London Excursions

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