and care must be taken.
We therefore advise that you check the weather forecast for the day of your visit, consider the nature of the event and the effects of any inclement weather on ground conditions, and wear suitable clothing and footwear. In extreme weather conditions, access may be restricted in the interest of safety.
Bank and cloakroom facilities are available within the showground. Their locations are shown on the 'You are here’ boards within the showground and on the map in the show catalogue.
Left Luggage and a pharmacy service also available on the show site.
Gardening advice
The RHS Advisory Service offers free gardening advice to show visitors. Their locations will be clearly show on the ‘You are here’ boards within the showground and on the map in the show catalogue.
Music
There are two bandstands in the showground; one is located near the King’s Food Court and the other on the north side of the Long Water. Details of the programme of music will be posted in due course.
The children’s crèche, located near Palace Garden Gate, is run by Childsplay, a professional crèche operator, and is staffed by fully qualified nursery nurses. The service is free of charge and children between two and nine can stay for a maximum of two hours.
There will be a plant & product crèche service available where you may deposit your purchases, while you enjoy the rest of your day out.
Plant Porters operate within the showground to help visitors carry their purchases. They cover all areas of the showground, Stud Car Park and to the Thames (formally Rose) Entrance for the train station. They are easily recognisable by their green aprons & wheelbarrows.
Transport Movie Map
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Members’ Rates (in advance) |
10am – 7.30pm* |
3pm – 7.30pm* |
Tue 8 |
£31 |
£19.50 |
Wed 9 |
£26 |
£16.50 |
Thu 10 – Sun 13 |
£21 |
£13.50 |
Public Rates (in advance) and ALL on the day tickets |
|
|
Thu 10 – Sun 13 |
£26 |
£16.50 |
Child aged 5-15** |
£5 |
- |
*The show closes at 5.30pm on Sun 13 July with afternoon entry from 2.30pm
**Children aged 5.15 £31 on Tue 8 July
Children under 5 FREE
Directions to the show
From |
Routes |
Kingston |
Bus 216, 451, 411 and 111 to Hampton Court |
Central London |
Direct train from London Waterloo to Hampton Court |
Bristol, Reading and South West |
Bakerloo line to London Waterloo and then train direct to Hampton Court, then short flat walk across river bridge to Thames entrance with steps and ramp access |
Bournemouth Portsmouth and Southampton |
Train via Basingstoke, Guildford and Woking, change at Surbiton for train direct to Hampton Court, then short flat walk across river bridge to Thames entrance with steps and ramp access |
Gatwick airport and south coast |
Train via East Croydon to Clapham Junction, change for train direct to Hampton Court, then short flat walk across river bridge to Thames entrance with steps and ramp access |
The North |
Via Central London (above) |
Brussels, Lille and Paris |
Eurostar, change at London St Pancras for tube services to Waterloo for a local train direct to Hampton Court, then short flat walk across river bridge to |
By coach |
Contact local operators to find out about the many day excursions |
Park & Ride |
Apps Court Farm car park via M25 (J11), A317 and A3050 then free shuttle bus to Hampton Court station and ferry or short flat walk across river bridge to Thames entrance with steps and ramp access |
Car parking |
Stud Gate car park via A308 including orange/blue badge holders |
Getting to the show
Public transport information
To find out more on how to navigate to the showground from areas of London go to the Transport for London Journey Planner by clicking on the image.
Rail
Trains run approximately every 15 minutes from London Waterloo to Hampton Court (approx. journey time 30 minutes).
The showground is a 15-minute walk or short ferry ride (£1.50 each way) from Hampton Court station.
Alternatively, there are approximately six trains an hour from London Waterloo to Kingston upon Thames, complemented by a ferry service - a 30-minute boat trip on the lovely River Thames. See below.
For details of rail services call National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. For more information about South West Trains’ Services visit www.southwesttrains.co.uk. For information on rail services for disabled or special needs visitors, ring 020 7922 4500.
Ferry
The ferry leaves from Turks Pier, Thames Side, Kingston Upon Thames.
Departures for the Flower Show (Tuesday 8 - Sunday 13 July) are as follows:
8.30am, 10.30am, 11.15am, 12 noon, 12.45pm, 2pm, 2.35pm, 3.15pm, 4pm, 4.45pm and 5.15pm.
Please note it is a 35 minute cruise to the Flower Show entrance.
The Ferry also departs from St Helena Pier, Richmond to the Flower Show as follows: 11.15am, 14.15pm and 16.15pm.
Ferry prices
Kingston - Hampton Court
Adult single: £4.50
Adult return: £6.00
Richmond - Hampton Court
Adult single: £6.50
Adult return: £8.00
Group tickets
For up to six passengers available on the day of sailing
Kingston - Hampton Court: £28.00
Richmond - Hampton Court: £36.00
Child fares (2 -16 year olds): £1 off adult fare
OAPs travel at the child fare Monday - Friday; on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays the adult fare is applicable.
For more information call 020 8546 2434 or visit www.turks.co.uk
Underground & Bus
Take the District Line to Richmond Underground Station then the R68 bus between Richmond and Hampton Court.
For further information on London Transport call: 020 7222 1234.
In addition there is a dedicated bus service from Victoria (route 718). It departs from Hudson’s Place half hourly from 9.30am - 12.30pm, returning from Hampton Court every half hour 4 - 7pm (except Sunday when it finishes at 6.30pm).
For further information call: 020 8646 1747 or visit www.londongeneral.co.uk.
Traveling by car
Parking
As there is limited car parking at the Stud Gate and The Green car parks, visitors are advised to use the park & ride facilities. Frequent courtesy buses run all day between the following locations and Hampton Court station, just a short 15-minute walk away from the showground:
Apps Court Farm (Red Car Park) on the A3050 is for visitors arriving from the M25 (J11) and costs £3.00 per day.
Old Tiffinians (Blue Car Park) on the A309 is for visitors arriving from central London or via the M25 (J10) and costs £5.00 per day.
Parking at the showground costs £9.00 per day (£6.00 after 3pm), and is available at the Stud Gate Car Park (Black Car Park) on the A308 Hampton Court Road, and the Hampton Court Green Car Park (Green Car park) opposite Hampton Court Palace.
All car parks open at 8am and close an hour after the show.
Disabled parking: Orange/Blue Badge holders should park in the showground car park. The charge is £4 per day regardless of arrival time.
Please note that parking on the roads around the showground is strictly prohibited.
Coaches
The coach park is on Hampton Court Green, opposite the Palace and is 20-30 minute walk from the show ground (which includes crossing a foot bridge). Coach Parking is free for coaches.
A Help the Aged mobility bus is operating between the coach park on Hampton Court Green and the showground through out the day.
Ticket collection
Pre-booked tickets for the show can be collected from the Thames Entrance, the Long Water Entrance and Palace Garden Gate Entrance.
Buy tickets for the show
Top tips on getting the most out of your day
The RHS is always working to improve visitor comfort at the show, but to help you make the most of your day, here are some insider tips from the RHS on making your visit to the show as enjoyable as possible.
- Doors open at 10am
- Arrive early to enjoy the show before visitor numbers peak.
- Buy a show catalogue to plan your visit; £4.50 (plus £1.50 p&p). Last day for ordering catalogues in advance is 12 June 2008.
- Take a bite to eat outside the busy times of 11.30am – 2.30pm.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be on your feet for much of the day.
- Bring a waterproof coat with a hood in case of rain, instead of an umbrella as these get in the way in crowded areas.
- Do not carry large rucksacks or bags around the show with you - these get in the way of other visitors. If you are bringing a picnic or any large bags, check them into the cloakroom until you need them.
Show catalogue
The official show catalogue is a great way to plan your day. They cost just £4.50 (plus £1.50 p&p in advance).
The catalogue includes a site plan, detailed description and design illustration for each show and water garden and an introduction to the other gardens.
They can be bought in advance online when buying your ticket or by phoning 0870 842 2224.
Last day for ordering catalogues in advance is 12 June 2008.
Accommodation
Expotel Hotel Reservations are the official hotel and travel agency for the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. The company can provide you with accommodation at discounted rates in hotels convenient to the showground.
For enquiries, contact Expotel at events@expotel.com or visit http://www.expotel.com which features all of the hotels available. Alternatively, call 020 7372 2001 or fax 020 7624 4847.
Please quote HCPFS08 when contacting Expotel. Alternatively contact Richmond-Upon-Thames tourist information centre on 020 8940 0057.
Access information for disabled visitors
Full details on access to and around the showground click here.