• Hampton Court Palace

A highly popular royal palace to visit, 20 km southwest of central London on the River Thames. Built in the 16th century it was one of King Henry VIII favorite residences, and home to some other English kings and queens. Since it was built the palace has been enlarged and continuously renovated.

In the palace, William III magnificently decorated State Apartments with great collections of paintings, ceramics and sculptures, and furniture from the Royal Collection dated mainly from the Renaissance and late Stuart to the early Georgian period.

Also in the palace, The Royal Chapel with its breathtaking timber and plaster ceiling and Tudor decorations, the 16th century Tudor Kitchens and Cellars, and the Clock Court, with the amazing 16th century, 5 meters across, astronomical clock. Explore at the King’s Guard Chamber, the 16th century large collection of arms and armor, and the Cumberland Art Gallery, home to beautiful paintings part of the Royal Collection, including works by Rembrandt, Canaletto, Holbein, van Dyck and Gainsborough.

Be sure to leave time to explore the vast park with the various gardens, the Broad Walk, and the 200 years old, largest grape vine in the world. The ground’s major attraction is the 17th century magnificent world’s oldest maze. The Palace beautiful grounds host two major yearly events, the June pop and classical music festival, and July magnificent world’s biggest flower show. On the palace grounds a golf course shared with a large herd of deer’s, a tennis club, and an opportunity for fishing in the waters of Hampton Court and Bushy Park.

The palace can be reached from central London, by train from Waterloo station, by bus from Kingston, or by boat service from Westminster. To visit both Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle in the same day take the shuttle between both palaces.

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Exterior view of Hampton Court Palace's colourful gardens in Richmond, London, United Kingdom

Interior view of Hampton Court Palace in Richmond, London,UK. Hampton Court was originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a favorite of King Henry VIII, circa 1514

Interior view of Hampton Court Palace in Richmond, London, United Kingdom. Hampton Court is a royal palace, it has not been inhabited by the British Royal Family since the 18th century