Top of the World
A favourite royal residence of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace takes you back in time to the tumultuous days of the Tudors and Stuarts. Marvel at the Great Hall, be awestruck by the Chapel Royal, and get lost in the famous garden maze. Red-brick palace built in grandiose style by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, advisor to King Henry VIII. Henry liked Hampton Court so much he took it over from the unfortunate Wolsey. The palace was later redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren to create an English version of Versailles Palace on the banks of the Thames. The palace is surrounded by justly famous gardens, including the earliest hedge maze in Britain and a recreation of a Tudor knot garden. There are really two palaces at Hampton Court; the first is Tudor, begun by Thomas, Cardinal Wolsey on the site of a 14th-century house built by the Knights Hospitaller of St John, and later owned by Henry VIII. This palace is a cornucopia of Tudor chimney clusters rising over red brick courtyards. The second palace is a baroque masterpiece, designed for William and Mary by Sir Christopher Wren, and surrounded by superb formal gardens. Few buildings in England have witnessed as many momentous historical events as Hampton Court Palace. For over 500 years, it has occupied a starring role in the story of England. Initially built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the palace became home to King Henry VIII and is one of only two of Henry’s royal palaces that remain in existence.
Today the palace is owned by King Charles III and is maintained by Historic Royal Palaces. Hampton Court is home to a sizeable part of His Majesty’s Royal Collection, the world’s largest private art collection, and many extraordinary items are permanently on display across the site.
A visit to Hampton Court Palace is a journey through England’s dramatic history. Here you will discover the Tudor world and learn all about the notorious Henry VIII and his wives. Have afternoon tea in buildings constructed by Britain’s most famous monarchs and admire the palace’s ornate, historic interiors. Brush up on your Stuart history, and, maybe, even encounter one of the palace’s ghosts!
The biggest problem you will have when visiting Hampton Court Palace is seeing everything on offer in a single day with royal re-enactments, an imaginative Tudor-themed playground for children a sensational art collection and lots more vying for attention.
The gardens, both formal and wild are home to the famous Maze and what is claimed to be the oldest productive grapevine in the world.
