History, art and culture
Vanessa

Happy Birthday, Hampton Court Palace!

Hampton Court Palace is 500 years old this year and to celebrate, the historic building is hosting a wide range of events from now through to the summer. As we welcome the new British historic drama Wolf Hall to our screens, based on the infamous King Henry VIII, we’re falling in love with the palace and its history all over again. When you visit Hampton Court you will be transported back in time through the palace’s biggest and best programme yet as you’re immersed into life at court during the fascinating 17th and 18th centuries. When you arrive you’ll meet some of the most famous characters who lived at the palace from one of King Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn, Oliver Cromwell and the famous guest and playwright, William Shakespeare who performed Kings Men in 1603 to his Royal Highness. In a nutshell, Hampton Court Palace is one of the most iconic palaces just outside London. It’s a magnificent historic building decadent with dark wood, tapestries, a vineyard and the oldest hedgerow in the world dating back to 1690. It’s been home to Henry VIII, Charles I and William III so its rooms whisper tall tales, court secrets and scandals. Hampton Court is also famous for its beautiful gardens and parkland, which stretches over 750 hectares and whose formal gardens cover over 60 alone! When the weather is nice you can take a stroll around the estate and even take a picnic; and don't forget to visit the first tennis courts where Henry VIII played his competitors into the ground. If you’re in London over the summer months, Hampton Court Palace is hosting two festivals; one on the 11th-12th July to celebrate King Henry VIII’s Tudor Palace – complete with a feast cooked in the Tudor Kitchens; and the other on the 8th-9th August to celebrate Queen Anne’s Baroque weekend including music, opera and entertainment. This weekend though there’s something really special to celebrate alongside Hampton Court’s 500 years as we honour Mother’s Day, on Sunday 15th March. A spectacular flower display, Florimania, will take over William III Apartments showcasing a range of flowers inspired by the five centuries of the palace’s history. If you want to get hands-on, visitors (and their mums!) can take part in flower arranging demonstrations in the Stone Room, too. Mother’s Day, on Sunday 15th March. A spectacular flower display, Florimania, will take over William III Apartments showcasing a range of flowers inspired by the five centuries of the palace’s history. If you want to get hands-on, visitors (and their mums!) can take part in flower arranging demonstrations in the Stone Room, too. Don't forget your London Pass means you can join in on the Hampton Court Palace tours at no extra cost. So discover the ins and outs of life at court, the secrets and scandals of King Henry VIII and find out what really went on behind closed doors all those centuries ago...

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