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The thumbnails below are
linked to larger pictures
A visit to Hampton Court Palace makes for a real quality day
out. For centuries the Palace was home to some of Britain's most famous kings
and queens, most of whom left their imprint, which you can now explore. The
Lawns and trees are sculptured and beautifully maintained and the specialist
gardens are superbly designed and landscaped.
 The tour around the palace apartments
is made all the more enjoyable by a young and enthusiastic group of tour guides
many in period costume. A daily programme of special events (which are
regularly changed), such as a medieval quartet and a Victorian photo shoot
added to the interest and atmosphere. The whole attraction came across as being
very well managed.
The restaurants and tea rooms offer a good selection
of light meals including a range of tasty and imaginative sandwiches at
reasonable prices and in pleasant surroundings.
The Palace has been divided into six routes or tours so you
don't have to trudge around the whole palace in one long tour. The six routes
are arranged in a way that helps to explain how the palace was occupied by the
monarchy.
The main tours are, Henry VIII's State Apartments, The Kings
Apartments (William III's), The Tudor Kitchens, The Queens State Apartments,
The Georgian Rooms and the Wolsey Rooms & Renaissance Picture Gallery. All
routes are signposted from Clock Court, which also contains the Information
Centre. In addition there are the many magnificent Palace Gardens, including
the new Privy Garden and the Courtyards and Cloisters. There is a lot to see
and it will take a full day to do it justice.
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