Eerie Evening Tours
Kensington Palace
Every Friday
Experience the unique setting of Kensington Palace at night. Hear chilling tales of mysterious sights, eerie encounters and strange stories as you are guided through the shadowy State Apartments and regaled with chilling tales from the palaces’ historic past. Tours begin at 18.45 and finish at 20.15.
Tickets are £25 per person, advance booking is essential as tickets will not be available to buy on the night.
Tower Twilight Tours
Tower of London
Every Wednesday
Join us for an exclusive tour hosted by one of our world famous Yeoman Warders. This winter dare to take an evening tour of the Tower of London.
Yeoman Warders will lead exclusive tours of the Tower, taking in some of the gruesome sights and spooky stories which make it world famous. You will have unique afterhours access to the UK’s most visited historic attraction, and can enjoy it at its most tranquil (and its most spooky!) Take in world famous sights such as Traitors’ Gate, the Scaffold Site and the Bloody Tower, and be appalled and amazed by tales of prisoners and past residents, of royal gossip and of the secrets kept within these ancient walls.
This is an outdoor tour, over uneven cobbles and up spiral stone staircases, which does not include the Crown Jewels. Over 12’s only. Tickets are £25 per person.
Life in the Medieval Palace
Tower of London
2 January – 15 February
Step into a world of gallant knights and beautiful damsels, of brutal lords and sturdy peasants. As King Edward I extends his fortifications and royal lodgings, there are skills to learn and friends to be made. Be entertained and enthralled by the tales of heroism and woe that King Edward and his Court enjoy.
Charles I’s Execution
Banqueting House
21 January
Banqueting House re-opens to the public with an exciting new display commemorating Charles I’s execution close to the spot where the King stepped out on the scaffold. The display will tell in outline the story of the events leading up to his execution through a series of banners which visitors will be able to read as they climb the stairs to the main Banqueting Hall.
Henry VIII ‘Make History Happen’
Hampton Court Palace
Daily in February (except 16–24 Feb)
Meet Henry VIII and his Tudor courtiers. The King intends to marry again, but who is the lady his affections have fallen on? His romances rarely run smoothly however, and there is always a chance things may not work out as planned. Only by joining in the action can you ensure that history takes its proper course.
Historic Cookery
Hampton Court Palace
2–3 February
Our Historic cooks are toiling in the Kitchens of King Henry VIII, preparing the exotic dishes for his majesty as well as the plainer, yet still lavish, food for the court. They will be trying new techniques and deciphering ancient manuscripts in their quest for the perfect Tudor meal.
Gun Salute
Tower of London
6 February
Come and enjoy the traditional Gun Salute to celebrate the date of HM the Queen's accession to the throne.
Valentine's Day: Victoria and Albert’s Anniversary
Kensington Palace
9 – 10 February
Come and celebrate your anniversary at Kensington Palace! Visitors get in for free if it is their wedding anniversary. Enjoy special history bites about royal love and loss, Victoria and Albert and Victorian love tokens, whilst also taking part in craft activities and cake decorating.
Beat the Block – The Wars of the Roses
Tower of London
16 – 24 February Half-Term
As the nobles of Medieval England take sides, it can be difficult to keep your head! Who do you support and who do you betray? The choice is yours. With every wrong step, on the battlefield, on the executioners block or hidden within the dark chambers of the Tower of London, death awaits.
Horrible Hampton
Hampton Court Palace
16 – 24 February Half-Term
The Tudor court is recruiting children as apprentices for the dirty jobs needed to make the beautiful palace run smoothly. Have you got what it takes to be a good scourer or a laundress? Could you pull rotten teeth or diagnose the King’s illnesses? A strong stomach is certainly an advantage!
The King’s Coffee
Kensington Palace
16 – 24 February Half-Term
The theme for our February half-term activities will be the world of William III and Mary II in the late 17th century at Kensington Palace. We'll be making blue and white china mosaic works of art, paper tulips and learning about the exotic goods such a chocolate, coffee and tea coming in from the Dutch and British empires.
