Private Tour: Hampton Court Palace Walking Tour with Historian Guide

Summary

Private Tour: Hampton Court Palace Walking Tour with Historian Guide If you're looking for a unique and memorable way to spend a day, consider a private walking tour of Hampton Court Palace with a historian guide. This magnificent palace is home to some of the most iconic art in the world, and a guided tour will give you a fascinating insight into its history and architecture. The palace was originally built by Henry VIII in the 1540s as a marital retreat, and it quickly became one of the most important royal residences in England. Over the years, it has been the home of many famous figures, including Elizabeth I, James I and II, and Charles II. A private tour will give you the opportunity to explore the palace at your own pace, and the historian guide will be able to provide interesting and informative commentary on all the sights and sounds you encounter. If you're looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, a private walking tour of Hampton Court Palace with a historian guide is definitely the way to go.

Description

Private Tour: Hampton Court Palace Walking Tour with Historian Guide

You will marvel at the Hampton Court Palace’s highlights on this 3-hour private tour. With your very own historian guide, discover the magnificence of King Henry VIII’s favorite royal residence. Marvel at the lavishly decorated Tudor Quarters, take a moment to reflect in the opulent Chapel Royal, traverse the cobbled courtyards and see masterpieces from the revered Royal Collection. Along the way, learn about the palace’s history and hear more about the Tudor, Stuart and Georgian royals who lived within its iconic red brick walls.

What's included

Below are items that the provider has stated are included with Private Tour: Hampton Court Palace Walking Tour with Historian Guide at no additional cost

What's NOT included

Below are items that the tour provider of Private Tour: Hampton Court Palace Walking Tour with Historian Guide has stated that may cost an additional fee if desired.

Points Of Interest

• 180 minutes: 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 façade 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 VIII for the christening of his heir, Edward VI. Be wowed by the striking blue and gold ceiling, and see a replica of his crown, 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.

Additional Information

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Please note: trains from London Waterloo Station run regularly to Hampton Court; travel time is approximately 30 minutes. From Hampton Court Train Station to Hampton Court Palace is approximately a 10-minute walk
• Face masks required for travellers in public areas
• Face masks required for guides in public areas
• Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience
• Guides required to regularly wash hands
• Regular temperature checks for staff