Hampton Court Palace

The Handmade Fair is back at Hampton Court Palace this summer! Join Kirstie Allsopp, Max McMurdo and other experts for a weekend of craft and inspiration. 14-16 Sept, book tickets: bit.ly/HandmadeFairHCP

Time for some wine from the wine fountain! 🍷 Our royal #TudorFoodie Henry VIII has left the 'veritable hell' of the #TudorKitchens and returned upstairs! Missed his trip to the kitchens? See it here: twitter.com/HRP_palaces
Visit the kitchens to meet the cooks the summer, and watch Henry VIII in our play, The Court Must Have A Queen, at Hampton Court Palace until 2 Sept: bit.ly/tudorfeast

Henry VIII is visiting Hampton Court Palace's kitchens today! 😮 Single and looking for love, Henry has devoted himself to an interest in food so he’s come to see what’s being cooked up for the feast for the ambassador from Cleves. Follow the #TudorFoodie today on Instagram: Instagram.com/historicroyalpalaces #TudorKitchens
See Henry VIII in a new play at Hampton Court Palace this summer, The Court Must Have A Queen, and visit the kitchens for yourself: bit.ly/tudorfeast

Happy Birthday to artist Godfrey Kneller, born #OTD in 1646 🎈 He was a court painter for monarchs from Charles II to George I. In 1690, Mary II commissioned a series of portraits from Kneller depicting ‘the principal ladies attending upon her majesty’ to hang in the state rooms at Hampton Court Palace, which became known as the Hampton Court Beauties. They can now be found in the King’s Dining Room and are part of the Royal Collection Trust.
This painting is of Mary Compton, Countess of Dorset, 1690-91. Credit: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

Join Kirstie Allsopp, Max McMurdo and other experts for a weekend of creative making and inspiration — sharing the skills to become a maker yourself and learning about the amazing experts and artisans across the country.
Whether your day at the Fair teaches you how to make something yourself, transform a piece you already own, or you buy it from an expert, The Handmade Fair wants to inspire everyone to get making.
The Super Theatre, Skills Workshops and Grand Makes are hosted... by the UK’s most renowned experts, so you can be sure you're learning from the best in the business.
Take part in all sorts of workshops such as macramé, calligraphy and origami and hear from inspirational people like Chalk Paint expert Annie Sloan, MasterChef champion Kenny Tutt and Dress Making Designer Tilly Walnes.
New for this year we have:
Dress Making Masterclasses, which include a kimono jacket Foodie Workshops including tastings and pairings Upcycling a double decker bus! As well as a great day out, you’ll also get a bundle of skills and knowledge that you can use to improve your own life and home.
What’s more, you’ll find an abundance of delicious food and drink for lunch (churros, anyone?), tasty treats from artisan makers to take home and maybe even a glass or two of fizz to enjoy in the afternoon!
The Shopping Villages are full to the brim with handmade products of the highest quality, brought to you by our hand-picked and incredibly talented makers, along with an enviable range of tools and materials.
Entry Only: £16*^ Full Experience: £33*^ VIP: £95*
^Concessions available *Booking and transaction fees apply
Please note that entry to Hampton Court Palace requires a separate ticket.
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Will you take up the mantle of Beast Quester? This October half term come to Hampton Court Palace for an exciting event for the whole family.
The Dark Wizard Malvel has taken over Hampton Court Palace, bringing all of its resident Beasts to life (as well as some famous faces from history!)
... Now Tom and Elenna need your help to save the Hampton Court Beasts from his wicked spells.
You’ll be guided by our resident Questers, and will need to work together as a team, solving puzzles, riddles and games, all while Evil stalks the historic palace!
See a cockentrice brought to life in the Tudor kitchens and scuffle with a dragon to secure its scale!
Will you help defeat Malvel? Will you take up the mantle of Beast Quester?
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Let’s feast like Tudors! The Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is back, 25-27 August 🌯 🍰 Book your ticket now: bit.ly/HRPFoodFestival #RoyalFoodFest

Born in Rotterdam in 1648, Grinling Gibbons was one of the most renowned wood carvers in Britain. He was commissioned by Charles II for work at Windsor Castle, and was made Master Carver in 1693 by William and Mary for whom he created extensive intricate works for Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. Gibbons died on 3 August 1721. His carvings remain the most impressive sculptural decorative works at the palaces, such as these carvings in the West Closet at Hampton Court Palace.

Favourite film – Ratatouille, Aladdin, Lego Batman or The Greatest Showman?
The UK’s first open-air cinema for kids is coming to Hampton Court Palace with a daytime line-up of family favourites. 7-12 Aug: bit.ly/lunakidsHCP Plus, don't miss Luna Cinema evenings - 4-5 August: bit.ly/LunaHamptonCourt# Pass the popcorn! 🍿🍿

This painted ceiling by Antonia Verrio can be found in the Queen's Drawing Room at Hampton Court Palace. It depicts Queen Anne surrounded by a host of personified virtues. The Queen is portrayed as Justice, with scales in one hand and a sword in the other. Above her, holding a crown, are Neptune and Britannia, representing her dominion over sea and earth.
Queen Anne was the first sovereign of Great Britain, it was under her rule that Scotland and England united in the Act of Union of 1707. She was also the last monarch from the House of Stuart. She was plagued with ill health for the majority of her life and died without an heir on 1 August 1714 at Kensington Palace.

To celebrate the Hampton Court Palace stamp series, we've teamed up with Royal Mail Stamps & Collectibles to give you the chance to win a Historic Royal Palaces family membership! Simply let us know which of the following stamps is your favourite in the comments below 👑
Ts & Cs apply: http://bit.ly/stampsHCP

On 31 July 1737, Princess Augusta was made to travel from Hampton Court Palace to St James's Palace whilst in labour with her first child. Her husband Frederick, Prince of Wales was determined that his parents, George II and Queen Caroline, were not present at the birth, due to their on-going feud.
This painting by Charles Philips was later commissioned by Frederick. It depicts Princess Augusta portrayed as Britannia with her daughter of the same name.

Despite his low ranking at birth, Thomas Cromwell rose to become the principal advisor to Henry VIII. Cromwell masterminded England's break with Rome to secure the King's divorce. Yet, he fell nearly as quickly as he rose. Cromwell’s arrangement of Henry’s marriage to Anne of Cleves was disastrous: he was accused of treason and corruption and executed at the Tower of London on 28 July 1540.
Witness the drama of Cromwell and Henry VIII’s relationship in a new play set at Hampton Court Palace: bit.ly/henryhamptoncourt

Looking for summer holiday fun?? ☀️ ☀️ ☀️ Luna Kids Cinema is coming to Hampton Court Palace this August! With daytime films for little and grown-up kids: Jumanji, Paddington 2, Inside Out, The Greatest Showman (sing-along!) and much more. 7-12 August: http://bit.ly/lunakidsHCP

The Real Tennis Trophy final is tomorrow at 12pm! Who will be crowned the Real Tennis World Champion? This year the tournament is supported by Mitsubishi Electric. Follow Royal Tennis Court for courtside updates or come along and catch the action: bit.ly/RealTennis2018 #RealTennisTrophy

In one of the dress store rooms at Hampton Court Palace, a small wall features fragments of historic wallpaper which sparked the interest of our curatorial volunteer. In our latest blog post she explores how old the wallpaper might be, what it depicts and what this can tell us. Read on: bit.ly/HCPwallpaperblog

We’re preparing for a feast! 🌮 🍔 🧀 🍦 The Hampton Court Palace food festival is back this summer, 25-27 August. Tickets include palace entry: bit.ly/HRPFoodFestival #royalfoodfest

**Bugle sounds** 📯 A message from his Majesty King Henry VIII of England – could all courtiers and peasants today at Hampton Court Palace make their way to the Tiltyard at 11am for the commencement of the #TudorJoust! The royal procession will begin at Base Court. Knights: don your armour. If you are not at court today, make sure to attend tomorrow: bit.ly/TudorJoust2018

The UK's first open air cinema for kids comes to Hampton Court Palace.
Join us for a unique cinematic experience this summer as Luna Kids Cinema arrives in the magical gardens of Hampton Court Palace.
Full listings:
... 7 August Jumani: Welcome to the Jungle
Doors 16:00, film 16:30
8 August Trolls
Doors 09:30, film 10:00
Ratatouille
Doors 12:30, film 13:00
Paddington 2
Doors 15:30, film 16:00
9 August Aladdin
Doors 09:30, film 10:00
Early Man
Doors 12:30, film 13:00
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Doors 15:30, film 16:00
10 August Coco
Doors 09:30, film 10:00
The Gruffalo / Room on the Broom / Stick Man
Doors 12:30, film 13:00
Beauty and the Beast
Doors 15:30, film 16:00
The Greatest Showman Sing-along
Doors 19:00, film 19:30
11 August Sing
Doors 09:30, film 10:00
Inside Out
Doors 12:30, film 13:00
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Doors 15:30, film 16:00
12 August Rio
Doors 09:30, film 10:00
Up
Doors 12:30, film 13:00
The LEGO Batman Movie
Doors 15:30, film 16:00
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We'd like to thank everyone who made our day at Hampton Court a fantastic day. The costumed guides who pointed us in the right direction when we were obviously lost, the shop assistants who had a nice chat with us when we popped in for a bit of shade, and the shop staff and security staff who helped us get back a purchase we dropped in the shop when we left at closing time all contributed to a day packed with interesting history. It was a full and fascinating day that kept us interested from 10am to 6pm, and was well worth the entrance fee.

We went to Hampton Court Palace today by complete accident. I had tickets booked and didn’t look at them properly. When I handed them to Eleni at reception she looked at me and said the tickets were for Kensington palace. She went out of her way to sort out the day for us, she rebooked our tickets for Kensington palace, printed them off for us and gave us complimentary tickets for Hampton court palace. What could have been a disastrous day was a lovely day thanks to Eleni. Some of the best customer service we have ever experienced. Thank you x

We had a fabulous day here. I was very impressed at how disabled-friendly they are. My son has autism and they sent me a document with lots of advice for people on the autistic spectrum before we went. They have concessions for the disabled and carers, but you do need to show proof that you are in receipt of the relevant benefits (DLA/PIP/Carers Allowance etc). Staff were very helpful and polite too. Could not praise them enough! We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the little café in the grounds and went in the maze before looking round the palace itself. There is so much to see! They had medieval musicians and dancers in the courtyard which sounded so lovely. Inside, the palace is incredible! The artwork on show is amazing. We saw Holbein's portraits of Henry viii as well as other masterpieces by Titian, Gainsborough and many others. They even had an Andy Warhol in the gallery there! The place is just oozing history and staff were always on hand if you had any questions. The gardens are stunning and even at this time of year were very colourful. Lovely to stroll round! The only downside was the small parking area. It was pretty full when we arrived, though we were lucky to get a disabled space close to the entrance, but my advice is to get there as soon as they open if you want to park there. In all it was an excellent day out and I would be happy to return for another visit in the future.

We absolutely love this place. I have to particularly thank the very friendly and cooperative staff at the ticket desks and in the magic garden and the staff by the information desk plus the first aider. As a single mum with 2 autistic sons, the journey there is a challenge and queuing again after the overwhelming public transport experience, for my eldest with complex needs, is torture and he soon has a meltdown and bolts.Yesterday we revisited the Lindt golden bunny hunt, despite the rain. All the members of staff were very accommodating and even kindly helped us out with a spare pair of unclaimed trousers when my son got drenched by the fountain. We returned again today to visit the magic garden only, on seeing the enormous queue my son panicked, had a meltdown and bolted. I explained my situation to the staff and they were very accommodating and helpful, which was hugely appreciated. I cannot thank the staff at Hampton Court Palace enough. From the ticket staff at Reception, to the cafe staff, shop staff, information guides, first aiders, magic garden supervisors and cleaners..everyone was so cheerful, friendly and eager to assist, in spite of the weather and the crowds. We had a wonderful time and we learned an awful lot about history and chocolate. They loved searching for the bunnies and their chocolate prize. Highly recommended. Thank you again, it's a big thumbs up from us!

Visiting Hampton Court has been a dream come true. As an English teacher and musician, I've always been interested in the Tudor period so coming here really exceeded all my expectations. I even brought my ruff and had a couple of pictures taken. Thank you so much.

Used Tesco Clubcard vouchers to visit so didn't have to pay cash to enter. Thought it was a great day out and the children were so well catered for, with extras like printed materials and velvet robes to dress up in included in the price. We all enjoyed the audio tour which was free of charge including my 6 year old twins who got the hang of it really quickly. Will visit again as there is so much to see and despite visiting on a Sunday it was so peaceful and quiet.

The staff were amazing with children and knew all the key facts of the era. Would 100% recommend as a day out.

The food was not great this evening but the manager apologised and discounted the bill so this is how to offer resolution well done � Tahir in particular was fantastic �

Stunning place to go with the family. We learnt soooo much, my children aged 10, 13 & 16 loved the day, so we joined for a year! Looking forward to a return visit.

One of the best tourist sites I've explored! From the fantastic audio guide and maintenance of both palace & gardens, to the bits of trivia on the Great Hall's tabletops, it's clear how much effort has been put into making this a real experience! Thank you. I loved it!

Make plenty of time for this. We spent an hour in the kitchens. This was definitely a highlight of our trip to London.

I never realized how very large this palace was.

So atmospheric, so complete and so ancient.

I need to go back to complete my visit - another 2 full days should do it.

This is now my favorite place in the world - forget St. marks Square, Versailles or the Vatican!

I can not recommend the venue highly enough. Coming through the gates as we arrived Friday evening for a charity Winter Ball, the lit candles in lanterns guiding our path into the palace really set the tone for what was to be a magical evening in such special surroundings. The hospitality, service and food were impeccable, and we had such a magical evening. Drinks were served in the Cartoon Gallery, dinner in the stunning Great Hall and post-dinner drinks in the Undercroft. We can't wait to return!

Hello, big thanks to all the staff, especially Anthony and the commercial manager (sorry I don’t know your name) for being super helpful. Great to go somewhere so disabled friendly



Great concert venue

First time I'd been there,and it was for the Flower Show. But we walked around the palace and gardens too. So much fun and so much history;I'll certainly never forget it �

A great place to go if you love anything to do with Henry viii or just want something to do

Henry VIII always has been my favourite Monarch so naturally I was incredible excited to be able to meet up with my favourite Tudor' s residence. How grant it is. Breathtaking is an understatement. It's so beautiful, so historic ,so vast and grant it's hard to take in. The written tour guides are very well laid out and the audio ones are beautiful narrated keeping one interested and eager to hear more from start to finish. The staff on site is very friendly , knowledgeable and helpful. Well worth a visit and I'll will be back for sure. Sadly I picked the wrong date , as it was booked when the Hampton Court flower show was running. Parking was a nightmare as they charged a flat rate of £16 regardless if the visit was for the palace and not the flower show. But I digested and enjoyed our visit . If I could change one thing it would be the catering. Being one of " those vegans" there was no catering for me at all. Even the " soya milk upon request " sign on the cafes menu gave me hope for merely a second only as they didn't have any. I opted out for a can of Pepsi Max instead which came at a cost of £2 each ( come on Hampton Court Palace..I might like Henry VIII but I don't have as much money as he did ). Pepsi Max price tag and the lack of Vegan option set aside it was a day and visit to remember. Absolutely beautiful and stunning.

Absolutely beautiful grounds to

Wander around, loved the history and how amazing the rooms are

A fantastic place! Came to see the palace on Friday. Wonderful history and strange to think your walking where so many kings and queens have walked didn't get to see much of the gardens beggar there was so much to look at in the palace! The kitchens were amazing and the guys cooking in there were very informative. The only downside was that they had an event on and when we got there just before it was due to open at 10 we were told we would not be allowed in for another hour by two quite miserable security guards. The lady next to us said they told her it opened at 10. The sign on the gate said 10.30 with an apology and yet they told us 11. There was nothing on the website or the Facebook page about the closures even though I looked as we were stood at the gate to make sure I hadn't missed it. When we got back to the gates at about 10.40 we were allowed in! Seemed like nobody knew what was going off!