We explore Hampton Court Palace and the surrounding villages, take a look at the people who call it home and the properties bought and sold in the area.

 

The Three Communities Known As The Hamptons

Hampton, Hampton Wick and Hampton Hill are clustered around the edge of Bushy Park and each has its own distinguishing character.

Hampton village sits alongside the banks of the River Thames and is a small, fashionable hub of local shops, restaurants and professional services.

Separated from the rest of Hampton by Bushy Park, Hampton Wick is set on the banks of the River Thames on the south eastern corner of Teddington. Historically a ‘wick’ often referred to a harbour or trading place so considering its riverside location, it is highly likely that Hampton Wick was used to supply provisions to the original manor house of Hampton (which later evolved into Hampton Court Palace).

Hampton Hill is a bustling haven of boutique shops, restaurants, pubs, bars, a traditional 75 year old bakery and a fabulous City Farmers Market. Amenities also include the 197 seater Hampton Hill Theatre. There are also many highly-regarded state and private schools in the area including, Carlisle infants, Hampton Prep and Pre- Prep, Hampton Senior School and Lady Eleanor Holles School.

 

Did you know… Hampton Hill was the birthplace of Queen guitarist and astrophysicist Brian May (Born 1947). He was educated at Hampton school.

What are the houses like in Hampton?

You will find a diverse mix of houses in the Hamptons from all eras, from period cottages, Georgian houses and Victorian terraces to houses and flats from the 20th century onwards, as well as some recent contemporary new build developments.

At Taggs Island, which sits in the River Thames close to Hampton, there are also houseboats, a lifestyle which has grown in popularity over recent years due to rising house prices.

Discover Properties for Sale in and around Hampton

 

Who Calls The Hamptons Home?

The area attracts an eclectic mix of people, but mainly families and young couples looking to make a home for their future. All are drawn to the large open green spaces offering a welcome respite from the 9-5 and the excellent local schools – one of which, The Orchard Infant School in Molesey, has recently been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED.

There is a strong community feel, so once people move into the area they tend to stay. When people move, it is most likely they will look to upsize or downsize properties locally as their family dynamics change. It is therefore relatively rare that people move out of the area, providing a healthy property market for local buyers and sellers.

 

Did you know… the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart and Eric Clapton have all recorded and resided on nearby Eel Pie Island!

 

Many historical figures have called Hampton home over the years, from Royalty, including Charles II and King Henry VIII to Alan Turing and Sir Christopher Wren. It is now a hip, fashionable place to spot celebrities and even some noteworthy explorers – Levison Wood calls Hampton home when not on his travels.

Celeb spotting is particularly prevalent when annual events such as the flower show take place and an influx of visitors and camera crews descend.

 

House Prices In Hampton

The Hamptons are more modestly priced than nearby Twickenham, Teddington and Richmond.

Rightmove statistics show that in 2017, the majority of property sales in Hampton involved terraced properties which sold for on average £557,600. Flats sold for an average price of £370,089, while semi-detached properties fetched £730,287.

In 2017 the overall average sale price was £590,726 in Hampton, similar to nearby Hampton Hill (£587,382), but more expensive than Hanworth (£364,146) and cheaper than Teddington (£739,780). *source Rightmove

The average price paid for a property in Hampton has gone up 32% in the last 5 years alone. *source Zoopla.

 

Leisure Activities In Hampton

The area is incredibly rich in green open spaces, places of interest and wildlife. Whilst Hampton Court Palace is the most notable tourist attraction there are many more, perhaps lesser known things to see and do.

Seeing Hampton from the water is highly recommended. Turks run up to 45 scheduled River Thames boat trips daily between Hampton Court, Kingston upon Thames and Richmond. The boat trips allow you to take in the stunning scenery along with river banks as well as plenty of British history, including the rock royalty hangout that is Eel Pie Island.

Teddington Lock has historical ties – in May 1940 Douglas Tough organised and assembled 100 private boats in what was called ‘Operation Dynamo’. This convoy of small vessels went to the beaches of Dunkirk and played their part in rescuing 338,226 British and French troops between 26th May and 5th June 1940. A plaque can be found at the lock dedicated to the men who took part in the mission.

Did you know… Hampton Court Bridge is the most upstream crossing of all of the River Thames bridges of Greater London!

Hampton also has the oldest ferry on the Thames which has been providing a service since 1514. Mainly used by local commuters, the service is weather and river condition dependent and in April and October, there is a restricted service in mornings and evenings.

Hampton Pool is a 36 metre heated open-air pool which can be found next to Bushy Park. Open 365 days of the year, it is a hidden gem often used to hold concerts around the edge of the pool (but you need to be quick as tickets always sell out fast)!