A wellbeing programme for people living with dementia and their carers

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

Chocolate Court

Creative practitioner Janine Marsh will lead you on a special sensory tour of the historic Chocolate Kitchens. Learn all about the court chocolatiers and warm up by sampling some Georgian hot chocolate.

Date: Thursday 11 November

Time: 10.30-12.30 and 14.00-16.00

Christmas at the palace

Celebrate the festive season in this interactive workshop led by Janine Marsh. Discover how Christmas has been celebrated at Hampton Court Palace throughout the ages and experience the sights and sounds of Christmas at court.

Date: Tuesday 16 December

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!