If you wonder if it’s worth your time and money, yes! Located on the outskirts of London, Hampton Court Palace is one of Britain’s most popular palaces, mainly because it used to be the residence of the infamous King Henry VIII. It attracts nearly a million visitors each year.
Initially built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the 16th century, a favourite of King Henry VIII, the palace eventually became a royal residence after Wolsey fell out of favour. The Tudor king expanded it, making it a symbol of royal power and splendour.
Walking through Hampton Court is like stepping back in time. Each room and corridor breathes the lives of the monarchs who once resided there, making it a fascinating and educational experience for the whole family. We listed a few more reasons to visit Hampton Court:
Journey through time
- Henry VIII’s Apartments: Explore the opulent chambers where the infamous king lived, worked, and held court.
- The Great Hall: See the magnificent Tudor hall adorned with tapestries, where banquets and gatherings used to take place.
- The Chapel Royal: Take a peek into this place, which has been worshipped for over 450 years and whose stunning stained glass is worth a stop.
Admire the architecture
- The Clock Court: In the courtyard, notice the stunning Astronomical Clock, installed in 1540.
- The King’s Staircase: Discover the Baroque masterpiece painted by Antonio Verrio, leading up to the State Apartments.
- The Tudor Kitchens: These were the largest and most sophisticated kitchens of their time, where you can imagine the scale of royal feasts.
Venture into the incredible gardens
- The Great Vine: Planted in 1768, this ancient vine is the largest in the world and still produces grapes.
- The Maze: One of the oldest surviving hedge mazes, it’s a fun and challenging experience for visitors of all ages.
- The Privy Garden: Restored to its former glory during William III’s reign, this formal garden is a vision of 17th-century design.
Attend one of the seasonal events
- Costumed guides: Meet guides dressed as historical figures, sharing insights and engaging storytelling.
- Live Tudor cooking: On select days, the Tudor kitchens come to life with demonstrations of historical cooking methods.
- Seasonal events: Try the summer Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the winter ice skating rink, concerts, and much more.
Combine your visit with other landmarks in one day: RHS Wisley or Windsor Castle
- RHS Wisley: Get a fantastic opportunity to discover the quaint and beautifully arranged RHS Wisley gardens by adding a stop to your day trip.
- Windsor Castle: Visit Windsor Castle, the world’s oldest and largest continually inhabited castle, which is today King Charles III’s official residence.
Quirky facts about Hampton Court Palace
- The palace is rumoured to be haunted by several ghosts, including Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, who was arrested and later executed. Visitors and staff have reported eerie sightings and unexplained sounds.
- The kitchens at Hampton Court could prepare meals for up to 600 people, catering to the grand feasts held by Henry VIII.
- The palace underwent a Baroque transformation under King William III and Queen Mary II, who hired Sir Christopher Wren to redesign parts of it. However, the work was never fully completed, leaving a fascinating blend of Tudor and Baroque styles.
- Hampton Court houses a significant collection of art, including works by famous painters like Hans Holbein, tapestries, and other royal artefacts.
- A devastating fire broke out in 1986, destroying part of the palace. However, it was meticulously restored over the following years, preserving its historic charm.
- Hampton Court Palace has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including The Favourite and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
