Planning a family break near Hampton Court Palace? Whether you’re travelling with little ones, teenagers or grandparents, Hampton Court, and the wider Surrey area, offers the perfect mix of history, outdoor adventure, great food and family-friendly activities. Better still, everything is close enough to enjoy at a relaxed pace, making it the ideal spot for a weekend escape.
Here’s how we’d spend the perfect 48 hours in Hampton Court.
Day one: riverside walks and family fun in and around Hampton Court Palace
Start your morning with a gentle stroll along the River Thames to one of the area’s best-loved local cafés, Eight on the River. Grab a coffee and fresh croissant and settle in by the water while local rowing clubs launch their boats for morning training. It’s a peaceful way to begin the day and offers a glimpse into local life.
For more local café inspiration, take a look at our guide to the best cafés near Hampton Court Palace.
From there, wander back towards Hampton Court Palace. While many visitors arrive first thing in the morning, entry is often quieter after 1pm once the larger tour groups have left. Spend the afternoon exploring Henry VIII’s famous palace, the magnificent gardens – including the brilliant adventure playground – the Great Hall and the world-famous maze.
If you’d like to learn more before your visit, read our guide on why you should visit Hampton Court Palace.
After your palace visit, take time to explore charming Bridge Road, home to a wonderful collection of independent shops. Browse artwork, antiques, artisan cheese, wine merchants, gifts and homemade cakes before stopping for lunch at Dish, where you’ll find something for every member of the family, from comforting jacket potatoes to flavour-packed Thai dishes.
For those who enjoy a little shopping while away, our guide to shopping near Hampton Court has plenty more recommendations.
The beauty of staying at Craven House is that you’re only moments from your apartment when everyone needs a break. Head back for some downtime, or if energy levels are still high, spend the afternoon in Bushy Park. Children will love the large playground, families can enjoy an ice cream, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot the park’s famous deer roaming freely across the landscape.
Alternatively, take to the water with a river boat trip and see Hampton Court from a different perspective.
For dinner, you could enjoy one of the welcoming riverside pubs nearby. Our guide to the best Hampton Court pubs has plenty of family-friendly suggestions.
Day two: Kingston adventures
After breakfast, make your way to nearby Kingston upon Thames. You can enjoy a scenic walk through Bushy Park or just hop on the bus just outside Craven House.
Kingston is packed with family-friendly entertainment. Browse the historic market, enjoy some excellent shopping in Fenwick, and choose from an impressive range of restaurants serving everything from sushi and burgers to pancakes and sweet treats.
Not sure where to start? Our guide asks and answers the question: Is Kingston worth visiting?.
For families with older children and teenagers, Kingston offers plenty to keep everyone entertained, including escape rooms (‘The Crazy Cat Lady’ is great fun), the Odeon cinema, Urban Fun, bowling and interactive gaming experiences.
After a busy day, return to Craven House for a relaxing evening.
Why families save more with serviced apartments
Family breaks can become expensive quickly, especially when booking multiple hotel rooms or eating out for every meal.
That’s where serviced apartments offer a smarter alternative.
At Craven House, you’ll enjoy spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and room to spread out after a busy day exploring. Teenagers appreciate having their own space and reliable Wi-Fi, while parents benefit from the flexibility of preparing breakfasts, snacks and family meals whenever they choose.
For longer stays, the savings can be significant compared to traditional hotel accommodation. Add in free parking, riverside walks on your doorstep and easy access to Hampton Court Palace, and it’s easy to see why so many families choose Craven House as their base.
Whether you’re discovering royal history, enjoying local cafés, shopping in Kingston or spotting deer in Bushy Park, Hampton Court offers the perfect family weekend away. And at Craven House we’re happy to help out with any planning or admin to help your visit run as smoothly as possible. If you have any questions, or there’s anything further we can help with please do get in touch. Until then, enjoy this glorious July weather!
