What's on in August?

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What's on in August?

Battle it out this summer at the Tower of London with fun packed events for all ages, whether it be firing siege engines or cheering on your favourite Knight at a medieval tournament there’s loads to discover as the Tower turns Fortress!  Meanwhile soak up the sumptuous world of The Last Debutantes at Kensington Palace’s new exhibition which boasts stunning 1950’s couture dresses by the likes of Dior, Balmain and Worth.  Also don’t miss your last chance to see the enchanting gowns worn by the stars in The Other Boleyn Girl dress exhibition at Hampton Court Palace, closes 26th August. 

Don’t forget HRP membership is the most cost-effective way to visit our palaces, giving unlimited free entry to all five palaces for a whole year! Prices start at only £38.00!

Events at our palaces are fun and interactive for all the family

Press release

New! Daily Permanent new interactive displays and exhibitions
Tower of London Fortress
Meet the new metal garrison on the battlements, handle crossbows and fire seige engines as you explore the Tower’s history as a formidable royal fortress. New areas to explore and interactive exhibits are waiting for you!

Daily until mid Sept
Tower of London  Shoot siege weapons!
Get to grips with the new life-size replica medieval siege machines in the Tower Moat. Learn how they were built and operated and even try firing one yourself!

Daily until 31 Aug
Tower of London  Masters of the sword
Knights in shining armour bring a mixture of chivalry and blood-thirsty combat to the Tower. The year is 1467 and King Edward IV is trying to bring peace between rival factions in the Wars of the Roses. Will this work or will bloodshed follow? Cheer on your rival knights and their squires and ladies.

New! Daily
Tower of London  Hands on history
The enhanced Hands on history exhibition re-opens for year two on the top floor of the White Tower, with new and exciting hands-on activities for all.

Daily until 26 Aug  Last chance!
Hampton Court Palace The Other Boleyn Girl dress exhibition
This summer you can see some of the stunning costumes worn by the blockbuster film’s stars Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana.

Until June 2009  New exhibition
Kensington Palace  The last debutantes 1958. Season of change 

Discover the glamorous and alluring world of the debutante at Kensington Palace. See beautiful gowns, learn about what it meant to be a ‘deb’ and explore the spirit of a world in transition in this exciting new multimedia exhibition. 

Daily
Kensington Palace  Diana, fashion and style
A collection of exquisite dresses that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales, charting the development of her style and including seven dresses never displayed before at Kensington Palace.

Daily until 8 Aug 
Hampton Court Palace  History where it happened

Find out about life at the court of Henry VIII in dramatised tours and presentations.

Aug weekends and Bank Holiday – 2/3, 9/10, 16/17, 23/24/25, 30/31 Aug
Kew Palace  Queen Charlotte’s Cottage
Discover a hidden gem in Kew Gardens. In happier times this delightful cottage was the royal family’s rustic retreat and a venue for informal picnics and laughter-filled afternoon teas.

2/3 & 23/24/25 Aug
Hampton Court Palace  Tudor cookery
The Tudor kitchens come alive with the smells and sights of Tudor cookery. Our team of experimental archaeologists investigate how Tudor food was made and then cook it!

Aug weekends and Bank Holiday - 2/3, 9/10, 16/17, 23/24/25, 30/31 Aug
Hampton Court Palace  Tapestry of music

Take a tour of Henry VIII’s spectacular royal apartments, led by musicians in the King’s livery as they play authentic Tudor music. A unique way of experiencing one of the greatest palaces on earth.

2-15 Aug
Kensington Palace Twelfth Night – Open air theatre
We are pleased to welcome the ever popular Oxford Shakespeare Company presenting their dynamic adaptation of Shakespeare's light-hearted comedy 'Twelfth Night'. Please note that there are no performances on Mondays. Tickets: adults £23, concessions £15, under 12s £8. For bookings, please call 0870 264 3333 or visit www.seetickets.com. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance at Kensington Palace, Tower of London or Hampton Court Palace.

4-9 Aug  
Banqueting House  Last days of the king

Costumed event looking at the last days of King Charles I who was executed at the Banqueting House in 1649. Features Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, Guards and people from that year.

8-15 Aug  
Hampton Court Palace  Private Lives – Open air theatre
Noel Coward's witty and seductive masterpiece will be performed in the East Front Gardens by a top West End cast from Carpe Momento Productions, taking you on a magical journey of jealousy, love and passion. Please note that there are no performances on Mondays. Tickets: adults £23, concessions £15, under 12s £8. For bookings, please call 0870 264 3333 or visit www.seetickets.com. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the day and in advance at Hampton Court Palace.

9-31 Aug
Hampton Court Palace  Pastime with good company

King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn invite you to their palace of pleasure. Tudor games and sports in the gardens and courtyards. Gamble with Tudor groats, cheer on the wrestling noblemen or try your hands at Tudor skittles.

New! 10 & 24 Aug
Kew Palace  Sunday evening tours
This is an exclusive tour with an expert to guide you  around the palace and explore areas not normally open to the public. Includes wine and nibbles. Tickets £25 per person - must be booked in advance. For details and bookings please call 0844 482 7777.

16-31 Aug  
Kensington Palace  Private Lives - Open air theatre

Noel Coward's witty and seductive masterpiece will be performed by a top West End cast from Carpe Momento Productions, taking you on a magical journey of jealousy, love and passion. Please note that there are no performances on Mondays. Tickets: adults £23, concessions £15, under 12s £8. For bookings, please call 0870 264 3333 or visit www.seetickets.com. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the day and in advance at Kensington Palace, the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace.

16-24 Aug
Hampton Court Palace Twelfth Night– Open air theatre 
We are pleased to welcome the ever popular Oxford Shakespeare Company presenting their dynamic adaptation of Shakespeare's light-hearted comedy 'Twelfth Night'. Please note that there are no performances on Mondays.  Tickets: adults £23, concessions £15, under 12s £8.  For bookings, please call 0870 264 3333 or visit www.seetickets.com. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased on the day or in advance at Hampton Court Palace.

16/17 Aug   
Tower of London  Tournament at the Tower

Cheer on your favourite team as knights on horseback clash, lances shatter and armour crashes.  A recreation of the Smithfield Tournament of 1467. The visiting team from the Low Countries led by Anthony, Grand Bastard of Burgundy, challenge the Queen’s Brother, Anthony Woodville, Lord Scales to friendly joust.

23/24/25 Aug
Hampton Court Palace  A country affair
A unique mix of attractions and entertainment for every member of the family, capturing the essence and the atmosphere of the countryside within Hampton Court Palace’s grounds. Visit www.acountryaffair.com for ticket information.

Further information

 

Notes to editors

For further information about events and listings please contact Cat Steventon in Historic Royal Palaces Press Office on 020 3166 6166 or email catherine.steventon@hrp.org.uk or visit www.hrp.org.uk  

For images, please register on http://hrp.newsteam.co.uk which holds our gallery of images. You can browse and download hi-res images from this site. Usage is free for editorial.

Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace and Kew Palace.  We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built.
We receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so we depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors.
These palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
We believe in four principles.  Guardianship: giving these palaces a future as long and valuable as their past. Discovery: encouraging people to make links with their own lives and today’s world.  Showmanship: doing everything with panache. Independence: having our own point of view and finding new ways to do our work.

www.hrp.org.uk      registered charity number 1068852

 

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