Hampton Court Palace

Located on the Thames 15 miles southwest of London, Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in 1515 who presented it to Henry VIII in 1526. It was largely built by William III according to Wren's designs.Henry VIII is probably Hampton Court's most famous occupant and its first royal owner; his lavish private rooms were demolished in the early 18th century, but the two most magnificent public rooms still survive - the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal, still a place of worship today. The practical side of royal life is represented by the enormous Tudor Kitchens, the most extensive surviving 16th-century kitchens in Europe. The palace is home to one of the greatest collections of Renaissance paintings in England, housed in the Wolsey Rooms, and the Renaissance Picture Gallery. The buildings cover 6 acres and comprise many courtyards and cloisters featuring a blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture and curiosities such as Henry VIII's Astronomical Clock. There are over 60 acres of gardens to explore at Hampton Court including the Maze, the Great Vine and the Privy Garden. Open daily; closed December 24-26. The gardens are open year-round.

Location: Hampton Court KT8 9AU

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