Hampton Court
The
finest piece of Tudor architecture in Britain, Hampton Court was begun
by Henry VIII’s ally Cardinal Wolsey in 1514 and later given to the
king. It was enlarged first by Henry and then by William and Mary, who
employed Christopher Wren as architect. Its many rooms include a huge
kitchen, a Renaissance Picture Gallery, the Chapel Royal and fine royal
apartments. Set in 60 acres, the gardens, with their famous maze, are as
much an attraction as the palace.
Kensington Palace
An
intimate royal palace in Kensington Gardens, famous as the home of
Princess Diana, the first sovereign residents here were William and Mary
in 1689. Queen Victoria was born here in 1837 and opened parts of the
palace to the public, including some of the State Apartments. These are
still open today, along with a beautiful Royal Ceremonial Dress
Collection. The Orangery is delightful for coffee .
Kensington Palace
Kew Palace and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
The
smallest royal palace, Kew was built in 1631 and used as a residence by
George III and Queen Charlotte. Nearby Queen Charlotte’s Cottage was
used for picnics and housing royal pets. The palace is set in Kew
Gardens .Kew, Surrey
Palace
call
0844 482 7799
for opening times
Cottage
open during the summer
Queen’s House
This
delightful home in the midst of Greenwich Park was the first Palladian
building by Inigo Jones, and home to the wife of Charles I. Beautifully
restored to its 17th-century glory, it now provides a home for the
National Maritime Museum’s art collection.Romney Road SE10
Train to Greenwich
Open 10am–5pm daily
Queen’s House, Greenwich
