Hampton Court Palace

 

The flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic palace, which he extended and developed in grand style after acquiring it from Cardinal Wolsey in the 1520s. He lavished money on fabulous tapestries and paintings which you will be able to see in the Great Hall. Next explore Henry VIII’s Tudor Kitchens, as this palace housed and fed a huge court. These kitchens were built to feed over 600 people and on some days you will still be able to see chefs preparing meals in the traditional Tudor way. Annually this kitchen would use 1,240 oxen, 8,200 sheep, 2,330 deer and over 600,000 gallons of beer! The Tudors knew how to banquet well.

The Tudor Buildings which remain are among the most important in existence, but the elegance and romance of Hampton Court Palace owes much to the elegant Baroque buildings commissioned by William and Mary at the end of the 17th century. A prime example of the beautiful architecture can be seen in The Chapel Royal, which has been in use for over 450 years. In the Royal Pew you will be able to see an accurate replica of the crown worn by Henry VIII.

The palace is set in 60 acres of gardens, which include the famous maze and the awe-inspiring Great Vine. Lose yourself in the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK and conquer its twists, turns and dead-ends.

Languages: English, German, French, Italian and Spanish.