A tour of Hampton Court palace is a great day excursion from London. The building itself dates back to the 16th century and is a treasure in itself, but, as it is strongly linked with Henry VIII, Henry’s tale is told with excellent re-enactments by actors in sumptuous period costume, and rooms are furnished and decorated appropriately. The enormous gardens are another special feature. If the visitor is to see all that Hampton Court has to offer, he or she will need a full day in order to do so at a pleasant, leisurely pace.
How to Get to Hampton Court
Hampton Court is in the county of Surrey, and is reached by train in just 30 minutes from London Waterloo station. It is also possible to take a bus: numbers 111, 216, 416, 451, 411, 513 and R68 all call at Hampton Court. One of the most delightful ways to go to the palace is via the Thames. Boat cruises leave Westminster at 11:00 and 12:00 during the warmer months (April – Sept). However, as the leisurely trip takes 3 or more hours, sightseeing time is limited.
Hampton Court is Two Palaces in One
Most visitors are fascinated by the portion of the palace that was originally developed by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey from 1512 and was seized by King Henry in 1528 when Wolsey fell from favour. This splendid Tudor palace will astound – the opulence of the Great Hall, the beauty of the Chapel Royal, the mammoth kitchens with broad blazing fireplaces and haunches of lamb on spits.
However, Hampton Court was further developed by William and Mary of Orange in the Baroque style, when they came to power in 1689. They employed Christopher Wren to rebuild the east and south facades, while Grinling Gibbons transformed the interiors. Today, the visitor can see the Queen’s Apartments, William’s apartments and, for a glimpse at their private lives, the Georgian private apartments.
The Gardens at Hampton Court
These formal, graceful, manicured lawns punctuated with floral walks, fountains and tonsured trees extend for some 60 acres, within parklands that occupy 750 acres. According to material produced by the Historical Royal Palaces organization which looks after Hampton Court, , the gardens display over 200,000 flowering bulbs, and the Broad Walk wall, at 580 metres, is the longest herbaceous border in Britain. It is possible (for a fee) to take a horse tram ride through the gardens during summer months.
The Maze and the Great Vine at Hampton Court
The gardens also house two extraordinary features: the maze and the Great Vine. The maze was planted in 1690 as an amusement for William III. It is composed of 7 foot high clipped yew trees that form impenetrable walls. It covers one-third of an acre and contains a half mile of baffling maze tracks.
The Great Vine was planted in 1768 by the renowned gardener ‘Capability’ Brown. It is believed to be the oldest grape vine in the world, climbs within a hothouse, and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes which are sold to visitors.
Historic Re-enactments at Hampton Court
Excellent actors portray Henry VIII, Catherine Parr, and various courtiers. Henry makes various appearances throughout the day to greet his visitors in a suitably kingly fashion. When the king and queen emerge from the chapel after their ‘marriage’ (for it was here that Henry married Catherine Parr), visitors are encouraged, and almost feel compelled by Henry’s presence, to kneel as the newly-weds process down the hallways.
Additionally, in one set session, ‘courtiers’ explain the clothing they are wearing and discuss Tudor fashions, in general. Henry’s speeches at various points throughout the day are designed to explain Henry’s perspective on his 6 marriages, accompanying divorces and beheadings and to bring history to life. Children (and plucky adults) are encouraged to rummage through a room full of Tudor cloaks and dress for the King’s marriage.
Entrance Fees
Given the quality of the presentations and the wealth of history on display, the entrance fee of 14 GBP is justifiable. Seniors and full-time students are admitted for 11.50 GBP, children 5-16 for 7 GBP. There is also a family concession price of 38 GBP.
Booking.com
Anyone with an interest in history, especially if curious about Henry VIII and his wives, will find much to delight them at Hampton Court, and children should enjoy the many offerings designed for them.
How to Get to Hampton Court
Hampton Court is in the county of Surrey, and is reached by train in just 30 minutes from London Waterloo station. It is also possible to take a bus: numbers 111, 216, 416, 451, 411, 513 and R68 all call at Hampton Court. One of the most delightful ways to go to the palace is via the Thames. Boat cruises leave Westminster at 11:00 and 12:00 during the warmer months (April – Sept). However, as the leisurely trip takes 3 or more hours, sightseeing time is limited.
Hampton Court is Two Palaces in One
Most visitors are fascinated by the portion of the palace that was originally developed by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey from 1512 and was seized by King Henry in 1528 when Wolsey fell from favour. This splendid Tudor palace will astound – the opulence of the Great Hall, the beauty of the Chapel Royal, the mammoth kitchens with broad blazing fireplaces and haunches of lamb on spits.
However, Hampton Court was further developed by William and Mary of Orange in the Baroque style, when they came to power in 1689. They employed Christopher Wren to rebuild the east and south facades, while Grinling Gibbons transformed the interiors. Today, the visitor can see the Queen’s Apartments, William’s apartments and, for a glimpse at their private lives, the Georgian private apartments.
The Gardens at Hampton Court
These formal, graceful, manicured lawns punctuated with floral walks, fountains and tonsured trees extend for some 60 acres, within parklands that occupy 750 acres. According to material produced by the Historical Royal Palaces organization which looks after Hampton Court, , the gardens display over 200,000 flowering bulbs, and the Broad Walk wall, at 580 metres, is the longest herbaceous border in Britain. It is possible (for a fee) to take a horse tram ride through the gardens during summer months.
The Maze and the Great Vine at Hampton Court
The gardens also house two extraordinary features: the maze and the Great Vine. The maze was planted in 1690 as an amusement for William III. It is composed of 7 foot high clipped yew trees that form impenetrable walls. It covers one-third of an acre and contains a half mile of baffling maze tracks.
The Great Vine was planted in 1768 by the renowned gardener ‘Capability’ Brown. It is believed to be the oldest grape vine in the world, climbs within a hothouse, and still produces a yearly crop of black grapes which are sold to visitors.
Historic Re-enactments at Hampton Court
Excellent actors portray Henry VIII, Catherine Parr, and various courtiers. Henry makes various appearances throughout the day to greet his visitors in a suitably kingly fashion. When the king and queen emerge from the chapel after their ‘marriage’ (for it was here that Henry married Catherine Parr), visitors are encouraged, and almost feel compelled by Henry’s presence, to kneel as the newly-weds process down the hallways.
Additionally, in one set session, ‘courtiers’ explain the clothing they are wearing and discuss Tudor fashions, in general. Henry’s speeches at various points throughout the day are designed to explain Henry’s perspective on his 6 marriages, accompanying divorces and beheadings and to bring history to life. Children (and plucky adults) are encouraged to rummage through a room full of Tudor cloaks and dress for the King’s marriage.
Entrance Fees
Given the quality of the presentations and the wealth of history on display, the entrance fee of 14 GBP is justifiable. Seniors and full-time students are admitted for 11.50 GBP, children 5-16 for 7 GBP. There is also a family concession price of 38 GBP.
Booking.com
Anyone with an interest in history, especially if curious about Henry VIII and his wives, will find much to delight them at Hampton Court, and children should enjoy the many offerings designed for them.
Comments