Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace Adventure
Next month, we’re heading to London and plan to dedicate a day to exploring Hampton Court Palace. From what I gather, we should take the Southwest Rail from Waterloo to Hampton Court. Do we need to buy tickets for a specific train in advance, or can we simply show up and pay for the next available train at Waterloo? Also, is it more cost-effective to purchase tickets ahead of time? There are 6 of us in total (2 adults and 4 kids), and we’ll be making this trip on a Sunday. Thanks for the advice!
Hampton Court Palace is a fantastic choice for a day trip! You can indeed take the Southwestern Railway from Waterloo to Hampton Court, and it’s very convenient.
Regarding tickets, you typically don’t need to pre-purchase them for the train, as you can just show up at the station and buy tickets for the next available train. However, pre-purchasing tickets might offer some savings, especially if you buy them in advance for a specific date. Often, you’ll find that advance tickets are cheaper, and they can sometimes have additional discounts for families or groups.
Make sure to check the official Southwestern Railway website or a reliable train ticket app for current prices and any deals on family tickets, especially since you’re traveling with 4 kids. Also, do double-check if the conditions for the tickets apply to your travel date, as prices can vary depending on peak times.
Enjoy your visit to Hampton Court Palace!