Hampton Court Palace

Flamboyant Henry VIII is most associated with this majestic palace, which he extended and developed after acquiring it in the 1520s. The palace's many royal occupants have ensured the palace has fabulous furnishings, tapestries and paintings. It is set in beautiful formal gardens, which include the famous maze and the Great Vine. Hampton Court has a designated Family Room, where parents and young children are invited to take a rest from the bustle of the palace. The play equipment is suitable for children aged under five. Family Trails guiding children around the palace are available at the Information Center. The palace is pushchair friendly and a lift is available if you'd like to access the upper floor without using the stairs. Hampton Court is just half an hour from Central London by direct train and is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon out of the city! At least three hours is recommended for your visit to Hampton Court. Do you want to visit more Royal sites? Upgrade to the Royal Palaces Pass, including the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Kensington Palace. Your pass comprehends one visit to each attraction and is valid for two years. You'll have plenty of time to explore the stories and intrigues at each site at your leisure, as part of you own itinerary. -------------------- ITINERARY -------------------- Things to See and Do Palace Gardens:There are over 60 acres of gardens to explore at Hampton Court including the Maze, the Great Vine and the recently restored Privy Garden. Courtyards and Cloisters: The buildings of Hampton Court Palace cover 6 acres and there are many courtyards and cloisters to explore. Henry VIII'S State Apartments: Henry VIII was Hampton Court's first royal owner, and his magnificent public rooms still survive today. The Tudor Kitchens: If you can stand the heat, come into the new Tudor kitchens! Real smells, sounds and huge roasting fires will give you a taste of Tudor life. The King's Apartments: King William III's Apartments are some of the finest and most important Baroque state apartments in the world. The Queen's State Apartments: These rooms took 30 years to complete and represent a wide range of styles. Some of the most spectacular interiors in the palace can be found here. Costumed Guides Every day there are free tours and presentations by costumed guides in the State Apartments. Learn about life at court and the colorful characters who lived here.