An exclusive digital hub for Historic Royal Palaces members
Watch: Welcome to The Vault
A special welcome to your members’ digital hub, from Henry VIII.
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A special welcome to the members' digital hub, The Vault, from Henry VIII himself.
Video Transcript of Welcome to The Vault
Follow along with an interactive transcript of this video welcoming members to The Vault on YouTube. A link to open the transcript can be found in the description.
Your members' magazine
This issue of Inside Story is an extra special one because 2026 marks 20 years since the launch of our Membership scheme; a milestone made possible with your support. Thank you. Explore centuries of history, captivating stories and so much more inside.
Historic Royal Palaces aims to be accessible to all - download your members' magazine Microsoft Word document here.
Inside Story
Published three times a year, your members' magazine is bursting with everything from expert interviews to stories from across the palaces. Explore more exclusive insights and inspiration in the archive.
Members' videos
Members' videos
As a member, you have access to a whole library of behind-the-ropes videos from, 'Conservation in action' to 'Curators' corner' - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the archive here.
Manage your membership
New Member login
Manage your membership and book free admission and member event tickets easily and securely online. Log in to your Historic Royal Palaces account using your email address and password.
Need help? See our Member login FAQs.
Renew your membership
If you don’t pay by Direct Debit, renew in your final month to enjoy another year of unlimited adventures. You’ll get our best price when you choose this payment method. Log in to your Historic Royal Palaces account with your email address and password.
Inspiration for your next visit
Members' Week
19-27 September 2026
Join us for a special members-only celebration as we mark 20 years of the Historic Royal Palaces membership scheme. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support. Enjoy exclusive events and prizes, double discounts, competitions and more!
Henry VIII's Joust
Step back in time and watch fearless knights clash in a thrilling tournament at Henry VIII’s magnificent home. Pick your favourites and cheer them on until one team reigns supreme.
11-12 and 18-19 July. Members go free. Pre-booking required.
© Immediate Media
Food Festival
Don’t miss the best summer bank holiday weekend celebrations for all the family. Eat, shop and soak up the sun in Hampton Court Palace’s beautiful gardens.
29-31 August. Members go free. Pre-booking required.
Tower River Tour
Member discount
Embark on a voyage aboard the official Tower of London River Tour and experience London’s iconic landmarks through live storytelling. Members enjoy 10% off; find the discount code in your monthly member e-newsletter.
50 Things to do at Historic Royal Palaces
Make the most of your membership with our list of 50 things to do around our magnificent palaces. Download now and tick them off when you visit.
Upcoming events for members
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Members-Only Gardens Tours at Hillsborough Castle
Explore the gardens surrounding Northern Ireland's only royal residence with an expert guide on these members-only tours.
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Dates:
19 September 2026
- Times: 11:00 - 12:00
- Location: Hillsborough Castle
- Ticket type: Free (advance booking required)
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Member-Only Rooftop Tours
Marvel at spectacular views across Hampton Court Palace's gardens and beyond, as you learn about the history of the palace on a members-only rooftop tour.
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Dates:
25 July, 01 August, 08 August, 15 August, 22 August, 12 September 2026
- Times: 14:00 and 16:00
- Location: Hampton Court Palace
- Ticket type: Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Members-Only Evening: History of Cheese in Henry VIII’s Kitchens
Step into Henry VIII’s famous Kitchens and discover the fascinating history of cheese at the palace paired with delicious samples of cheeses from independent local store Green & Lovely.
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Dates:
15 July and 16 September 2026
- Times: 18:30 - 19:30
- Location: Hampton Court Palace
- Ticket type: Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Discounts and ticket offers
A Beano Studios Product © DC Thomson & Co Ltd (2026)
Start a Beano subscription for just £1
Special Historic Royal Palaces offer!
Packed with mischief, Beano comics bring reading that breaks the rules to kids aged 6 to 12, with 36 pages of comic strip adventures delivered weekly.
For a limited time, get an introductory price of £1 for your first five issues delivered in the UK. Visit the Official Beano Shop to claim this blamtastic offer.
© Historic Royal Palaces/House of Puzzles
House of Puzzles
10% off the Historic Royal Palaces collection
Enjoy a mindful escape with an illustrated jigsaw inspired by our palaces. From royal motifs to palace stories, the beautiful designs are perfect for history lovers, and every purchase supports our work as an independent charity.
Discount valid until 30 June 2026 and automatically applied when you purchase via the button below; or use code HRPHOP10.
Unmissable offers and discounts from small businesses local to Hampton Court Palace, exclusively for members. Please present your valid membership card to redeem.
Green & Lovely - 10% off
A treasure trove of artisanal and locally produced foods, Green & Lovely is found just over the bridge from Hampton Court Palace. Discover the best British cheeses, freshly baked bread, Home Counties charcuterie and so much more. Discount valid in-store only.
Hampton Court Fruits – 10% off
Explore the freshest, tastiest produce at Hampton Court Fruits, your go-to for premium fruit and veg in the heart of Hampton Court. From crisp apples to juicy berries and vibrant seasonal vegetables for your table, everything is chosen for quality and flavour. Discount valid in-store only.
© Game of Thrones ®/HBO Studios
Game of Thrones Studio Tour Northern Ireland
Step into the Seven Kingdoms at the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour. This immersive experience invites you to walk through the iconic Great Hall of Winterfell and discover the secrets behind the making of a global phenomenon.
Members benefit from a 30% discount with code CROWNOFNI. Valid for general admission tickets booked before 31 December 2026. Discount cannot be used with event offerings. A valid membership card must be presented on the day.
Big adventures for young explorers
Discover exclusive competitions, engaging online activities and easy-to-use printables, designed to keep the whole family entertained.
Competition: Meet Henry VIII
Member children have the exclusive opportunity to win a role in Henry VIII’s Joust at Hampton Court Palace and meet the King himself after the performance. Want to be involved? Click the button below.
Ready, set, enter!
What type of knight are you?
Are you The Bold Champion, The Noble Protector, or The Brave Challenger? Take our fun family quiz and discover your knightly identity.
Henry VIII’s Joust colouring sheets
Get ready for Henry VIII’s Joust with your very own knight to colour. Perfect for young squires and creative minds, bring your champion to life before the big event.
Beano Mischief colouring sheets
Beano comes to Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this summer. The fun starts at home with downloadable colouring sheets of Dennis and his Beanotown pals. What silliness and shenanigans will they be getting up to?
A Beano Studios Product © DC Thomson & Co Ltd (2026)
Members' colouring sheets
Step into a world of kings, knights, and mythical creatures with these playful colouring sheets, inspired by the wonders of our palaces and the fascinating people who once lived there.
© Hayley Bray
Magic Garden activity booklet
Bring the magic home with this colourful activity booklet inspired by our very own magical playground at Hampton Court Palace. Can you crack the code in the word search and help the knight through the treacherous maze?
Minibeast activities
Our palace gardens are home to all kinds of creepy-crawlies. Download our printable activity booklet and colouring sheets to have fun exploring in your own garden or nearby green space. For the activity booklet, simply print double-sided and fold in half.
History videos
Step back in time and meet historical figures in fun videos designed especially for children aged between 5 and 7.
What challenges did Elizabeth I face as queen? How did John Blanke, a skilled Black musician impress Henry VII and Henry VIII at court? Why did Sophia Duleep Singh become a suffragette?
Watch now
Quizzes
Members’ preview: Inspired by Dennis and his pals from Beanotown who are crash-landing in Havoc at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle Hijinks this summer, meet mischief-making characters from our palaces, across the centuries. Take the terrific time-travelling test below – or play here.
Podcasts
Hear from historians, curators and those hidden from the history books in expert podcasts from Historic Royal Palaces.
The Last Princesses of Punjab
The current exhibition at Kensington Palace, ‘The Last Princesses of Punjab’ explores the story of Punjabi princess and suffragette icon, Sophia Duleep Singh and five women who shaped her extraordinary life.
Join Curators Dr Mishka Sinha and Polly Putnam, alongside special guests, in this new podcast series to learn about the Duleep Singh family and the impact the Empire had on their lives. Transcripts are available for all episodes when listening via your chosen podcast platform.
Listen on Apple podcasts Listen on Spotify
Podcast transcript
The Stolen Tudor Crown
An early, near-fatal illness provoked a succession crisis that continued throughout Elizabeth I's long reign. But was James VI of Scotland really named by the dying queen?
Listen to this first episode in a four-part podcast series exploring the Elizabethan succession, hosted by Chief Historian Tracy Borman. Find the rest of the episodes on your chosen podcast platform.
Listen on Apple podcasts Listen on SpotifyBlog
Enjoy the latest news and stories from Historic Royal Palaces. Our sites have been the scenes of some of the most remarkable moments in our history; they have so many stories to tell.
© Marquess of Salisbury/Hatfield House
Elizabeth I: One of England’s Greatest Orators?
Admired for her natural eloquence, Elizabeth I used powerful speech to shape her reign. Here, Curator Charles Farris explores some of her most famous and influential addresses.
How Bill Clinton helped broker the Northern Ireland Peace Process
Over the last 70 years, Hillsborough Castle has hosted three US Presidents. But it was the USA’s 42nd President, Bill Clinton, who had the greatest influence on Northern Ireland’s political destiny.
Highlights this month
Watch: Anne Boleyn | The Downfall and Execution of a Tudor Queen
Anne Boleyn is the most famous Tudor Queen in history, and yet the causes for her arrest, then her trial and execution at the Tower of London remain hotly debated. Was she guilty?
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This content may be using cookies and other technologies for which we need your consent before loading. To view the content, you need to enable cookies for "Targeting Cookies & Other Technologies".
Anne Boleyn is the most famous Tudor Queen in history, and yet the causes for her arrest, then her trial and execution at the Tower of London remain hotly debated. Anne’s meteoric rise to become the second wife of Henry VIII influenced the English Reformation, and she gave birth to the future Queen Elizabeth I. Henry and Anne’s marriage was even a love match. So how did it all end in one of the most dramatic downfalls in history? Was Anne Boleyn guilty of the crimes laid against her, or was she the tragic victim of court politics? What do you think?
Video Transcript of Anne Boleyn: The Downfall and Execution of a Tudor Queen
Follow along with an interactive transcript of this video about the downfall of Anne Boleyn on YouTube. A link to open the transcript can be found in the description.
Watch: 18th Century Shoe Conservation
In the 18th Century, highly decorative silk-covered heels were fashionable footwear for the wealthy, both men and women. This pair of pink shoes were recently acquired by Historic Royal Palaces for conservation.
This content is hosted on YouTube
This content may be using cookies and other technologies for which we need your consent before loading. To view the content, you need to enable cookies for "Targeting Cookies & Other Technologies".
In the 18th Century, highly decorative silk-covered heels were fashionable footwear for the wealthy, both men and women. This pair of pink shoes were recently acquired by Historic Royal Palaces for conservation. In this video, Textile Conservator Katica Laza discusses the features of these beautiful shoes, and demonstrates how pieces like this are restored in our Conservation Studio. As 18th Century damage is repaired, more information about the shoes is discovered. To properly conserve the shoes, a team effort is required, with input from the Heritage Science Team and Conservation Technicians.
Video Transcript of 18th Century Shoe Conservation: What we discovered
Follow along with an interactive transcript of this video about 18th century shoe conservation on YouTube. A link to open the transcript can be found in the description.
Explore our palaces from home
Online Exhibition: Henry VIII's Lost Gardens at Hampton Court
In 1530, Henry VIII’s transformation of Hampton Court Palace was well underway, creating a vast complex of palace-like buildings across the grounds. Explore this lost world through a collection of 16th-century treasures and videos.
Virtual Art Tour: Rubens's London masterpiece
Explore the Painted Ceiling of the Banqueting House, Whitehall Palace with Google Arts & Culture in incredible detail online.
Virtual Tour: The Council Chamber in the King's House
Explore the King's House with Google Arts & Culture. This beautiful timber-framed house contains one of the Tower of London’s most important rooms, the Council Chamber. Today it's a private house, but this virtual tour will give you a rare glimpse inside.
Audio Tour of The Wolsey Closet
Tucked away near the entrance to the Cumberland Art Gallery at Hampton Court Palace is an intimate and mysterious space, popularly known as The Wolsey Closet. Take an audio tour with Public Historian Charles Farris.
You might be interested in
Women's history at our palaces
For centuries women have influenced the course of history, and the history of our palaces. Explore a selection of their stories, compiled by our expert curators and contributors.
Your membership in action
Our strategy
We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. Explore who we are and how your support is helping us to Reach Further, Mean More, and Act for the Future.
Conservation at Historic Royal Palaces
Remarkable facts and figures about our work, explored online with Google Arts & Culture. Discover how, with your help, we protect and conserve, research and manage the collections on display and in store across our six palaces.
Caring for Collections at Historic Royal Palaces
Come behind the scenes for a glimpse of important treasures from our collections, explored online with Google Arts & Culture.
Other ways to support us
Historic Royal Palaces is an independent charity, meaning we rely on the support of donors, partners, patrons, visitors and members like you, to care for the palaces and to create accessible and engaging experiences.
Thank you for supporting us as a member. If you would like to do more, there are many ways you can help give our palaces a future, for everyone.
Can you Gift Aid?
If you’re a UK taxpayer, Gift Aiding is a quick and easy way to increase the impact of your membership donation, at no cost to you. By opting in, we can claim an additional 25p for every £1 of your membership fee from HMRC. Simply email [email protected] and our friendly team will do the rest.
Find out more about Gift Aid in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Leave a legacy
Large or small, every legacy is important and makes a real difference to our work. All our administrative costs are covered by our daily visitor income, so gifts left to us through wills go directly towards our charitable work.
Learn more
Volunteer
Volunteers are vital to the day-to-day running of the palaces, from helping to welcome our visitors to supporting our learning and engagement team with family learning activities. Find interesting and challenging roles in a unique working environment.
Be part of something great
Become a Life member
Create a lifetime of memories in some of the most magnificent palaces ever built. Access all eras for life and share the experience with a guest.
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