Make your own way to Hampton Court Palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, roughly 30 minutes by train from central London. Nestled next to the Thames River, Hampton Court Palace is famous as the home of King Henry VIII, one of the most renowned monarchs in English history.
Meet your private historian guide at the ticket office and then set off on your tour of the magnificent palace. Snap photos of the majestic red brick faade before passing through the arched entrance way, surrounded by slender columnettes and elegant towers.
With your guide leading the way, work your way through the Palace’s halls. See Anne Boleyn’s Gate, one of the best preserved Tudor gatehouses in the country, and the Astronomical Clock in the Clock Court. Then, head inside for a stroll through the Tudor Quarters and the Great Hall. Gaze up at the hall’s sumptuously decorated hammer-beam roof and get an up-close look at the famous Abraham Tapestries that adorn the walls.
Wander through the Cumberland Art Gallery and discover magnificent works from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Holbein, van Dyck and Canaletto. Another must-see is the Chapel Royal, which was lavishly decorated by Henry VIIIfor the christening of his heir, Edward VI. Be wowed by the striking blue and gold ceiling, and see a replica of hiscrown, which is on display in the royal pew.Halfway through your tour, enjoy a brief stop for refreshments (own expense) at one of the palace’s cafes.
Walking through the magnificent Wren Gardens, you will head towards the famous Vine, the largest in the World, and visit its Pavillion, after which you will go to the most precious art treasure at Hampton Court “the Triumphs of Caesar”, a series of paintings by Andrea Mantegna that are widely considered among the most important Italian Renaissance paintings in the world.
Your tour concludes after approx. 3 hours, leaving you free to continue exploring at your own leisure. Perhaps break for lunch in the Queen Elizabeth I kitchen, or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the palace’s gardens.