There are plenty of great offers on at the palaces throughout May and June as visitors can enjoy Tudor and Georgian cookery, stimulating evening talks about the royal bedchamber, Mary Tudor and how to write historical romantic fiction, as well as numerous events in conjunction with museums at night such as the Kensington sleepover and the opulent adults’ sleepover at Hampton Court Palace.
NEW! Exhibition
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.
NEW! Exhibition
Fashion Rules: dress from the collections of HM The Queen, Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales
Kensington Palace
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.
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. Unlock the world of the royal bedchamber where secrets, scandal, power, politics and some of the most magnificent Baroque beds await you. Included as part of the normal Hampton Court entrance ticket.
Salacious Gossip Tours
Hampton Court Palace
3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31 May
£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
Restoration and Rebellion
Tower of London
Daily 8 April-24 May
After the Civil War, the Tower of London saw some bloody events – religious extremists, pretenders to the throne, hated judges – the grim walls saw them all, and saw them off. Enjoy live interpretation and events on the South Lawn at 11.30, 12.30, 14.30 and 15.30.
Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History (with Guerilla Science)
Kew Palace
6 May, 19 May
Visit Kew Palace, home to King George III, who convalesced there after his periodic bouts of ‘madness’. Hear the tragic story of a King whose doctors couldn’t diagnose his illness and learn about the far-reaching consequences this had for the nation. Explore the royal medical chest, meet a blood-sucking leech, and learn about the remedies and potions monarchs used to protect themselves – find out which were successful, and which were less so! For more information, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/fittorule
Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History (with Guerilla Science)
Kensington Palace
4-6, 18, 25-27 May
Unearth the medical stories of some of Kensington’s most famous royal residents – including the tragic Queen Anne, whose 17 children all died before her. Try your hand as a surgeon’s apprentice, performing amputations and autopsies, and have a smallpox ‘makeover’, before meeting a blood-sucking leech! For more information, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/fittorule
Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History (with Guerilla Science)
Hampton Court Palace
4-6, 25-27 May
Find out how royal illness changed history, with a number of exciting and interactive activities, including the chance to become a surgeon's apprentice, have a smallpox ‘makeover’, and meet historical medical characters. For more information, please visit www.hrp.org.uk/fittorule
Tudor Cookery
Hampton Court Palace
4-6 May, 1-2 June
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.
Georgian Cookery
Kew Palace
4-6 May, 25-27 May, 1-2 June
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.
Births, Marriages and Deaths: Rituals of the Royal Bedchamber
Evening talk with Dr Olivia Fryman
Hampton Court Palace
15 May 18.30-20.00
£12/£10 HRP members
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the royal bed was a site of utmost political significance. It was the place where newly-weds were bedded, babies were born and ageing monarchs died – events that all had important consequences for the nation. Olivia Fryman will explore these rites of passage, and consider the role of the state bed in defining the fate of the Stuart and Hanoverian monarchies. This event includes a drinks reception. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk/adultlearning or to book over the phone call Historic Royal Palaces on 0844 482 7799. There is a £2 transaction charge for all bookings made through the booking line.
Museums at Night: Kids Kensington Sleepover!
Kensington Palace
16 May
£55
For the first time ever, Kensington Palace is going to host a huge sleepover! The palace is throwing open its doors for a very special slumber party to celebrate Princess Victoria’s birthday party. What happens in a royal palace after the doors are locked? Join Princess Victoria and Dash the Dog to find out! For further details and booking information please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Curious Kew
Kew Palace
16 May
Tours of the Palace - discover the undiscovered and the mysterious world of the Palace once it is closed to the public. For further details and booking information please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Alchemy, Astrology and to Bed with the King
Hampton Court Palace
17 May, 18.00-21.00
Adults £10, Children £5
Join us for an evening of storytelling, alchemy and astrology with films, fairy tales, talks and tours for all the family. Will you be one of the lucky few to witness the King's coucher? There will be ghost tours, talks, the chance to make your own astrological clock and listen to traditional fairy stories told in the unique surroundings. For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Sleep like a King - Sleepover for Adults
Hampton Court Palace
17 May
£100
As the rest of the visitors leave for the evening, have supper in the Privy Kitchen followed by private tours of the palace before settling down for the night. There will be private Salacious Gossip tours of the State Apartments after the rest of the palace is closed, with our team of State Apartment Warders on hand to answer all your questions and share their knowledge.
Then enjoy a film screening in the King's Guard Chamber and sleep in the historic undercroft beneath Henry VIII’s Great Hall. After a good night’s sleep you can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Privy Kitchen before heading to more humble lodgings! For more information and to book tickets, please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Fallen in Love
Tower of London
17-19, 25-26, 31 May and 1, 8-9, 13-16 June
Tickets from £27
Fallen in Love is an extraordinary new play about the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, written and directed by Joanna Carrick and produced by Red Rose Chain theatre company. Love, betrayal, jealousy and treason; the secret heart of Anne Boleyn is revealed in this bold and authentic new production. Starring Emma Connell and Scott Ellis and performed inside the unique setting of the Tower of London.
Performances take place at 15.30, 18.30 and 21.00 (except Sundays) in the Banqueting Suite in the New Armouries. To book please visit www.redrosechain.com
Lucy Worsley in conversation - Fit to Rule: How Royal Illness Changed History
Banqueting House
20 May
Historic Royal Palaces chief curator Lucy Worsley will disclose intriguing stories from behind-the-scenes of her TV series, in an exclusive talk and Q&A session. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk/fittorule
Queen Victoria’s Birthday
Kensington Palace
24 May
£20
On the date of Queen Victoria’s birth, enjoy a morning tour of the royal home where she grew up, and met her beloved Prince Albert. Throughout the day enjoy a special programme of history bites about the life of Victoria as wife, mother and queen; join us to remember one of the nation’s favourite monarchs on her birthday. For more information and to book tickets, please visit: www.hrp.org.uk
Classical Music ‘Festival’: A Celebration of Victoria and Albert’s Music
Kensington Palace
24-27 May
Over the weekend, families can enjoy events and activities to celebrate the musical partnerships between Victoria, Albert and their close friends Mendelssohn and Wagner. As the palace fills with the sound of music, a morning and evening concert makes these events perfect for both adults and children.
Fashion Rules: School Holiday Activities
Kensington Palace
24 May-2 June
This school holiday visit Kensington Palace and join in with all the fun family activities, including craft and storytelling based around the modern royals in the Battenberg room breakout space.
Bank Holiday: The Big Picnic
Hampton Court Palace
25-27 May
Pack your picnic hampers and blankets and join us for a weekend of family activities and live entertainment in the East Front Gardens. Meanwhile, Hampton Court Palace Green will host the ‘Foodies Festival’, featuring live cooking and celebrity chefs.
For more information, visit http://www.foodiesfestival.com/hampton-court.html
Silver for the Sovereign!
Tower of London
25-27 May
Revolutionary monarch William III is keen to set his finances in order. And what better way to start than with fine new coins of pure silver stamped with his regal portrait? And who better to oversee this important work at the Tower than famous scientist Isaac Newton? But nothing is ever simple, and rivalries run deep at the ancient fortress and violence lurks beneath the surface. Will you get rich quick or find it much more difficult to leave his Majesties’ fortress and prison than it was to get in?
Mary Tudor: The First Queen
Evening talk with Dr Linda Porter
Hampton Court Palace
28 May 18.30-20.00
£12/£10 HRP members
The first woman to rule England outright, Mary Tudor was a complicated character. A cultured Renaissance woman, she loved dancing and fashion, and her political successes – fiscal reform, naval expansion, colonial exploration – prefigured achievements now associated with her sister Elizabeth I. Historian Linda Porter will examine Mary’s life and death, her reign and relationships. This event includes a drinks reception. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk
The People of the Mint
Tower of London
28 May-7 July
Found 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.
Writing Historical Romantic Fiction: Workshop with Spread the Word
Kew Palace
Saturday 1 June 10.30-16.30
£49/£44 HRP members
Learn how to compose compelling historical romantic fiction, in the evocative setting of Kew Palace. Inspired by the stories of Kew – the childhood home to 18th-century princes and princesses, and the site of a double royal wedding in 1818 – tutor Catherine King will show you how to research and plot stirring narratives and to create convincing historical characters and dialogue. Suitable for all levels, this event includes light refreshments and entry to the palace.
In association with literature development organisation Spread the Word, who work with writers at all stages of their careers to help them achieve their full potential. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Gun Salute – HM Queen Coronation 60th Anniversary
Tower of London
3 June
Come and enjoy the traditional Gun Salute at the Tower of London celebrating the 60th anniversary of HM Queen’s coronation.
Gun Salute – HRH Duke of Edinburgh Birthday
Tower of London
10 June
To mark HRH Duke of Edinburgh’s birthday, a traditional Gun Salute will be held on the Tower Wharf.
Hampton Court Music Festival
Hampton Court Palace
13-24 June
A contemporary music festival featuring world class acts in the beautiful surroundings. Arrive early and enjoy the beautiful East Front Gardens, where there will be a full range of bar drinks, food stalls and a Champagne Bar. Festival Picnics are available to order in advance – or festival-goers are free to bring their own picnics and relax in the gardens before the show.
For further information, visit: http://www.hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com/
Gun Salute – HM Queen’s Official Birthday
Tower of London
15 June
Come to the Tower to see the historical Gun Salute for HM Queen’s official birthday.
Vintage Hairstyles Masterclass: Workshop with Dolly and Rhonda
Kensington Palace
15 June 13.00-16.30
£49/£44 HRP members
From the curls of the Queen in the 1950s to the 60s beehive style of Princess Margaret, hairstyles have been as important in royal fashion as the garments worn. Learn about vintage hairstyle techniques and get pampered and preened by Dolly and Rhonda to look like a fashion icon from the 50s or 60s - from lips and liner to victory rolls and beehives! This event includes light refreshments and entry to the palace. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Father’s Day
Kensington Palace
16 June
Father’s Day gets active at the palace with its very own mini sports day. This playful and fun event will be great for all the family with retro games held in the gardens, a live Jazz trio and a pop up picnic area in the Orangery Gardens. Included as part of the normal Kensington entrance ticket.
Victoria Becomes Queen
Kensington Palace
20 June
£20
Celebrate Victoria’s ascension to the throne by enjoying a special morning tour at Kensington Palace. For more information and to book tickets, please visit: www.hrp.org.uk
Salon – 1649: Evening event with Salon London
Banqueting House
24 June 18.30-21.00
£12/£10 HRP members
Get inside the hearts and minds of those living at the time of Charles I’s execution, as we re-live 1649 for a special event curated by Salon London. Held in the atmospheric Undercroft, we will host inspiring speakers from across the worlds of science, arts and psychology, taking a fresh perspective on the moment the English nation lay on the brink of republicanism. This event includes a drinks reception and entry to the palace. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Baroque Concert
Hampton Court Palace
28 June 19:45
£25
Carl Jackson conducts an orchestra of period instruments and the choir of the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace in a programme of Baroque splendour featuring anthems composed by Handel for the Coronation of King George II in 1727. For more information and to book online, please visit www.hrp.org.uk
Victoria’s Coronation
Kensington Palace
28 June
£20
Step back into Victoria’s past as Kensington Palace pays its respects to its former resident with an exciting morning tour of her house.
Midsummer Ball: Golden Ages of Glamour
Kensington Palace
12 July
£30
If you enjoyed the Midwinter Ball then prepare yourselves for the event of the summer as Kensington Palace introduces 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 a range of 20th century 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.
Tower power: Walking tour with Herbert Wright
Tower of London
Saturday 29 June 11.00-13.00
£12/£10 HRP members
The Tower of London is an architectural symbol of royal might, which for centuries dominated the capital’s skyline. Today it is overshadowed by a multitude of modern edifices, including the newly-built Shard. Architectural historian Herbert Wright will explore the Tower and its surrounding architecture, identifying what today’s ‘towers’ reveal about whose power is on the rise. This event includes entry to the palace. To book online please visit www.hrp.org.uk.
Fortress Tower: Have a Go Archery
Tower of London
29-30 June
Have you got what it takes defend the Tower of London against its enemies? Have you obeyed the law and spend every Sunday practicing with the English Longbow instead of wasting time at football? If not, you may need a refresher course from the Golden Arrow Archery group.
