What is the History of Hampton Court Palace?

The Palace was built in the 16th century as a residence for a cardinal named Thomas Wolsey. But in the 1530s, King Henry VIII got into the picture and made it his own home. He continued to expand the Hampton Court.

The greatest transformation of the castle took place during the combined reigns of William III and Mary II. They commissioned Sir Christopher Wren, the leading architect of the time, to remake the palace. Royals left the palace in 1737 and finally, in 1838, Queen Victoria made the palace open to the public for all to enjoy.

What are the most attractive places in Hampton Court Palace?

The Palace is a blend of architecture from the Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian eras. Therefore it is full of attractive places. Such as,

The Great Hall

The Great Hall of Hampton Court Palace is a breathtaking example of Tudor architecture. Back in the day, it was the main gathering spot for all the royals. Colourful tapestries on the walls and a ceiling made of beautifully carved wooden beams add to its grandeur.

The Chapel Royal

Step into the serene beauty of the Chapel Royal, where centuries of history and religious devotion come together in a place of quiet reflection. It has pretty windows with colourful glass and a ceiling that’s shaped like a big arch.

Henry VIII’s Crown

.Did you know that you can see an exact replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII? It’s on display in the Royal Pew of the Chapel Royal. The Royal Pew was where kings and queens used to sit for chapel services and special occasions.

Henry VII’s Kitchens (Tudor Kitchens)

Did you know that Henry VIII had the largest kitchens in Tudor England? Those kitchens had a bunch of different departments and produced over 800 meals every day! It’s pretty cool to think about what culinary life was like back then.

Royal Tennis Court

Henry VIII loved sports specially tennis and spent hours on the court.

Hampton Court Gardens

The incredible gardens of Hampton Court Palace include over 60 acres some amazing formal gardens and a massive 750 acres of parkland. All of this is surrounded by a loop of the River Thames.

Some of the Special gardens in Hampton Court Palace are,

• Privy Garden 
• Pond Gardens
• Great fountain garden
• Rose Garden 
• Kitchen Garden
• Magic Garden

Is it free to walk around Hampton Court Palace Gardens?

No, it’s not free. Normally the palace access ticket is required for gardens but on some special days palace gardens open free of charge.

Click here for more information about garden open days.

The largest grapevine in the world

The Great Vine in Hampton Court Palace is the longest grapevine in the world at 256 years old. Its grapes are harvested at the end of summer.

The Maze

This thing is super cool. You’ll totally get lost in all the twists and turns. It takes around 15-20 minutes to finally make your way to the center of the maze.

The Magic Garden

The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace is a super amazing place for kids to hang out and have fun. This special garden is like stepping into a fairy tale world, full of adventure for kids of all ages. Throughout the Magic Garden, you’ll find plenty of places to relax and recharge too. Parents can unwind on benches and picnic tables while the little ones play, or join in the fun and create magical memories together.

Don’t forget to check the opening times before you go. Remember, entry is first-come-first-served and adults can’t go in without a kid.

Shire Horse Carriage Rides

Experience a truly unique and relaxing carriage ride through the formal gardens of Hampton Court Palace with the magnificent Shire Horses. You can relive the royal transportation of days gone by as these majestic horses pull traditional carriages around the palace grounds. The ride takes around 15-20 minutes and only costs £5 per person over 2 years old. You can grab your tickets from the carriage operator and they take both card and cash. Don’t miss out on this awesome experience.

How much is the ticket to Hampton Court Palace?

Tickets can be purchased either in advance online or at the ticket office. It’s important to keep in mind that ticket prices vary based on whether it’s peak or off-peak, so make sure you review all the details of the tickets before visiting for more information.

Members are free to go.

What are the benefits of Hampton Court Palace membership?

If someone who loves to visit Hampton Court Palace often, you should totally consider becoming a member. As a member of Historic Royal Palace, you’ll get free entry to Hampton Court Palace, Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens all year round. That’s not all, there are some other perks too like members-only events, prior access to events, and free access to some events. Check out the prices and benefits of membership on the website.

Is parking facility available?

Car parking is conveniently available on-site at a rate of £1.60 per hour, with payment by card accepted upon exit. Additionally, there is another parking area located at Hampton Court Green Car and Coach Park, which is only 500m away from the palace entrance and charged on an hourly basis.

Are dogs allowed to enter the palace?

Dogs are not allowed. Only trained assistance dogs can enter.

What are the Special events in Hampton Court Palace?

Hampton Court Palace hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, offering visitors unique opportunities to experience history, culture, and entertainment. They expertly organize festivals, celebratory events, family-friendly gatherings, seasonal events, educational programs, and concerts. Be sure to visit the website to see the impressive list of upcoming events.