Hampton Court Maze
The oldest surviving hedge-maze in the world! The world-famous Hampton Court Maze has been mystifying kings, courtiers and humble tourists for over 300 years. Step inside and get ‘pleasurably lost’ as you make your way through almost half an acre of puzzling twists, turns and dead ends.
Encounter costumed characters from the past
Much more than just a tour, on your trip around the palace you’ll be immersed in the stories of Hampton Court through a series of up-close encounters with real characters from Hampton Court’s past. From Kings to courtiers- explore the palace with the people who created its history!
The Great Hall and State Rooms
The Great Hall is one of the grandest medieval rooms in British royal history, and its architecture is spectacular: huge, grand tapestries adorn the walls, and the ceiling beams are intricately carved with leaves and royal coats of arms. Visit the equally opulent King’s State Rooms for a glimpse into Henry VIII’s very own bedchamber and personal living space.
The Tudor kitchens
Did you know, Henry and his guests would be given a choice of over ten dishes for every course at each daily feast? The vast, beautifully-restored Tudor kitchens are where delicacies such as stork, green goose, and custard fritters were cooked up for 600 people each night! Savour the authentic aromas for yourself at live cookery sessions, and peer into the Georgian chocolate kitchen – the only of its kind in the world – for a taste of something sweeter.
Young Henry VIII exhibition
Most likely you think of him as ‘fat, ruthless and married six times’ – but Henry VIII was an athletic, sensitive young man for many years. Uncover the story behind the stereotypes in this surprising and moving exhibition, which tells the story of young Henry and his first wife’s fall from grace through historic paintings, videos, and interactive displays.
Royal Collection paintings
One of the world’s most important art collections – including nine spectacular 16th Century works depicting Julius Caesar, and some of the most iconic portraits of Henry VIII.
The Haunted Gallery
Hear the tragic tale of Henry VIII’s fifth wife at the Haunted Gallery, and discover the tortured souls who are said to haunt the palace.
The gardens
Visit the immaculate gardens for a riverside stroll among gorgeous floral displays and sparkling fountains, surrounded by 750 acres of peaceful parkland.
The Cumberland Art Gallery
Enjoy the majestic 'objets d'art' from The Royal Collection in the Cumberland Art Gallery. Admire a range of The Royal Collection’s finest paintings: masterpieces by Holbein, van Dyck, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Bassano and Gainsborough, and other artists who worked for, or were collected by, four centuries of royal patrons.
The Magic Garden
Discover a self-contained family focused walled garden with every feature designed to be climbed upon, including a jousting arena, tiltyard towers and a fire breathing dragon. An out-door delight for children and families introducing history through play whilst engaging with nature.
October 2019: The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I (closing date: 23 February 2020)
Following a three-year conservation project; the rarest survivals of an Elizabethan dress, the Bacton Altar Cloth will be going on display this coming October! Named after the church in Bacton, Herefordshire, this richly embroidered textile used to be part of a 16th century court dress belonging to the Tudor queen.
This exhibition is included in your ticket price and will open on the 12th October 2019.
Cloth of Gold
From 10 April 2020, Historic Royal Palaces will be celebrating the anniversary with a special exhibition, Gold and Glory: Henry VIII and the French King. You will also be able to explore surviving artworks, objects and documents from the event itself, and from the rival courts of Tudor and Valois. Such objects include the original letter sent to Thomas Wolsey from François I requesting a meeting with Henry VIII and a jousting cheque from the festivities