Hampton Court Palace
Image: Fountain Court - Hampton Court Palace, UK - ©Travel Plans to Go
Hampton Court Palace is really two palaces and one of England's most famous. It once was originally the home of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who built it in the early 16th Century before he gifted it to the admiring King Henry VIII, who then lived there throughout his reign with his six wives. The Tudor Palace was known for hosting lavish pageants and banquets. The Baroque Palace was built in the 17th Century by William III and Mary II while keeping some of the original Tudor Palace intact. You can experience over 500 years of history here when you visit the lavish staterooms, tennis courts, beautiful gardens and maze.
Image: The Great Hall - Hampton Court Palace, UK - ©Travel Plans to Go
The Tudor Palace:
Henry VIII spent what would be the equivalent of almost £18 million today rebuilding and expanding the palace. The Great Hall is one of England's most significant and finest medieval halls, adorned with tapestries and a magnificent hammer-beam roof. It was used for royal feasts and courtly entertainment. Feasts were prepared in the Tudor kitchens for hundreds of courtiers and staff every day.
The Baroque Palace:
In the late 1600s, William III and Mary II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild Hampton Court in the Baroque style, making elaborate apartments with impressive paintings.
Image: The Gardens - Hampton Court Palace, UK - ©Travel Plans to Go
The Gardens:
Hampton Court Palace has over 60 acres of gardens and 750 acres of parkland. The Great Vine, planted in 1768, is the largest grapevine in the world. The Privy Garden is a formal 17th-century garden designed for William III with symmetrical patterns, manicured lawns, and fountains. You can also tackle the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK or visit the Magic Garden, an interactive play area for children.
What's Happening at Hampton Court?
Hampton Court Palace offers a range of activities and events that bring history to life, from historical reenactments featuring actors portraying figures from Henry VIII's court to free guided tours. The audio guides available help visitors better understand the palace's rich history. Additionally, the palace hosts Tudor festivals and fairs throughout the year, including food fairs, jousting events, and holiday celebrations, so check the website to see what's happening when you plan to visit.
Tips for Your Visit:
Tickets: You can book tickets in advance or purchase them at the ticket office. Booking your ticket in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons and school holidays. Admission includes access to the palace, the gardens, the maze, and exhibitions. Prices vary according to Peak and Off-Peak times. See website for cost.
Timing: Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the palace fully.
Location: Hampton Court Palace is about 35 minutes from London Waterloo by train. Alternatively, you can take a boat trip along the Thames during the warmer months for a scenic route.
Photography: You can take photos in many palace areas, except for the Chapel Royal and some interior spaces.
Dining: Several cafés and restaurants are on-site, offering traditional British fare, afternoon tea, and snacks.
Accessibility: Hampton Court is accessible for wheelchair users, and wheelchairs are available to borrow for free.
Visiting Hampton Court Palace immerses you into the lives of British royalty, from the grandeur of Henry VIII's reign to the elegance of William III and Mary II's Baroque court.