King’s Arms Hotel, Hampton Court - UK Weekend Breaks
How to spend 48 hours in Hampton Court - Where to stay, what to see and where to eat!
Bushy Park in Hampton Court
Although only a short train journey out of central London, Hampton Court is a beautifully lush and serene area to spend a relaxing weekend away.
I recently spent a lovely weekend in Hampton Court and here are my top things to do in the area!
Hampton Court Palace
Check in to the King’s Arms Hotel
The beautiful and cosy 17th century property has 14 refurbished rooms with views out across Hampton Court Palace gardens, which it borders, and views over Bushy Park too. This Grade 2 listed hotel dating from 1709 has been recently renovated with the end result being a lovely and warm hotel with a ‘home away from home’ feel. With pink and pale grey tones create a calming arrival for guests, antique marble tables, and period seating offer a comfortable and cosy setting.
As well as the communal areas in the hotel, all 14 bedrooms have also been lovingly renovated to create a feature of the unique proportions expected with such a mature property. Our room was large and spacious, with a gorgeous comfortable bed, views of Bushy Park, as well as luxury tea and coffee making facilities and toiletries.
Explore Hampton Court Palace and Garden
After checking into the King’s Arms Hotel, we headed just a short walk away to Hampton Court Palace. This historic Royal Palace has immense gardens, a maze and even shows for visitors.
Top Tip: To avoid the high entrance fee, you can just visit the grand gardens for free and can purchase tickets for the maze for just £5.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Six Restaurant
After spending the day exploring Hampton Court Palace, head back to the King’s Arms Hotel for a scrumptious, locally sourced meal.
The Six Restaurant features a menu designed by Chef Kempson and headed up by Head Chef Jack Scoines. Local produce is championed, including produce from Hampton Court Palace gardens, with a menu that gives a firm nod to traditional British cuisine but with a modern twist.
I loved my starter of Palace Garden Salad, which features ingredients sourced a few minutes away at Hampton Court Palace, and you can really taste the freshness! My main course of stuffed Wilshire chicken, truffle mash and girolles was delicious and wholesome. I also really enjoyed my comforting chocolate delice dessert, which ended my meal perfectly!
The atmosphere of the Six Restaurant is welcoming and relaxing, with its original wooden fireplace and deep navy banquettes, to the extent that we spent a few good hours here over dinner!
Gaze at the beautiful deers at Bushy Park
After breakfast at the King’s Arms Hotel, we crossed over and headed into the beautifully lush Bushy Park. This is the second largest of London's Royal Parks, with 445 hectares full of wildlife, including free roaming deer!
We spent a few hours roaming exploring the park and enjoying the beautiful nature around us.
Enjoy a stroll along the river
Take a leisurely walk along the river on the route which can take you from Hampton Court River to Kingston. The entire walk in 3 miles along, but even just spending half and hour or so by the river is enjoyable!
Visit Garrick’s Temple to Shakespeare
On your walk back to Hampton Court Palace make sure to stop by Garrick’s Temple. Built in 1756 by the 18th century actor-manager David Garrick in celebration of William Shakespeare and his intellectual genius, this is a great spot to stop by the river and enjoy the lovely open views.
Pick up a bargain at the antique shops
Hampton Court high street is brimming full of antique shops which are a must visit on the way back to the station. I really enjoyed exploring the treasures hidden away in the various nooks and crannies of the old shops.
The small and cute high street also has independent cafes and restaurants where you can relax before the journey home.
Have you been to Hampton Court? Let me know your favourite part of the area was!
Book your stay at the Kings Arms Hotel, Hampton Court.
Address: Kings Arms Hotel - 2 Lion Gate, Hampton Court Road, Molesey, KT8 9DD
Contact: +44 (0) 20 8016 6630
Closest station: Hampton Court
My stay at Kings Arms Hotel was complimentary, all opinions are my own.
