Hampton Court Palace

What to expect

Magnificent Hampton Court was one of the many palaces owned by one of Britain's most extravagant monarchs. The colourful life and many wives of Henry VIII brought both fame and shame to the monarchy. His appetite for food and splendour is echoed in the vast rooms of this beautiful palace, furnished with the finest pieces of the time, its walls hung with a landmark collection of art. Your admission ticket, best booked in advance, includes access to all of the public rooms - from the huge Great Room to the Royal Tennis Court - as well as to the formal gardens and the famous Hampton Court maze.

Hampton Court is a palace of kings and queens, set in a beautiful location near the banks of the River Thames on the edge of London. This was one of the many palaces of King Henry VIII - and one of the few that remain for you to visit today. Step into The Great Hall, built at Henry's command, and you're in a vast space of cathedral-like proportions where his lavish banquets would take place. You'll see the cavernous kitchens built to feed this gourmand king.

Your tickets for Hampton Court Palace, best bought in advance to avoid the daily queues, include an audio guide in a variety of languages, entry to all of this royal palace's public rooms and even to Henry VIII's Royal Tennis Court. The wonders of the interior continue with the Chapel Royal and its gorgeous stained glass windows. Style was everything to royalty. Henry's successors commissioned Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul's Cathedral, to remodel the palace to rival Versailles. This is the Hampton Court Palace you'll see today as you admire the formal gardens and find your way around the famous maze. Hampton Court Palace is both tranquil and fascinating, its royal history very much alive for your visit.