Cycle Hampton Court

Discover the love that Mick Jagger shares with Henry VIII, ride by the Thames on a classic English bike, see Britain’s most haunted house and visit two royal palaces, lose yourself in a maze and much, much more during this fun filled cycling tour of Hampton Court.

Travel by train to the leafy southwestern suburb of Richmond. Hop on your bike and enjoy a gentle ride of about 12km to Richmond Palace, which was the favourite residence of Elizabeth I. Much of it was demolished in the turbulent years after the civil war and overthrow of the monarchy. Pause at the gorgeous Petersham Nurseries for some refreshments before cruising past the Palladian Marble Hill House.

See the masterpiece of early Stuart architecture that is Ham House, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Duchess of Lauderdale and her dog. Pass some of the many celeb homes in the area – take a bow, Sir Mick – which have earned it the nickname of Hollywood-on-Thames. Pause for lunch in a traditional pub (not included) to refuel the afternoon in Hampton Court. This riverside palace was where the British royals lived until they moved to Buckingham Palace. Under Henry VIII it was turned into a symbol of Tudor power and to this it retains many fine Renaissance features while under William and Mary two centuries later, baroque wings were added. Explore the palace’s more than 1,000 rooms, the kitchens, gardens and the famous maze. Fittingly, Olympic cycling events took place in the grounds in 2012.

Meeting/pick-up point: Waterloo Station, underneath the big clock opposite Platform 12.
Start/opening time: 9.15am Monday, Tuesday and Sunday.
End/closing time: 5.30pm.
Languages: English
Others: Bike and helmet, and entrance into Hampton Court Palace (with audioguide) are included. Children must be 12 years or older and have a minimum height of 1.50 metres. Tour operates in all weather.

Assistance or guided tour

Equipment

Meal

Drinks

Admissions

Optional meal

At 9.15 am in English

Appropriate age for child ticket from 12 to 18 years