Hampton Court Palace

I forgot how fabulous Hampton Court Palace is. I've been to the Palace before but saw it through different eyes on this trip.

It's in the Royal Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, so I could still use my contactless /Oyster card in Zone 6. I picked up my train from Waterloo Station and left the hustle and bustle of City life behind for a few hours. It was raining, so I knew it would be damp, but rest assured, it wouldn't dampen my spirits.

The Palace is across the station, and going over the bridge and through the front gates transports you into a different era. The wow factor strikes you as you enter the gates and see the main entrance. The architecture inside and outside the Palace is very impressive. I booked tickets online for an 11 am entry slot.

As I headed towards the main entrance, I couldn't help but think of the History behind such a well-preserved Palace. I was pleasantly surprised by the costume guides and reenactments that bring History to life for visitors. It was a delight to see.

History

Hampton Court Palace is one of the best-preserved Tudor Palaces managed by the Royal Historic Palaces. It opened in 1699 and is a Grade I listed building, meaning it is of significant historical significance.

The Palace was initially built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a favourite of King Henry VIII, in 1515. When Wolsey fell out of favour, he gifted the Palace to Henry VIII in 1528 to regain the king's favour.

It was nice to see History come alive. I saw one of the animated short movies on the Palace and King Henry VIII's time there. Henry VIII transformed Hampton Court into a lavish royal residence. It was expanded to include state apartments, courtyards, and a magnificent Great Hall.

The Palace became the setting for many significant events, including the birth of Henry's son, Edward VI, and the marriage of Henry to his sixth wife, Catherine Parr.

The Stuarts Period

King James I and Charles I used the Palace, but its prominence waned somewhat. During the English Civil War, the Palace was seized by Parliament and used as a prison for Charles I.

Baroque Transformation:

Under King William III and Queen Mary II, the Palace was partially rebuilt in the Baroque style by Sir Christopher Wren. This period saw the addition of new state apartments and formal gardens.

Architectural Highlights

The Great Hall is one of England's finest examples of medieval hammer-beam-roofed halls. It features impressive stained glass windows and tapestries.

The Chapel Royal

A splendid Tudor chapel with a beautiful blue ceiling decorated with gold stars. It has been in continuous use for over 450 years.

I loved the Tudor Kitchens. They were huge. The extensive kitchens showcase the scale of food preparation needed for the Tudor court. They are among the largest and best-preserved Tudor kitchens in existence. I saw the fireplace with a real fire lit to give it an authentic feel.

I even had my first course in the Elizabeth I's Privy kitchen. It was an experience to dine in the kitchen hall. I'm glad the menu was limited to soup, toasties, coffee and snacks because sitting on the wooden benches was a little uncomfortable. There were no windows, so it felt enclosed.

The Maze

Hampton Court also has a Maze, and yes, I did get lost trying to get out, but with a bit of quick thinking, I managed to get out. It was empty; otherwise, I would have been stuck for longer. I did get stuck in it as a child, though, and thankfully, there were family members there to come and rescue me. It's worth trying it out because it's one of the oldest mazes in the world and was planted in the 17th Century.

The Gardens

The Palace is set in 60 acres of formal gardens, including the Privy Garden, the Knot Garden, and the Great Vine (the largest grapevine in the world).

The Fountain Court

Sir Christopher Wren designed it to reflect the Baroque style with symmetrical arrangements and a central fountain. An artisan art and craft fair occurred over the weekend, so that area was cordoned off.

Home Park:

The Wilderness Garden was another favourite. The park surrounding the Palace covers over 700 acres and includes the Long Water, a canal designed to resemble the style of the gardens at Versailles.

The Rose Garden

The Rose Garden stole my heart, and it's where I spent a bit of time taking it in. Thankfully, the weather had cleared, and the sun came out. Even though there were people outside, I had the Rose Garden relatively to myself. I needed to head back to London; otherwise, I would have stayed longer. I promised myself I'd come back again and do the gardens again.

You can have a picnic in the lake area, but no barbecues. Maybe I'll do just that when the weather settles down a bit.

Parting Comments

Next time, I might consider returning the boat to Central London from Hampton Court. Do you remember the boat from my Richmond trip? That one goes all the way to Westminster. It is pricey, though, at £25 one way, but it would be a pleasant and refreshing experience on a beautiful day.

I'm recommending Hampton Court Palace as a great place to escape the City hustle and bustle for a few hours. Plus, you'll see History come alive as you walk through the different rooms and around the building. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there's much walking to do, especially around the grounds.

I enjoyed the gardens and would happily visit the gardens themselves, especially during the summer.

Thank you for your attention

Best wishes

Tabby