There are plenty of great offers on at Historic Royal Palaces throughout November and December.  Get a final glimpse of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee at Kensington Palace, enjoy the ice rinks at the Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace or come and experience the Christmas fun and festivities across the palaces.

LAST CHANCE!!
Jubilee: A view from the crowd
Kensington Palace
Until 4 NovemberA temporary exhibition exploring Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 from the point of view of those who celebrated it.

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was a momentous occasion, celebrated the length and breadth of the British Empire.  This exuberant, intriguing exhibition captures the festive mood of the celebrations and offers an engaging, immersive experience. Visitors explore this great event in Victoria's life, as well as making connections with the London celebrations in 2012 both for the Jubilee and the Olympics.

Diana: Glimpses of a modern Princess
Kensington Palace
Until 4 November
A small display of five dresses worn by Diana Princess of Wales, including the iconic black cocktail dress by Versace, the stunning strapless evening gown by Emanuel and a shocking pink Catherine Walker gown.  The display will showcase the dresses at their best. Interiors designer and stylist Finola Inger has created an elegant and theatrical set which will include a bespoke wallpaper by renowned artist Julie Verhoeven inspired by some of the Princess’s key fashion moments. 

Tower Twilight Tours
Tower of London
Every Wednesday in November 19:00
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

Raven Talks
Tower of London
1 & 2 November 11.30 and 14.30
These talks are your opportunity to discover why ravens have presided here for centuries and how they are cared for by the Raven master and his assistants.  You’ll also be introduced to the ravens and their habitats here at the Tower and learn many fascinating facts and stories!

Talks last 30 minutes and will start at the Raven's cages.

New!!
Henry VIII Crown
Hampton Court Palace
From 27th October
A magnificent new re-creation of Henry VIII’s Imperial crown will be unveiled this autumn. Destroyed after the English Civil War, it has been painstakingly re-created by Historic Royal Palaces and the Crown Jeweller’s master craftsmen using new research and original records and paintings. This glittering symbol of Henry’s legacy will be displayed in the Royal Pew at Hampton Court Palace, allowing visitors to enjoy access to the balcony for the first time in seven years.

Tudor Cookery
Hampton Court Palace
3 – 4 November & 1 – 2 December
Which dishes make a Tudor tummy rumble?  Experience real smells and sounds in Henry VIII’s Kitchens as our team of history chefs prepare a royal feast fit for a king.

Great War Society
Tower of London
3 – 4 November
It’s 1914 and the Tower is the recruiting ground for the British Army.  See the weapons, the tactics, the troops and their allies who will ensure that this will be the war to end all wars. Live costumed interpreters bring the past to life in this iconic setting.

Eerie Evening Tours
Kensington Palace
9, 16 & 23 November 18:45
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 £25 each, advance booking is essential; tickets will not be available to buy on the night.

There will also be a Christmas themed Eerie Evening tour, date TBC.

Ice at the Tower – Tower of London Ice Rink
Tower of London
From 17 November 2012
Feel the cold tingle of London’s crisp winter air, listen to the music, and take in the incomparable surroundings as you glide (gracefully or not so) around the rink in the moat of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. 

Whether you pop along with friends during your lunchtime, plan a romantic date or decide to make a day of it at this world-famous fortification, the Tower of London ice rink is one of the coolest locations for winter fun with a group of friends or a festive family gathering.  

Please note: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  For more information and to book, please visit  http://www.toweroflondonicerink.com/

Ice at the Palace – Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Hampton Court Palace
From 1 December
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will return for six weeks of winter fun.   Glide around the ice in royal style within the setting of the magnificent Palace. Enjoy the winter sun as it glistens on the ice, and after dark, skate under the stars. The Palace will be illuminated after the sun goes down, providing a magical fairytale scene to delight young and old! 

For more information and to book, please visit  http://www.hamptoncourticerink.com/

Christmas at Kensington
Kensington Palace
1 December – 2 January
See Kensington Palace in a new light this Christmas as it is transformed into a palace-sized advent calendar for all the family. The programme will include a surprise daily reveal and performance throughout December, inspired by Queen Victoria's childhood at the palace. Expect traditional festive favourites such as carol singing, mulled wine, and mince pies - along with some more unexpected offerings and a special Eerie Evening tour.   

There will also be the opportunity to experience a magical, decadent night at the palace with a one-off ‘Midwinter Ball’ on 13 December. 

Medieval Christmas
Tower of London
15 – 23 December
Celebrate Christmas at the Tower.  Join King Edward I and his court as they prepare for Christmas in the medieval palace and share tales of saints and sinners, chivalry and sorcery.  Live costumed interpreters bring the Tower to life through the festive period.

Carol singing at Hampton Court Palace
17, 18, 19 and 23 December 2012
6pm and 8pm
Get the festive season off to a traditional start with our annual carol singing around the courtyards of Hampton Court Palace.  Accompanied by the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, join us in the singing of popular and well known Christmas Carols                                                                .            

This is a VERY popular event so this year there will be two opportunities per evening to sing – and participants are expected to sing!  Bah humbug to those who don’t want to join in!

This is an outdoor event that takes carol singers around the palace courtyards after dark.  Please wrap up warmly and bring a torch to see the music by.

Tickets on sale in October and cost £7

Victorian Christmas
Tower of London
27 – 31 December
Join Charles Dickens back in a world where so many of our Christmas customs were brand new, from the evergreen trees Prince Albert set up in his family home, to the now familiar carols. Live costumed interpreters bring the Tower to life through the festive period.

A Tudor Christmas
Hampton Court Palace
27 December – 1 January
With the aging king increasingly withdrawn, the young courtiers are determined to celebrate the season in style.  Songs and dances will be laid on for your delight.  But beware of the schemes of ambitious nobles….Meanwhile the historic kitchens team will be cooking up a feast for the king.