Hampton court was originally built for Cardinal Woolsey back in 1514 although there has been a building on this site since 1236. In the year 1529 Woolsey fell out of favour with the king and as a result, it was acquired by Henry VIII who set to work enlarging it to accommodate him and his 1000 members of staff. After Henry's death, it was then used as a royal palace for a number of reigning monarchs right up until 1760.
Visitors to Hampton Court will see one of the most beautiful palaces in the world which when redesigned was set to rival the palace of Versailles. Tourists can be transported back in time as they visit the Tudor kitchens, the place where a vast array of cooks fed over 600 people twice a day.
Costumed clad interpreters daily guide visitors around the palace, explaining some of the most dramatic events that happened there, also explaining in great detail some of the scandal and secrets that went on here.
With a tour to the great hall, visitors can witness one of the finest examples of a medieval hall in the world and also imagine what it was like to be right in the middle of one of those great banquettes. If you want to take a breath of fresh air, then a visit to the privy gardens and the world famous maze are a must. There is also an on site visitors centre plus a coffee shop if you would like some refreshments.
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London EventsCity Of London Festival
(Sun 24th Jun, 2012)
Each summer the City of London Festival brings the City's unique buildings and outdoor spaces to life with an extensive artistic programme of music, visual arts, film, walks and talks, much of it free to the public.
London Olympics
(Fri 27th Jul, 2012)
London 2012 Olympic Games centred at Stratford in north east London. The O Olympic opening ceremony is on 27 July 2012.
The Notting Hill Carnival
(Sat 25th Aug, 2012)
Held each August Bank Holiday since 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest festival celebration of its kind in Europe. Every year the streets of West London come alive, with the sounds and smells of Europe’s biggest street festival.