Hampton Court Palace

Travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII, one of the most prominent Kings of England.Originally the home of cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Hampton court was gifted to Henry VIII after the cardinal was charged with treason.

Visitor Information: Hampton Court Palace

• Hampton Court Palace

  Description

  Hampton Court Palace, a magnificent historical landmark located near London in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, is an iconic symbol of Tudor and Baroque architecture. Steeped in centuries of royal history, it was originally built for Cardinal Wolsey before being acquired by King Henry VIII.

  Initially constructed in 1514 the palace was left untouched until the late 1600’s when King William of Orange started major alterations and much of the Tudors style had been demolished.
  This left Hampton Court Palace with two noticeable distinct designs of half Tudor and half Baroque.

  At over 60 acres in size the gardens surrounding the palace are breath-taking. Feel free to wander around and see the 250-year-old grapevine – the largest in the world. You can also try your navigational skills in England’s oldest hedge maze. Appointed by King William of Orange in 1701, it can take a good 25 minutes to find the central point.
  Outside the gardens lies Home Park. 750 acres of ancient parkland and home to some descendants of Henry the 8th in the form of deer!

  Hampton court palace has been used in several films over the years including Pirates of the Caribbean and Holmes & Watson and the ITV series Belgravia.

• Highlights

  Not to be missed when visiting

  The Tudor Palace: Explore the magnificent Tudor buildings, including the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal, which reflect the opulence of the Tudor era.

  The King’s Apartments: Step into the lavish private chambers of King Henry VIII, where you can imagine the royal life and witness the intricately decorated rooms.

  The Queen’s Apartments: Discover the elegant living spaces of various queens, such as Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon, each with its distinctive style.

  The Great Fountain Garden: Stroll through the stunning gardens, particularly the Great Fountain Garden, adorned with beautiful flower beds, fountains, and picturesque views.

  The Maze: Challenge yourself to navigate through the famous Hampton Court Maze, one of the oldest surviving hedge mazes in the world.

  The Privy Garden: Admire the formal Privy Garden, a restoration of the gardens laid out by William III and Mary II, featuring impressive floral displays.

  The Cumberland Art Gallery: Delight in a diverse collection of paintings, including works from renowned artists like Rembrandt, Canaletto, and Van Dyck.

  The State Apartments: Wander through the opulent State Apartments, adorned with intricate tapestries, sumptuous furniture, and elaborate ceilings.

  The Georgian Rooms: Explore the elegant Georgian Rooms, reflecting the styles and tastes of the Georgian period.

  The Hampton Court Palace Kitchen: Experience a fascinating glimpse into the past as you observe the enormous, fully functioning Tudor kitchen, where meals were prepared for the royal court.

  The Hampton Court Palace Chapel: Visit the Chapel Royal, an exquisite example of Tudor architecture, where royal religious ceremonies took place.

  The Tiltyard: Learn about the historic tournaments and jousting events that were held in the Tiltyard, now a serene garden space.

  The Hampton Court Palace Ghosts: Hear intriguing stories about the palace’s rumoured ghostly inhabitants and their eerie encounters.