Friday 19th Hampton Palace

Friday 19th September London - Hampton Palace

It was going to be a hot day today in London, a change from yesterday. I had already booked to go to Hampton Palace so happy it would be fine. Caught the tube to Waterloo station, and from there the train to Hampton Court. There always seems to be people around specifically to be able to help you with where to go if you look a little lost. So found out how to get from the underground to the trains with a little help, about half an hour to get to Hampton Court. 

Some renovations are being done so didn’t get a photo of its entirety. In through the gate, grabbed a map and started to wander, kitchens and wine cellar came first.

Sat down with a lady from Dorset to have a chat, a ginger beer and a piece of carrot cake, although you do get an English breakfast at the hotel, perhaps I just needed topping up it was 11.30 by then. Then it was the chapel courtyard and the royal Chapel itself.

The ceiling is magnificent, definitely a highlight and from Henry VIII’s time, apparently it came in a sort of kit set, was installed then painted and guided, the official lady told me that I could get a closer view from the Kings Pew further around the tour.

Originally there would have been stained glass windows but they were changed during the civil war ..Cromwell?  the floor she said would originally have been red and green terracotta tiles but was changed by William and Mary and completed in Queen Anne’s time. At the time of my visit, the pipe organ was being played, so the ambience was amazing.

The fountain court, was a taste of gardens to come, out into the Great Fountain garden, The fountain was cordoned off and not fountaining so didn’t go too close 

Investigated what is called the Privy garden which leads down to the river Thames. 

The topiary was perfect, looking from the palace and then looking back towards part of the palace. What looks like a hedge to the left is a a hornbeam bower, originally an elm bower was planted in 1690 for Mary II to walk in the shade. Shade that I appreciated in 2025.

Rather extravagant gates to the Thames.

Unfortunately the knot garden and orangery gardens were closed off, maybe due to the renovations being done. Back through the Great Fountain garden to a perennial border alongside the indoor tennis courts. It was a hot day in London, and most plants looked like they could do with some water.

The wilderness

The rose garden 

Finally the kitchen garden, which supplies the cafe and also a produce and plant stall. I couldn’t get into the Magic garden as appparently you have to be a child, I also missed the maze, last time in France I had to follow a child out so didn’t risk it today.

Back inside and there was a Chocolate Kitchen, Chocolate had its own kitchen! Seems sensible to me and to this fellow.

Clock court and some some fancy chimneys

Henry’s quarters, Feasting room 

Got closer to that amazing ceiling in the chapel,

Then into the Baroque part of the palace, mostly for William and Mary 

Although a little ghost like the dress styles of the day in white fabric was a really interesting touch, usually with the owners name. One pair of dresses had owners with the nicknames of Elephant and beanpole - how rude!

Inspiration for one’s next ceiling? Imagine trying to go to sleep under that! Time to leave and catch the train back to London. Looking back towards Hampton Court from the bridge over River Thames.