When visiting the UK, there’s so much more to see than typical capital attractions like Big Ben and the London Eye. In fact, hop on a train at London Waterloo and you’ll find a 500-year-old national treasure a mere 30 minutes outside the city: Hampton Court Palace.
While the popular Netflix show Bridgerton has thrust the estate into the modern spotlight, real-life dramas secured this location on the map of British history centuries years ago. From Britain’s break from the Catholic Church to King Henry VIII residing here with all six of his wives, countless defining moments happened within its walls.
Luxury in the Tudor dynasty
Today, Hampton Court Palace stands out for its immersive experiences that bring its dramatic past to the present. For a limited time each summer, one of the Palace’s vast lawns is transformed into a 16th-century jousting arena, resurrecting the pomp and pageantry of courtly competition. During Henry VIII’s reign, a jousting tournament was a prime opportunity to showcase fashion and wealth, as well as elite military skill. That tradition is remembered today.
Complete with Tudor-style pavilion tents, coats of arms and royal flags, visitors today can travel back to 1526 to enjoy one of the infamous King’s favourite sporting events. As the crowds cheer, rival knights gallop across the arena, lances lurching, displaying impressive skill and precision.
It’s a family-friendly atmosphere with impressive stunts, comedic mischief and lively storytelling. Spectators of all ages can absorb the thrilling energy of this historic British tradition.
The royal gardens additionally prove to be an excellent location for a picnic. It’s a picturesque scene as visitors unwrap their spreads in the shade of curiously shaped, 300-year-old Yew trees. These ancient avenues cut through the meticulously manicured grounds, inevitably leading back to the 17th-century wing of the palace.
Harnessing the senses for immersive time-travel
Moving inside, the journey through time continues. The palace’s unique architecture and design captures distinct eras, jolting guests 200 years back and forth between its Tudor, Baroque, and Georgian quarters.
Several of the most memorable rooms use scent and sound to anchor this immersive experience. The kitchens for example – the largest surviving 16th-century Tudor kitchens in the world – once produced 800 meals a day for the gluttonous King and his household.
One of the giant log fires is always kept lit, giving visitors a fraction of the sense of the intense heat the cooks had to endure. Fresh, local herbs that would have been used to flavour the roasting meat are spread out on one of the counters nearby. Their pungent aromas mingle naturally with the scent of the burning wood, bringing the kitchen to life.
In the Master Carpenter’s Court just outside, discreet speakers emit the ambient hustle and bustle of heavy loading carts being pulled across the cobbled stones, while kitchen staff chatter about daily logistics. Paired with replica barrels and wooden carts scattered across the courtyard, guests are instantly transported to the 1500s.
Surround sound is used to brilliant effect in other spaces. For example, in the Council Chamber, where Henry VIII met with his Privy Council to deliberate matters of state. Many decisions made in this room changed England forever.
Visitors are invited to sit directly at the great table, where they will hear Henry’s most trusted and feuding advisors locked in heated debate. Different voices projecting from specific positions around the room give the uncanny impression that these prominent figures of the past are truly seated right beside you.
The Henry VIII joust 2026 takes place on 11-12 and 18-19 July. Tickets include entry to the palace and gardens, and can be purchased here.
Read more related stories
Support independent, honest journalism
At STERNA, we believe travel journalism should provoke new thought, inspire positive change, and highlight the purpose-led and sustainable businesses protecting our planet and local communities.
True, independent storytelling takes intention and deep research. We operate without clickbait, sensationalism, or corporate bias.
By contributing to STERNA, you directly fund independent journalism and help us bring more stories of positive environmental and cultural impact to light.
If our work has inspired you, consider supporting our mission.
Contribute to support independent journalism.
At STERNA, we believe travel journalism should provoke new thought, inspire positive change, and highlight the purpose-led and sustainable businesses protecting our planet and local communities.
True, independent storytelling takes intention and deep research. We operate without clickbait, sensationalism, or corporate bias.
By contributing to STERNA, you directly fund independent journalism and help us bring more stories of positive environmental and cultural impact to light.
If our work has inspired you, consider supporting our mission.
Contribute to support independent journalism.
Choose an amount:
Or enter a custom amount:
Your contribution is appreciated, and helps to keep our site ad-free.
Your support is appreciated, and helps to keep our site ad-free.
