Hampton Court Palace - Travel Trade

About

A tale of two palaces, Hampton Court Palace is perhaps best known for being the home of England’s infamous King Henry VIII but also showcases the stunning Baroque palace built by William III and Mary II. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Great Hall of Henry VIII, where the entwined initials of Henry and Anne Boleyn can still be seen today. Reflect in the breath-taking Chapel Royal where Edward VI, the long-awaited son of Henry VIII was christened and feel the eerie chill of the Haunted Gallery. Be transported from Tudor England to 1689 as you venture through the sumptuous Baroque apartments evoking the age of elegance and grandeur before exploring the 60 acres of beautiful riverside and landscaped gardens.

A palace fit for a king

Walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII and explore the majestic Tudor State Apartments. Be dazzled by the spectacularly ornate Great Hall where feasts and other grand occasions would be held and sneak below stairs to discover the vast Tudor kitchens where extravagant meals were prepared. See if you can feel the presence of Katherine Howard as you tiptoe through the Haunted Gallery on the way to the breath-taking Chapel Royal where Henry VIII’s only son, Edward, was christened.

Baroque Palace

There is no doubt that the Tudor buildings are the most significant in existence, giving insight into the fascinating lives of those who once lived there. However, the elegance and romance of the palace owe much to the baroque building commissioned by William III and Mary II at the end of the 17th century. Explore the sumptuous and regal interiors of the King’s State Apartments and gaze out to the magnificent landscaped gardens. Be dazzled by the elegant decorations of the Queen’s State Apartments and see if you can spot the different influences of Queen Anne and the Hanoverians, George II and Queen Caroline. Adorned with glorious artworks and tapestries from The Royal Collection, they overlook the delightful Fountain Gardens on the east side of the palace.

The Cumberland Art Gallery

Discover some of the world’s most magnificent artworks in the beautifully restored suite of rooms originally designed for the Duke of Cumberland, the favourite son of George I. On display is a selection of The Royal Collection’s finest paintings: masterpieces by Holbein, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Bassano and Gainsborough, and other artists who worked for, or were collected by, four centuries of royal patrons.

The gardens

After exploring all that Hampton Court Palace has to offer, discover the world famous gardens. Relax in over 60 acres of stunning formal gardens fit for a king complete with sparkling fountains and over 200,000 flowering bulbs. Fun for all the family – work together to find your way out of the world’s oldest maze. If you manage to escape, be transported to a world of fairy tales in the Magic Garden where you will find towers to besiege, battlements to storm and even a 25 metre dragon!

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Booking Information

Name of Trade Contact: Ann Wilson

Trade Email Address: Ann.wilson@hrp.org.uk

Trade Tel: +44 (0) 7785 953565

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2024 Events

The Lindt Bunny Trail (23rd March – 14th April)

Can you find all the Lindt bunnies hidden throughout the palace grounds? Pick up a map and scour the gardens to find all the Lindt bunnies, and collect a chocolate reward as you leave.

 

The Tulip Festival (15th April – 6th May):

From April – May, the gardens and courtyards of Hampton Court Palace come alive in technicolour splendour as thousands of tulips bloom in their annual festival. A special trail guides visitors round the stunning displays, revealing the history of the tulip, its fashionable status and connection to Mary II (1662-1694). The gardening team will also be on hand to provide tips and advice to keen gardeners during your visit.  

 

The Wolsey Rooms (May 2024):

Set within the newly reopened Wolsey Rooms, groups will be able to explore a new display that will introduce them to the transformative age Henry VIII’s early reign. Revealed through original artworks and historic objects – including the famous painting of ‘The Field of Cloth of Gold’ – visitors will discover the people of the Tudor court: soldiers in Henry’s army, craftsmen who built his palaces, and the diplomats who visited his court.

 

The Artisan Festival and Food Festival (17th – 24th May; 24th – 26th August):

Set within the historic courtyards and grounds, groups will be able to shop to their heart’s content with over 100 independent artisan stalls to visit, from pottery, crafts and jewellery to a range of sweet treats and tasty beverages. Explore the stately apartments of the Tudor and Baroque palaces before relaxing in the formal gardens and enjoying the delights of our many food vendors and pop-up bars!

 

Tudor Joust, including Falconry displays (13th – 14th and 20th – 21st July)

Experience the pageantry and majesty of a Tudor Joust at Hampton Court Palace, along with Falconry displays in the East Front Gardens. Cheer and shout for your favourite knight as they face off against each other in this ultimate contest of bravery, skill and daring. 

Spectators also can watch the Falconry demonstrations that reveal the hunting techniques once used by Henry VIII and the Tudor Court. Between shows visitors will also be able to get up close to the birds and find out even more.

 

Indian Army at the Palace (until 29th September)

Explore the forgotten story of the Indian Army soldiers who camped at the palace in the early 20th century, with a new exhibition of previously unseen objects, photographs, film and personal stories. This remarkable new display brings to life the experiences of those within the camps as well as the press and public reactions to their presence.

 

Coronation Tour

Private Morning Tour:

• £800 + VAT for up to 10 people, £65 +VAT for every additional person

• 09:00 – 10:30 with your personal guide

*Please note, the last 30 minutes of your tour will be during palace opening hours

 

Private Evening Tour:

• £2,000 +VAT for up to 30 guests, £65 +VAT for every additional person

• Starting at 18:15 - 19:45