Hampton Court

Hampton Court - Click to expand The Tudor Royal Palace and home of five of Henry VIII's wives, is famous for its tapestries, the State Apartments, the Tudor Kitchen, Great Vine and Maze.

Hampton Court was built by Cardinal Wolsey and his extravagant lifestyle drew the envy of King Henry VIII. Attempting to appease Henry, the Cardinal rashly offered his home to the King who promptly accepted it! His generosity didn't help him as he was sacked when he failed to secure a Papal annulment of Henry's marriage to the Spanish Catherine of Aragon, because she couldn't produce a male heir to the throne. Henry's anger led to the break with the Catholic Church, the dissolution of the monasteries and the establishment of the Monarchy as Head of the Anglican Church. It also led to enmity between England and Spain and the Armada of 1588. Costumed guides help to bring these stories to life.

There are attractive walks along the banks of the nearby Thames and through the gardens.

Website: www.hrp.org.uk

Nearby attractions (by coach only from Hampton Court): Windsor Castle, Eton College

Train: Hampton Court