Steeped in Royal history dating back to the 11th Century, we invite you to join us a journey back in time on our Hampton Court Palace Tours where you’ll get an up close and personal experience of life in a Royal Palace.
Hampton Court Palace offers visitors a wonderful experience of British history that includes spans across 500 year. Built in 1515, Hampton Court Palace is marking its 500th anniversary this year, which makes it even more desirable to visit, as there will be a whole host of activities surrounding the celebrations throughout the year, which include Luna Cinema in the grounds and Hampton Court Palace: The Opera and many more.
Located in Richmond upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is no longer used as a royal residence, and hasn’t been since the reign of George III back in the 18th Century. However, it was still used by guests of the Royal Family and as grace-and-favour apartments
Originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who at the time was a favourite of King Henry VIII, it eventually became home to Henry VIII, who decided to take the palace as his own residence in 1529 when Wolsey fell out of favour. He lived there with several of his six wives and it was said to be haunted by his fifth wife Catherine Howard, who was beheaded over accusations of adultery.
The expansive history of Hampton Court also includes residents such as Queen Mary I and her successor Elizabeth I, King James I and King Charles I, who have all made their own mark on the Palace throughout their time with additions.
On your journey through Hampton Court Palace you’ll be privy to all of its rich history, including ghost stories and myths that surround it and the significant historical events that have taken place here, including General Eisenhower’s planning of the Normandy Landings in 1944.
With the palace and the magnificent grounds to explore you will be transported to a different time, where you will be able to visualise the history and see what life was like at Hampton Court.