Hampton Court Palace

Play in the old kings' and queens' maze and then visit the spot where Henry VIII had his breakfast. To make a lengthy story short, Cardinal Wolsey, the Lord Chancellor of Henry VIII, originally intended Hampton Court Palace to be a magnificent country retreat for hosting state visits. Unfortunately, Wolsey did such a great job out-blinging the king that when the Pope refused to allow Henry to divorce his wife Catherine of Aragon so he could hook up with Anne Boleyn, Henry pretty practically stole Hampton Court Palace from Wolsey as reparation.

So, history was created. Some of the magnificent sixteenth-century quarters that still stand proudly are the nicest parts to visit at Hampton Court Palace, which has long been known as the Tudors' home, similar to the kitchens, which originally housed the large production staff that twice daily fed 600 persons in court. Or smell around the king's treasures, such as French wine, regional game, and Italian olives, in the spice rooms and vaults.

If you're interested in learning more, try to locate and sign up for one of the many free seminars or tours. Or, for a little extra excitement, keep an eye out for the local LARPers, who recreate "encounters with the past" in various locations throughout the palace, including encountering Henry VIII's courtiers.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: East MoleseySurreyLondonKT8 9AU
Phone: 0844 482 7777,
Price:£23, £19 concs, £11.50 under-16, £41 family (1 adult and three children), £57 (two adults and three children). Online and after Nov 1 cheaper.
Opening hours:For 2017 Mar 26-Oct 28, 10am-6pm; Oct 29-Mar 2018; Magic Garden open Apr-Oct 29, 10am-6pm.
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace