the 'Versailles of England': Hampton Court Palace,

When traveling in the UK, royal attractions are a must-see. Besides the well-known Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and Westminster Abbey, Hampton Court Palace, known as the 'Versailles of England', is also worth a visit. Built in 1515 by Cardinal Wolsey in Tudor style, the palace transformed from a simple country house into a magnificent palace. In the 1520s, King Henry VIII expanded it after taking residence. By the 17th century, it became a premier venue, hosting the first performances of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', 'Macbeth', and 'The King's Men' for the newly crowned Stuart King James I. The Crown: A symbol of power, monarchy, and religious authority, this replica was crafted based on detailed descriptions by Henry VIII's servants, listing the size and placement of 344 rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls. The original crown was melted down in 1649 by order of Oliver Cromwell. The Royal Chapel: A masterpiece of Tudor architecture, the lavishly designed Royal Chapel offers traditional services year-round. Hampton Court Gardens: A horticultural masterpiece worth admiring! The gardens cover 750 acres, with 60 acres of formal gardens, featuring large mushrooms. Tudor Kitchens: Witness the culinary history of the Tudor dynasty. Henry VIII's kitchens at Hampton Court were the largest of their time. In 2023, enjoy free admission on September 16-17 and November 18-19. Direct train service is available from Waterloo to Hampton Court. Address: Hampton Court Palace KT8 9AU. Opening hours: 10:00-17:30. #London #UKTravel #HamptonCourtPalace