NEW! Exhibition
Fashion Rules: dress from the collections of HM The Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales
Kensington Palace
From 4 July
This summer, Historic Royal Palaces will present a glamorous exhibition with a new take on the story of the monarchy in the late twentieth century. Featuring rare and exquisite dresses from HM Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales, this colourful and exuberant exhibition will provide a feast for the eyes and a nostalgic glance back at recent decades. Elegant dress displays will explore how these royal figures were representative of the spirit of each decade, reflecting and inspiring everyday fashions. Included as part of the normal Kensington Palace entrance ticket.
NEW!
Line of Kings
Tower of London
From 10 July
The ‘Line of Kings’ re-display at the Tower of London will reunite sumptuous royal armours and historic wooden figurines for a glorious restoration of an exhibition dating back to the 1680s. Produced in partnership with the Royal Armouries, ‘Line of Kings’ is the longest running visitor attraction in the world and features 17th century hand-carved wooden horses by Grinling Gibbons, a re-presentation of Henry’s VIII magnificent armours and a whimsical scale model of tilting knights. Included as part of the normal Tower entrance ticket.
NEW! Exhibition
Performing for the King: The Making of a Court Masque
Banqueting House
19 July �� 1 September
New for summer, a temporary exhibition exploring the amazing and extravagant entertainments created for Charles I and his court, combines live performance and activities for all the family, while a new pop-up café can be found in the undercroft. Enter the opulent, enchanted world of the Royal Masques and sumptuous entertainments of the Stuart court. Masquers display their colourful and extravagant costumes and unveil the secrets of this most regal of spectacles. Included as part of the normal Banqueting House entrance ticket.
Coins and Kings: The Royal Mint at the Tower
Tower of London
24 May onwards
For the first time ever visitors can enter 2a Mint Street and discover the history of the Mint at the Tower. The exhibition, in partnership with the Royal Mint Museum, will explore six key ‘moments’ from the history of the Mint, including Isaac Newton’s efforts to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint. Other stories chart Edward I’s harsh punishments for people who tampered with his coins, Elizabeth I’s restoration of the coinage following her father Henry VIII’s disastrous meddling, and Charles II’s rejection of Commonwealth money, bringing to life the stories of people and monarchs at the Mint. Included as part of the normal Tower entrance ticket.
Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber
Hampton Court Palace
27 March – 3 November
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. Included as part of the normal Hampton Court entrance ticket.
Salacious Gossip Tours
Hampton Court Palace
Fridays and Sundays, July-September
£25
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. For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber, the Servants’ Tale
Hampton Court Palace
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? Included as part of the normal Hampton Court entrance ticket.
The People of the Mint
Tower of London
28 May-7 July
Find out more about the lives of the men who lived and worked at the Mint – where did the gold and silver come from and how was it turned into coins? How did the inhabitants of the Tower react to the noisy, high security industry in their midst? And who gave in to the temptations offered by so much cash on their doorsteps? With the help of live interpreters and Mint specialists, take a journey into the age of gold, silver and making coins for the King. Included as part of the normal Tower entrance ticket.
Be Dazzled: Norman Hartnell, Sixty Years of Glamour and Fashion
Evening talk with Michael Pick
Kensington Palace
2 July
18.30-19.30
£12/£10 HRP members
Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) was a major fashion personality, world-famous for his glamorous evening clothes. He created the 1947 wedding gown of Princess Elizabeth and subsequently dressed the young Queen in the 1950s, including her iconic coronation dress. A number of dresses he created for the Queen and Princess Margaret will be displayed in our forthcoming ‘Fashion Rules’ exhibition. Author Michael Pick will discuss Hartnell’s career, focusing on his unique relationship with royalty. This event includes a drinks reception and entry to the palace. To book tickets for this event, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/adultlearning
Fortress Tower
Tower of London
From 4 July
Welcome to the greatest fortress in the land! Knights and squires prepare to do battle for the Kingdom of France. There is armour to polish, weapons to be tested, combat to be practiced, ready for war. Will you cheer on our brave boys or even try your hand at mastering the mighty siege engines which will batter down the walls of our enemies? Included as part of the normal Tower entrance ticket.
Tudor Cookery
Hampton Court Palace
6-7 July, 3-4 August
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. Included as part of the normal Hampton Court entrance ticket.
Georgian Cookery
Kew Palace
6-7 July, 3-4 August, 24-26 August
The Royal Kitchens at Kew will be a hive of activity as our historic cooks prepare a meal for the king. A variety of items will be cooked based on the February 1789 menu of George III. Included as part of the normal Kew Gardens entrance ticket.
The Curator’s Tea
Kew Palace
Tea and talk with HRP curator Polly Putnam
9 July
17.00-18.45
£30/£26 HRP members
Your chance to ask a curator all things Kew Palace! Over afternoon tea and cake, Polly Putnam will lead an informal talk on Kew and its new displays for 2013, including a tape measure showing the heights of the royal princes in 1769; George III’s gilded breakfast service given to him by his daughters; and a red velvet suit probably worn by the young King before he was struck by illness. This event includes light refreshments and entry to the palace. To book tickets for this event, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/adultlearning
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show 2013
Hampton Court Palace
9-14 July 2013
Tickets from £15
Gardens galore! Visit the world's largest annual garden show in the grounds of the spectacular Hampton Court Palace. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, this is a 'must-see' for gardeners of all ages and anyone interested in the great outdoors. Discover a mix of glorious show gardens with a wealth of opportunities to see planting and country crafts close up, enjoy fine dining with dazzling floral displays and all things “grow-your-own”. With live music, fabulous shopping, fashion and food, this is sure to be a unique day out for all in a truly majestic setting. Please visit www.rhs.org.uk for more details.
Zandra Rhodes: 80s and 90s Portfolio
Evening talk with Zandra Rhodes
Kensington Palace
10 July
18.30-19.30
£12/£10 HRP members
Zandra Rhodes is one of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers. With her bright pink hair, theatrical make-up and artistic jewellery, she has stamped her identity on the international world of fashion. She designed for Diana Princess of Wales in the late 1980s and early 90s. Zandra will talk about her design portfolio during that time, as well as her links with Diana. This event includes a drinks reception and entry to the palace. To book tickets for this event, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/adultlearning
Tudor beer tasting
Tower of London
11 July
14.00–16.30
£30/£26 HRP members
Curator Sally Dixon-Smith will introduce the social history of the Tower and its many drinking dens over the years, followed by a tasting of traditional Tudor-style beers with experts from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). The event will be held in the fascinating surroundings of the private Yeoman Warder’s Club, the Tower’s exclusive modern-day pub.
This event includes light refreshments and entry to the palace, to book please call 0844 482 7799
Midsummer Ball: Moonlight and Stars Bright
Kensington Palace
12 July
£30
A night of vintage glamour inspired by the star-studded parties of Kensington Palace’s past. Prepare yourselves for the event of the summer as Kensington Palace hosts its extravagant Midsummer Ball. Inspired by the golden ages of glamour, dress to impress for a night of live music and entertainment in a royal palace. Guests are invited to dance the night away to retro music in the stunning Orangery and to enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the palace at night. To book online, please visit www.hrp.org.uk.
Dancing through the decades
Kensington Palace
13-14 July
Dance through the decades at this free, fun event in the palace gardens. With storytelling, craft activities and beginners’ dance classes in styles from the ‘50s to the ‘80s, inspired by the Fashion Rules exhibition.
Curious Kew
Kew Palace
18 July
18.00
£20
Come to Kew Palace and the Royal Kitchens and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets. Visit the rambling attics and the Tudor undercroft as well as listening to curious and quirky tales of the foibles of the royal family. There will also be some unexplained goings on in the palace! Pre-booking required, please check www.hrp.org.uk
Performing the Masque
Evening talk with Past Pleasures Ltd
Banqueting House
22 July
18.30-20.00
£12/£10 HRP members
This summer sees the Banqueting House come to life with the sights and sounds of the court masque, in an installation/performance that will recreate the lavish entertainments of the early Stuart court. Three costumed interpreters, each in character as 17th-century performers, will demonstrate and discuss the music, dance, sets and costume of these masques. This event includes a drinks reception and entry to the palace. To book tickets for this event, please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Conserving the state bed
Thursday 25 July
14.00-16.30
£30/£26 HRP members
Find out how the ‘Secrets of the Royal Bedchamber’ exhibition’s wonderful collection of royal state beds was conserved for display. As we celebrate the centenary of the Textile Conservation Studios, our conservators will guide you through their practice and tell you more about the objects themselves, such as Queen Charlotte’s exquisitely embroidered bed hangings and a very rare 17th-century bedrail.
This event celebrates 100 years on Conservation at Hampton Court Palace. It includes light refreshments and entry to the palace. To book visit www.hrp.org.uk
‘Tempe Restored’ – Banqueting House Masque
Banqueting House
27 July
Their Majesties command you to make merry and celebrate with them as you watch the latest court masque ‘Tempe Restored’. Shed your earthly body and ascend to the spheres as a star, or glory in your grossness as a beast, as part of an experimental immersive theatre experience unlike any other. The Maker of the Masque is the gatekeeper of your desires. He will lead you into this capricious place, lighted by nature and art, where dancing nymphs and singing gods will enthral you. But beware! They will draw you deeper into the cavalier court of King Charles the First.
For further information and to book tickets please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Tower of London Archaeology Weekend
Tower Beach and Wharf
27-28 July
11:00 – 16:00 – See www.hrp.org.uk for foreshore access timings
Get ‘hands on’ with the Tower’s annual archaeology extravaganza! Go down onto the Tower’s river foreshore and see what you can discover (see timings), speak to experts and enthusiasts, see displays and try fun activities.
Open Air Cinema
Hampton Court Palace
27-28 July, 28-29 September
Open air cinema coming to Hampton Court Palace. What better way to spend a balmy summer’s evening than watching a great film on a big screen under the stars in the East Front Gardens at Hampton Court Palace. This year The Luna Cinema is presenting a superb season of cinema with something for everyone from Some Like it Hot to Les Miserables! So pack your rug and picnic hamper and join us. Please note that admission into the palace is not included in your ticket. For more information and to book tickets visit www.thelunacinema.com
Open Air Cinema
Kensington Palace
1-3 August
Come and enjoy an open air cinema at Kensington Palace with evening screenings in the Orangery Gardens of Top Gun, Skyfall and Casablanca. The Luna Cinema presents an exciting selection of films with something for everyone so bring your picnic and enjoy the summer air. Please note that admission into the palace is not included in your ticket. For more information and to book tickets visit www.thelunacinema.com
Fun Fridays
Kensington Palace
Every Friday during the summer holidays
Explore the lives of some of the most famous Kensington Palace residents with fun activities for all ages based around our new exhibition on royal fashion.
Cyclemania 2013
Hampton Court Palace
4 August
Cyclemania is back! Activities will include stunt cycle teams and family fun. Strike your best Wiggo pose as Bradley Wiggins’s throne returns to the palace. Bring a picnic and watch as 1000s of cyclists pass the palace as part of Ride London. Tickets on sale soon at www.hrp.org.uk
Tea Tasting
Kew Palace
4 August
£20
18.00
Jennifer Wood, founder of fine tea specialists Canton Tea Co, will take you through a guided tea tasting of authentic whole leaf teas from China and Taiwan. You will experience an astonishing range of flavours as she talks you through the provenance and artisan production of white, green, oolong, black and puerh teas.
You will also hear how once green and oolong teas were introduced to the English aristocracy in the 17th century, love of Chinese tea gripped the nation and went on to have a significant role in ship design, American Independence and everyday life in Britain. To book please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Georgian Feasting
Kew Palace
8 August
£120
Spend an unforgettable evening feasting in the dining room at Kew Palace. Enjoy a drink in the Queen's garden, an evening tour of the palace and sit down for a Georgian style dinner in the same room that HM Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 80th birthday. Wine, food and exclusive access to the palace are all included as well as a guest speaker to guide you through the Georgian feast experience. Please visit www.hrp.org.uk for timings and booking information
Tudor Joust
Hampton Court Palace
24-26 August
Cheer on knights in armour as they thunder across the field on their magnificent chargers. Are there any knights brave enough to take on the mighty Henry VIII?
