Hampton Court Palace, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Hampton Court Palace, located in the city of London, is one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in the world. It is the former residence of kings and queens, and housed by generations of the Royal Family for centuries. It has been featured in countless films and most recently, the palace has become a major tourist attraction for its historical significance and grandeur. It is also known for its immaculate gardens, and visitors can relish in its architectural wonders. With years of rich history and complex architecture, this palace offers much more than meets the eye. From grandiose towers and moats, to secret stories and folklore, learn all about the interesting facts, information, and travel guide to Hampton Court Palace!

Interesting Facts About Hampton Court Palace, London

1. Hampton Court Palace boasts the largest orangery in Britain, where the orangeries were a fashionable addition to grand homes, especially during the reign of William and Mary.

2. The palace is decorated with over 500 paintings, mostly from the Royal Collection.

3. The palace has served as a filming location for numerous television shows and films, including The King’s Speech, Downton Abbey and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

4. The palace is set on 60 acres of landscaped gardens, which feature a 600-year-old hedge maze and a bowling green.

5. Henry VIII was known for his lavish feasts and banquets, and Hampton Court Palace is said to have served over 5,000 meals a day during his reign.

6. The palace was once home to the royal wife of Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, and she had her own suite of rooms within the palace.

7. Hampton Court Palace contains Britain’s oldest surviving fountain, built in 1530 by Henry VIII.

8. After the fall of the Tudor dynasty, the palace was used as a prison for a number of years, and there are still some very secure prison cells in the basement.

9. The palace once had a sprawling menagerie, which was home to pet lions, tigers, and leopards given to Henry VIII by European monarchs. It was the first of its kind in the country.

10. The palace is now largely maintained by Historic Royal Palaces, which works hard to preserve its fascinating history and heritage for future generations.

• Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Hampton Court Palace, London

Hampton Court Palace sits on the banks of the River Thames, in the London borough of Richmond. It is renowned as one of the greatest and most iconic palaces in all of the United Kingdom and Europe.

The palace was originally built as a hunting palace by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the early 16th century to serve as a residence for the Archbishop of York. It was eventually acquired by King Henry VIII of England in 1529.

Henry VIII set about renovating and enlarging the palace, making it into one of the grandest palaces in all of England, one that rivaled even the royal palace at Whitehall. He converted the entire palace complex into an enormous building of 1523 rooms, boasting an impressive collection of period furniture, artworks, tapestries, and much more. The Great Hall, created by the famous architect Christopher Wren, is a masterpiece of Baroque-Gothic style, and a must-see.

Since the reign of Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace has been visited by many of Britain’s monarchs, including Queen Victoria. Today, the palace is owned and maintained by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity responsible for the care and presentation of the royal palaces of the British Monarchy. It is open to the public for visits, with a wealth of historic tours and activities to explore.

• Big Ben, London : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Cardiff Castle, Cardiff : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Hampton Court Palace, London

Hampton Court Palace is a royal palace in London, England. Located on the banks of the River Thames, it is one of the oldest and most important historical sites in the country. Located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, it is also a popular tourist attraction and a great destination for anyone looking for a unique and worthwhile day out.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Hampton Court Palace is by train. The nearest train station is Hampton Court, which is just a 5-minute walk away. From London Waterloo, trains run regularly and the journey takes about 25 minutes.

Time Required

You should allow at least two hours to get the most out of your visit to Hampton Court Palace. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the palace and its gardens, taking in the royal courtly life, and visiting the many attractions the palace has to offer.

Admission Prices

Admission prices to the palace depend on the time of the year you visit. Single adult admission starts at £20.70 while an adult group ticket is available from £17.60 per person. Children aged 5-15 pay a discounted rate of £8.50 and students/senior citizens/disabled people are charged £15.50.

Attractions

Hampton Court Palace is full of interesting attractions to explore, including its breathtaking Royal Apartments, the Queen’s Guard Chamber, the Great Hall, the Kitchens, and the Tudor State Apartments.

Stroll through the magnificent 60-acre gardens, with its infamous maze, beautifully landscaped greenhouses, and a magnificent 16th-century vineyard. Enjoy spectacular views of the River Thames from the terrace gardens and go back in time through the grand buildings and exhibits.

Shops & Eating

The palace has plenty of places to shop, with a variety of gift shops and souvenir stalls. There is also a selection of cafes and restaurants, including the Rijks fusion restaurant, which serves globally-inspired dishes, and the Real Food Kitchen which offers a speciality menu featuring the freshest ingredients.

Additional Tips

There are plenty of activities available, from guided tours to interesting workshops. Make sure to check out the website for the most up-to-date information on events, as well as any special offers or discounts.

In addition, since the palace is located near the River Thames, visitors have the opportunity to take boat trips and tours along the river. This is a great way to explore the city and take in some of London’s most iconic sights.

• Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Hampton Court Palace, London

Q: What is the history of Hampton Court Palace?
A: Hampton Court Palace was originally built in 1515 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. It passed to Henry VIII in 1528, who then had it expanded. The palace was largely remodelled by Sir Christopher Wren and John Vanbrugh in the 17th century, and by Sir Jeffry Wyatville in the early 19th century.

Q: What can I see at Hampton Court Palace?
A: Hampton Court Palace offers visitors the opportunity to explore buildings including the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, the State Apartments, and the Royal Kitchens. Visitors can also explore the garden such as the spectacular fountain in the palace’s Great Court and the maze in its Privy Garden.

Q: Does Hampton Court Palace offer guided tours?
A: Yes, Hampton Court Palace offers guided tours to visitors. Tours can be arranged through the website or on site and vary in length from 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.

Q: Is Hampton Court Palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Hampton Court Palace is wheelchair accessible. There is a wheelchair lift at the main entrance which leads to the first floor, and visitors can access all parts of the building with the exception of the roof.

Q: Is there a cafe at Hampton Court Palace?
A: Yes, there is a café set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace. It serves a range of hot and cold snacks and beverages throughout the day.

• Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Belfast City Hall, Belfast : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Belfast City Hall, Belfast : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide