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Sensory Palaces

Updated 25 March. In line with Public Health England guidance, we have taken the decision to close all six of our palaces and gardens until 31st May. We will be reviewing this and will keep you updated. Please read our statement for further information. Read our statement

When

CANCELLED

Booking information

Advanced booking only.

Contact the Sensory Palaces team at [email protected]



Free (advance booking required)

A wellbeing programme for people living with dementia and their carers

Coronavirus (Covid-19) update

In light of recent events and the current closure of Historic Royal Palaces' sites, the upcoming Sensory Palaces sessions have been cancelled. We hope to reschedule these at a later date and will update this web page with details when we know more.

Sensory Palaces sessions engage participants in sensory storytelling in the historic spaces of our palaces.

Each session provides a chance to explore stories from the palace, participate in fun activities and build social connections. Sessions are designed to enhance mental health and wellbeing, encouraging new learning opportunities in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sessions are free for participants. They are delivered by expert freelancers, skilled in supporting people living with dementia.

Our next sessions

William III: Music of the battlefield

This interactive musical workshop led by Olivia McClennan will provide an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the battlefield through percussion and song.

Date: Tuesday 07 April

Time: 10:30-12:30 and 14:00-16:00

Sensory Palaces Programme Evaluation 2018

An evaluation of the benefits for people living with dementia and their carers and the impact of the heritage setting.

Download summary report Download full report

Dementia-friendly palaces

We are committed to Historic Royal Palaces being a 'Dementia-friendly' heritage organisation.

We deliver the Alzheimer’s Society’s 'Dementia Friends' information sessions for our staff and volunteers to raise awareness and understanding of the disease so that we are better able to support people living with dementia at our palaces and in our communities. We are members of the Dementia Action Alliance in Richmond.

Dementia-friendly heritage group

We lead the Dementia-friendly heritage group, a peer network comprising 18 heritage sites across the UK who are committed to developing and sharing dementia-friendly heritage best practice. New contacts are more than welcome!

Explore what's on

The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I exhibition, showing curator Eleri Lynn looking at the Bacton Altar Cloth in a case. The Rainbow Portrait hangs in the background of the green exhibition space.
Things to see Highlights

See The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I

See the Bacton Altar Cloth, a rare survival of Elizabethan dress worn by Elizabeth I, and the iconic Rainbow Portrait at Hampton Court Palace.

12 October 2019 - 23 February 2020

Hampton Court Palace

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more
The Mary of Modena bed in the Queen's Bedroom at Kensington Palace
Tours and talks

Describer tours

Helping blind or partially sighted visitors enjoy more of Kensington Palace, describer tours are available to book at no extra cost.

Selected dates - advance booking required

Kensington Palace

10:00 and 15:00

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more
British Sign Language (BSL) guide in the King's Guard Chamber of Hampton Court Palace explaining/guiding to a visitor
Tours and talks

British Sign Language tours

Book a place on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of Hampton Court Palace and discover its wonderful stories.

Next tour: Postponed

Hampton Court Palace

10:30-12:30, 13:30-15:30 and 16:00-17:00

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Elizabeth I

Was Elizabeth’s 44-year reign really a ‘golden era’ of English history?

Henry VIII’s kitchens

Preparing up to a thousand meals a day

The gardens at Hampton Court Palace

A brief history of the famous royal gardens