fun things to do with kids in london england    
  Travel for Kids
  | London
     
    Hampton Court Palace
Hampton Court
Hampton Court was a favorite palace of the Tudors, especially Henry VIII. Edward, Henry VIII's son, was born and christened at Hampton Court, but Jane Seymour died at the palace a few days later. Henry's fifth wife, Catherine Howard, tried running through the galleries to avoid arrest, but was caught and imprisoned in her apartments. Kids will enjoy a trip to Hampton Court Palace as a fun day trip from London.
 

At the entrance, pick up a "Family Trail" and audio tours for children. Inside the palace, don't miss the scale model of Hampton Court Palace and video presentation, near the Fountain Court.

    You can walk through Henry VIII's State Apartments, the King's Apartments, Queen's Apartments at your own pace. The State Apartments includes the magnificent Great Hall, decorated with royal arms, the Haunted Gallery (shades of Catherine Howard), and the stunning Chapel Royal, where masses of gilded stars sparkle in a deep blue ceiling.
    Tudor Kitchens – Henry VIII was a big guy, with a gargantuan appetite, and the royal court to feed. The kitchens re-create the setting for a huge 16th century feast. Wander through rooms where food was stored, prepared, and "dressed," before it was carried to the Great Hall.
   

The maze, set up in the 17th century, is a lot of fun. Plenty of room to run around in the acres of gardens too. Bring a picnic, or stop into the Tiltyard Tea-rooms for lunch and snacks.

To get to Hampton Court, take a short train ride from London, or a boat on the Thames. Pick up the boats at Westminster Pier.
  Tip: Hampton Court Palace is free with the London Pass .
family travel tools london

Instead of waiting in ticket lines, save your time for exploring Hampton Court Palace. Buy your tickets in advance, and skip the lines:

Hampton Court Palace Tickets
kids books england
     
Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor  
Elizabeth I (The Royal Diaries)
Kathryn Lasky

Fictional diary of eleven year old Princess Elizabeth, a forgotten princess shuttled between palaces. At Hampton Court, Elizabeth is tutored in languages, astronomy and math, attends feasts and pageants in the Great Hall, and hears the ghost of Catherine Howard in the Long Gallery. (Chapter book)

 

(More children's books on other London and England pages)

 

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