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Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court Palace
Situated on the banks of the Thames, 14 miles (23km) southwest
of London, Hampton Court is perhaps the most spectacular royal
palace in England and makes a great day-trip from London. The
palace was built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 1500s, it later
became King Henry VIII's principal residence and remained the
centre of royal and political life in England until 1737 where many
important events took place. Visitors can see King Henry VIII's
Great Hall, King William III's State Apartments, designed by Wren
and completed in 1700, and the unmissable Tudor Kitchens, which
remain largely unchanged since the 16th century and no doubt used
to cater for raucous banquets. The palace is probably most famous
for its grounds and the famous maze, which has entertained children
since it was planted in 1705.
Address: East Molesey, Surrey
Post code: KT8 9AU
Website: www.hrp.org.uk
Telephone: (0)870 752 7777
Transport: Train from Waterloo (35 minutes), or by the underground; for a more scenic ride take a boat along the Thames from Westminster, Richmond or Kingston
Opening time: 10am to 4.30pm daily. Last admission at 3.30pm, last entry to the maze at 3.45pm
Admission: £13.30 (adults), £6.65 (children). Concessions available