Hampton Court (22nd June 2022)

 We stayed over at an Airbnb the night before so we were closer to travel to Hampton Court. It was a beautifully hot day and we arrived before the palace opened at 10.00am, although the car park was open. We parked and went and had breakfast and had a stroll around East Molesey shops which was nice. 

       Hampton Court Palace and its gardens are steeped in English History from Henry the eighth to William the third and the day we visited they were getting geared up for a music festival in the evening. From the Tudor kitchens to the ornate and still functioning chapel, the clock in the courtyard, and watching two people playing Real Tennis and the great Hall it was a feast for the eyes and the imagination and a chance to walk back in time. Although the maze was disappointing, the gardens were ok. We spent a good 4-5 hours exploring, and talking to the staff who were very knowledgeable. Well worth a visit.

I love a bit of Henry the Eighth and the opulence and history that is Hampton Court. Yet again far too many schoolchildren around for my liking and the cafe and eatery were so expensive they should have been sent to the tower. Great day, for those that like to be surrounded by the opulence of royalty, architecture, and English History. Would definitely recommend it, the guides that are dotted around in most rooms are very informative and are a font of knowledge.

I enjoyed the day at Hampton Court. As you enter the golden gates you will pass a beautiful garden of wildflowers of all colours on the right-hand side. Walking through the various rooms of the Palace and reading about the often opulent living of King Henry the Eighth was very interesting. There is said that a particular corridor where Catherine Howard was apprehended and taken to the Tower of London before she managed to reach King Henry is haunted. The staff who do not deny or agree with this statement say that the emergency services are called to that area more than any other in the Palace. Strange that. Lots to see, read and enjoy here but I found the canteen facilities pricey, especially for a family. I can imagine a concert here would be a great experience but we didn`t stay for that ourselves as we didn't have tickets.