Hampton Court Palace

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Overview

Dive into the thrilling world of the Tudor court, witnessing the intrigue and personal lives of Henry VIII, his queens, and their offspring. Marvel at Henry’s majestic Great Hall and the historical Tudor kitchens. Step into the grandeur of the baroque palace created for William III and Mary II, and get lost in 60 acres of stunning gardens. Don’t miss out on the fun at the Magic Garden adventure playground which is a bit hit with the kids!

Things to do

Step right into the incredible world of Hampton Court Palace Gardens, where 60 acres of jaw-dropping formal gardens and a whopping 750 acres of parkland are waiting for you and your family to explore, all cosily wrapped up in a bend of the River Thames. These aren’t just any gardens – think ancient mazes you can actually get lost in, a grapevine that’s broken records (yes, really!), collections of plants that make botanists swoon, and wildlife that’s straight out of a history book, including deer that trace back to Henry VIII’s very own herd!

Highlights of the Gardens:
– Summer’s a blast with the most colourful herbaceous borders and exotic plants that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a royal paradise.
– The end of Summer means grape-picking time at the Great Vine, and the Tiltyard and Wilderness areas turn into a stunning showcase of autumn colours – deer included!
– Winter transforms the park into a wonderland with dramatic tree silhouettes against the snow – fingers crossed for a white winter to make the topiaries in the Privy Garden pop!
– All year round, the Kitchen Garden is buzzing with fruits and veggies that would’ve made it onto a Georgian royal’s plate. Talk about farm-to-table history style!
– Spring literally springs to life with over a million bulbs blooming and the formal gardens pulsating with colours.

But, there’s more than just plants! Henry VIII’s Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace were the largest of Tudor England. 200 cooks, sergeants, grooms and pages worked to produce over 800 meals a day for the hungry household of Henry VIII.

Feeding the court was a complex business all done without modern conveniences as 1.3 million logs burned in the hellish fires every year. From boiling cauldrons to roasting spits, join the day-to-day grind of Henry’s cooks as you pass through this labyrinth of kitchen spaces.

The Magic Garden is an epic playground with mythical beasts, towers to storm, and secret hideouts to discover. It’s your chance to jump into a world where history meets mystery and adventure.

Got a little one who prefers a quieter vibe? The Palace’s offers Rise and Roar quiet sessions in the Magic Garden. Aimed at families and carers of those with Autism or anyone who’d love a calmer experience, it’s all about enjoying this magical spot with fewer crowds and more chill.

So, gear up for a day full of discovery, fun, and a dash of history at Hampton Court Palace. It’s not just a walk in the park—it’s a walk through history, with a side of adventure and a sprinkling of royal secrets. Ready to explore?