While the Palace was built in a Tudor architectural style, much of this was lost to a later Baroque style during the reign of King William III, who made massive alterations and further expansions in a bid to rival the Palace of Versailles. It's noted that the two styles seem to compliment each other and work together—largely due to the fortunate use of pink brick and the adoption of a vague symmetry. King George II was the last monarch to reside at Hampton Court Palace and today the Palace is owned by King Charles III and the Crown.
Tours of Hampton Court Palace
Mix the ancient with the historic on a combined tour with King Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace. Set beside a beautiful stretch of the River Thames, construction began in 1514 by the notorious king's chief minister, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. After falling out of favour with the King, Wolsey gifted the residence to Henry who subsequently set to making substantial expansions to the Palace.
Hampton Court Palace houses many notable works of art from the Royal Collection including masterpieces by Holbein, Van Dyck, Rembrandt, Caravaggio and Gainsborough plus wonderful tapestries such as the Story of Abraham series in the Great hall, which were likely commisioned by King Henry himself. Tour visitors can also see the Tudor Kitchens and explore the gardens. Try to find your way around the famous maze but take sandwiches just in case!
The adjacent Home Park—also known as Hampton Court Park—is 750 acres of ancient parkland with verteran trees offering a natural habitat to many endangered species of invertabrates. The park's Long Water was completed by King Charles II in 1660 as a means to deliver fresh water to Hampton Court Palace. Along with its double row of lime trees, the King dedicated the canal as a wedding present to his wife-to-be Catherine of Braganza. Well it sure beats a toaster!
Explore Hampton Court Palace, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral with an expert guide. Enjoy afternoon tea, a charming pub lunch, and explore hidden gems like Woodhenge. Travel in style in an iconic London Black Cab - book your perfect day trip today!
Black Cab Tour
Explore England's rich history—Neolithic, Medieval & Tudor! Tour Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace, Salisbury Cathedral (Magna Carta), Stonehenge & Woodhenge. Luxury minibus, expert dedicated guide, and afternoon tea.
Private Minicoach Tour
From Henry VIII's opulent Hampton Court Palace to Stonehenge's enigmatic giants, this day trip blends royal drama with prehistoric whispers! Stroll Tudor corridors, sip afternoon tea, and ponder ancient puzzles amidst colossal stones.
Chauffeur Driven Car
Unravel history's tapestry! From Henry VIII's Tudor whispers at Hampton Court Palace to Stonehenge's ancient giants and Salisbury's tallest spire guarding Magna Carta, explore England's dramatic past.
Chauffeur Driven Car