Ghost Tours: See Hampton Court Palace in an Eerie New Light
Hampton Court Palace
1 & 10th March
Hear spine chilling stories of residents past and visit the spot where two bodies were discovered in shallow graves in the 1870's. Experience the unique atmosphere of the palace at night, including the deserted palace courtyards - if you dare! Over 12’s only. Tickets are £25 per person.
Tudor Cookery
Hampton Court Palace
2-3 March, 29 March – 1 April
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.
Tower Twilight Tours
Tower of London
Every Wednesday in March
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.
Florimania: Floral Jewel
Hampton Court Palace
8-10 March
Marvel at the beautiful flower arrangements celebrating the re-creation of Henry VIII’s crown. A perfect Mothering Sunday weekend treat. Have brunch in the Garden Room or spoil someone special in the Champagne and Oyster Bar in the Cartoon Gallery.
Mothering Sunday Weekend
Kensington Palace
9-10 March
Enjoy a day out for all the family over Mothering Sunday weekend with exciting craft activities and special History Bite talks about the royal families who have lived at Kensington. Finish your day off with a picnic in the palace gardens in our new pop-up picnic area.
Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber
Hampton Court Palace
Daily from 27 March
This temporary exhibition will display the world’s largest collection of state beds, elaborate symbols of royal power and prestige. Discover what courtiers had to do to embark on a social climbing venture to get as close to the bedchamber as possible.
Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber, the Servants’ Tale
Hampton Court Palace
27-28 March, 2 April – 30 September
It’s 1717 and the feud between the two Georges, the King and the Prince of Wales escalates. What is going on behind the closed doors of Hampton Court Palace, in the district of the Royal Bedchamber? Seek out the crafty servants with an ear to the panelling and an eye to the keyhole, who attend on the private lives of the royals and their scheming courtiers. What secrets will you overhear? Which will you share?
Kew Palace Opens
Kew Palace
28 March
Kew Palace opens for a new season with Easter activities and new acquisitions. Come and see George III’s dining room set out as if the King were about to sit down to a meal before admiring Queen Charlotte’s jewels.
Live Georgian Cookery
Royal Kitchens at Kew Palace
29 March – 1 April
The Royal Kitchens at Kew will be a hive of activity as our historic cooks prepare a meal for the king. If you are lucky you may even get to try some chocolate!
Honeymoon of Charles II and Catherine of Braganza
Hampton Court Palace
29 March – 1 April
Hampton Court Palace is buzzing with news and rumour. After years as the official residence of fun-hating Oliver Cromwell, the Palace prepares to welcome a new, merry, monarch. Charles brings home his new bride Catherine of Braganza for a honeymoon like no other. The latest of his Majesty’s many mistresses, Barbara Villiers, prepares to give birth in her rooms at the palace and an entourage of rakes, libertines and actresses are determined to take advantage of the facilities. Mirth, merriment, plots and intrigue abound. What secrets will you overhear? Which will you share?
Family Fun at Kensington this Easter
Kensington Palace
29 March – 1 April
Join us over Easter weekend and enjoy live performance and storytelling throughout the palace and explore the beautiful palace gardens with Peter the Wild Boy’s Easter egg hunt. Come and make your own Easter bonnet/hat (or bring along your own home-made one) inspired by costume at Kensington Palace. Entries will be judged at 15.00 on each day and prizes awarded.
Colonel Blood and the Great Crown Jewels Robbery
Tower of London
29 March – 7 April
Join the dastardly Colonel Blood and his gang of desperados in the greatest heist of all time – stealing the new Crown Jewels from the heart of the greatest fortress in the realm! Strike a blow against the new King Charles II and make a fortune in the process. But beware, the forces of the King are every ready to pounce!
Salacious Gossip
Hampton Court Palace
Fridays and Sundays: April - May, July - September
See the Baroque palace in a more intimate light and hear the scandalous stories of life in the Baroque court. From Charles II to George II, explore the tales of mistresses and gossip we dare not tell you during the day. Our guides tell the risqué stories that are just too naughty for younger and more delicate ears, dealing with darker and more delicious themes. This is a chance to experience the palace out of hours and those areas of history that have been overlooked by more traditional historians.
Spring Palace Tapestry
Kensington Palace
1 - 7 April
Easter holiday activities for families. Come and help us make a big felt and textile spring tapestry for Kensington Palace inspired by the collection and palace gardens.
