Visit Coombe Conduit in Kingston upon Thames — discover the Tudor stone vaults that once carried fresh water to Hampton Court Palace.

Visit Coombe Conduit Kingston upon Thames

Ever wondered how royal palaces got their water before modern plumbing? The Coombe Conduit in Kingston upon Thames reveals the answer. Hidden in quiet parkland, this small but fascinating site once supplied fresh spring water to Hampton Court Palace in the time of Henry VIII.

Today, visitors can step inside its vaulted chambers and see one of the few surviving examples of Tudor water engineering in England.

A Tudor Engineering Marvel

The Coombe Conduit system was built around 1515, when Cardinal Thomas Wolsey began constructing Hampton Court Palace. To meet the palace’s huge demand for clean water, a network of underground channels and conduits was designed to collect spring water from the surrounding hills.

The stone chambers at Coombe were part of this network. Water flowed by gravity through lead pipes all the way to the palace, nearly three miles away. It was an ingenious system — simple, sustainable, and remarkably effective for its time.

What You’ll See
The Conduit Houses

The site consists of three small vaulted stone structures known as conduit houses. These buildings once enclosed underground reservoirs that collected spring water.

Inside, you can see the arched stone roofs and the channels where water once flowed. The cool air and echoing chambers give a tangible sense of Tudor craftsmanship.

Interpretation Panels

Informative displays explain how the conduits worked, how often they were maintained, and who managed the water supply. Together, they bring this hidden technology to life.

From Royal Utility to Hidden Treasure

The conduits served Hampton Court for centuries before being replaced by newer systems in the 18th century. Afterwards, they fell into disuse and were gradually forgotten beneath the landscape.

In the 20th century, historians and archaeologists rediscovered and restored them. English Heritage now protects the structures, allowing occasional public access on guided open days.

As a result, visitors can experience an authentic piece of working Tudor infrastructure — something few palaces still possess.

Things to Do Nearby

Make a day of your visit with other nearby attractions:

Hampton Court Palace – Just a few miles away; explore royal apartments and Tudor kitchens.

Richmond Park – One of London’s largest royal parks, with deer, cycling paths, and views of the Thames Valley.

Kingston Museum – Local history and archaeology collections telling the story of the royal borough.

Coombe Wood Golf Course – Scenic walks and woodland trails nearby.

River Thames Path – Peaceful riverside walks connecting Kingston, Richmond, and Hampton.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: English Heritage

Entry: Free; open for guided visits on selected days.

Location: George Road, Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7NS.

Transport: Buses from Kingston or New Malden; parking nearby.

Facilities: None on site; cafés and shops available in Kingston town centre.

Accessibility: Uneven ground; narrow steps into conduit chambers.

Check English Heritage’s website for open-day dates and visitor information.

Official English Heritage page for Coombe Conduit

Why Visit Coombe Conduit?

The Coombe Conduit may be small, but its story is huge. It showcases the skill and innovation of Tudor engineers who brought clean water to a royal palace long before modern plumbing.

Quiet, intriguing, and beautifully preserved, it’s a perfect short stop for anyone exploring the Hampton Court or Kingston area.

Step below ground — and discover the clever network that once kept Henry VIII’s court refreshed.