Tudor cookery
Mar 1-2, Apr 5-7 & 11- 13, May 3-5 & 24-26, June 7-8, July 5-6, Aug 2-3 & 23-25, Sept 6-7, Oct 4-5, Nov 1-2 & Dec 6-7 & 27-31

Our intrepid team of food historians once again bring King Henry VIII’s great Tudor Kitchens to life as they experiment with recipes, utensils and cooking methods from 400 years ago.  Overload your senses with the sounds, smells and sights of this fully functional Tudor Kitchen, warm yourself by the huge roaring roasting fire, and discover what life was like for those who worked below stairs.  On these selected dates throughout the year visitors will discover what foods tickled the Tudor’s taste buds. If all that cooking gives you a taste for history why not visit the Tiltyard café in the palace gardens and try their delicious two-course Tudor lunchtime menu!

Henry VIII & his Tudor Court costumed events
During school holidays and Bank Holiday weekends Hampton Court Palace comes alive with an array of costumed events, entertaining and captivating both the young and the young at heart.

Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace
21 – 24 March, 5 – 13 April, 3 – 5 & 24 – 26 May 2008
Life is looking rosy for King Henry VIII. He has recently acquired a fabulous new home, Hampton Court Palace, from his former adviser Cardinal Wolsey. He has also finally divorced his first wife, Katherine of Aragon, and is enjoying life with wife number two, Anne Boleyn. But are storm clouds brewing the horizon? Discover what life for Henry VIII and his busy court with this entertaining costumed event.

Tudor Daughters, Tudor Sons
5 – 13 April 2008
As well as the event Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace, during Spring half term break visitors will have the chance to decide whether Henry’s daughters, Princesses Mary and Elizabeth, should receive an education in this second live costumed event, Tudor Daughters, Tudor Sons..  King Henry longs for a male heir and his new wife, Queen Anne Boleyn, has just given birth...but to a girl!  Can a Tudor princess really live up to the job of next ruler of England or is it only a man’s job?!

Christmas at King Henry VIII’s Court
27 December 2008 – 1 January 2009
The walls of Hampton Court Palace will ring with festive cheer as King Henry and his court celebrate the Christmas and New Year season in true Tudor fashion.  Enjoy music, dance and entertaining fools with King Henry, as well as the creation of a Christmas feast in the Tudor kitchens.

More dates for costumed events in Summer and Autumn 2008 to follow soon.

Ghost Tours
Starting 31 October 2008
Do you dare to walk the darkened halls, cloisters and courtyards of Hampton Court Palace at night?  Test your nerve by joining one of our ghost tours and hear the spine-chilling stories of paranormal activity witnessed within these historic walls.  Not for the faint-hearted, be prepared to catch a glimpse of or bump into one of our infamous residents!

Hampton Court Music Festival
3 – 21 June 2008
This June enjoy an array of musical entertainments, with the return of every popular Hampton Court Music Festival.

RHS Hampton Court Flower Show
8 – 13 July 2008
Experience the largest flower show in the world at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Hampton Court Flower Show. Visit www.rhs.org.uk/hamptoncourt for more information or email pressoffice@rhs.org.uk

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Once again in December the West Front will be transformed with the return of the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink.  With the famous Tudor façade providing a magical backdrop to the ice rink, where better to get in the festive mood as you glide (or fall!) across the ice.  Christmas at Hampton Court just would not be complete without it! For further information visit www.hamptoncourticerink.com 

Throughout the year see www.hrp.org.uk for more details on these events.