Step through the gates of King Henry VIII’s home and be transported into the 16th century through play, free exploring, and guided tours of Hampton Court Palace.
School holidays have set into motion, to the relief of many parents and carers juggling home-learning with working remotely and managing post-lockdown life. But education doesn’t have to be ruled by textbooks and Zoom classrooms, especially when living in a culturally and historically-rich area of the UK. Discover all there is to learn at Hampton Court Palace events as it reopens its grand halls and gardens to the general public this summer.
Tudor Summer School
In a 40-minute play, the Tudor tutors are doing their best to catch everyone up on what they missed while school was out, from running over what the Tudors used for toilet paper to explaining why Elizabeth I always looked like she’d just seen a ghost. Divorces, diseases, drama, and excitement make up the gross and gruesome stories of one of Britain’s most infamous families, right where it happened.
Taking place outside to allow for social distancing and safety measures (and perfect for hot weather!), the finest players in Hampton Court Palace take the stage for a whistle stop journey through Tudor History.
Performances are taking place Wednesday-Sunday at 11:30, 13:30, and 15:30 from the 12th to 26th August. A British Sign Language interpreter will be available at all three performances on 20 August. Book here.
Shire Horse Carriage Rides
On a horse-drawn tram ride through 500 years of history, visitors can enjoy a relaxed tour of the hidden corners of the picturesque gardens, with great views of Home Park and the River Thames. In true Hampton Court Palace style, these classy, old-fashioned carriages will make you feel like royalty.
Once ubiquitous across London, today Shire horses are rarer than pandas, and Hampton Court Palace offers a unique opportunity to meet Henry VIII’s gentle giants. The horses pulling your carriage are part of the last herd of working Shire horses in London. They live in Home Park, where they also help maintain the wildflower meadows.
Rides take place daily, between 11:00 and 17:00, take 15 minutes, and are fully accessible to wheelchairs. Book here.
The Magic Garden
Come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto in this magical children’s playground – the Magic Garden provides a unique road to discovery.
In line with current government guidelines, the Magic Garden playground is ensuring that your visit is, above all, safe. A one-way route is in operation, starting at the Lost Tower and working across to the Discovery Tower, where children (and adults!) will still be able to have fun on the Spiral Slide. There are time limits in place to give everyone a chance to visit, capacity reduced, and an enhanced cleaning regime has been put in place. Find out more here.
Walks and Trails
Seasonal highlights, wildlife, history and Instagram-worthy views have taken over the summer garden trails. Whether you’d prefer for the Gardens Manager, Grahame Dillamore, to guide you around the highlights of Hampton Court Palace’s natural beauty, or fancy helping Tobias Gibbons, Elizabeth I’s molecatcher, find all of the Tudor characters that have escaped from the palace into the gardens, download a printable trails from the Hampton Court Palace website and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Though Hampton Court Palace is opening up more and more over the weeks, the Maze, commissioned around 1700 by William III and therefore the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK, remains closed for the time being.
Keep an eye out on the for changes in opening hours and upcoming events, and visit hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit for ticket and booking information.
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