Inside Hampton Court Palace | Galleries, State Apartments & More

The Great Hall is like a time capsule from Henry VIII's era. Built in 1532 to replace an older hall, this place was the scene of grand feasts and lively dances. The hammer-beam roof is quite impressive, considering the time it was built, and you'll love the Abraham tapestries on the wall and Anne Boleyn's coat of arms. Additionally, the stunning stained glass from 1840 will give you a colorful peek into Henry VIII's family tree and his court. It's like stepping into a live history lesson.

Ever wonder what it was like to cook for Henry VIII? The kitchen at Hampton Court Palace was a hive of activity, with around 200 people whipping up over 800 meals daily. They burned a mind-blowing 1.3 million logs annually—no modern appliances here! See how each section was managed and the intricate process of roasting meat.  It's a real look at the behind-the-scenes of royal feasts!

If you're up for a bit of history mixed with mystery, the Haunted Gallery and Processional Route at Hampton Court Palace is a must-see. This was Henry VIII's special path from his apartments to the Chapel, where he made rare public appearances. Adorned with Tudor portraits, the gallery is linked to a haunting story of Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife. In 1541, she fled her cell and ran through this gallery, trying to reach Henry. Some believe her ghost still wanders these historic halls.

When you visit Hampton Court Palace, be sure to check out the Great Watching Chamber, the first of Henry VIII's State Apartments connected to the Great Hall. Only top-ranking guests were allowed here, with strict access controlled by the Yeoman of the Guard. You'll spot Henry's royal coat of arms and his wife Jane Seymour's badge on the stunning gilded ceilings. Later, William III added wooden paneling, mixing Tudor and Stuart styles. It's where courtiers enjoyed a meal after dancing in the Great Hall!

When wandering through the Hampton Court Palace, make sure to pop by William III's Apartments. Start with the grand staircase that leads to his staterooms, where you'll spot the epic painting 'Victory of Alexander over the Caesars,' showing William as a heroic Alexander. Then, check out the Guard Chamber, Presence Chamber, Eating Room, and both the Great and Little Bedrooms. And, oh, remember to peek downstairs into his private digs, where he kept his favorite treasures, such as the centerpiece by Steinwick and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons!

The Chapel Royal, which has been in use for over 450 years, boasts a colorful Tudor ceiling from Henry VIII's time. Queen Anne refreshed it in 1710. Monarchs used to sit in private pews, but now they're centrally located. A dramatic moment in history: in 1540, Henry received a letter about his wife Catherine's charges right here, leading to her tragic end. Watch for the replica of Henry's crown in the Royal Pew!

A visual feast awaits you at the Cumberland Art Gallery. Inside, you'll find a rotating display of Royal Collection masterpieces by legends like Rembrandt and Canaletto. This gallery occupies a stunning suite from the 1730s, created for William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, and has been restored to reflect its former glory. It's a great spot for art buffs to understand the royal obsession with art and see how these iconic pieces have been preserved.

Art lovers, there's another gallery for you to stop by — the Mantegna Gallery! This gallery features Andrea Mantegna's "The Triumphs of Caesar," a stunning series of nine paintings celebrating Roman victories. Originally created for the Gonzaga family's Palace in the late 15th century, these masterpieces were brought to England by Charles I in the 1620s. For over 400 years, they've showcased Caesar's grand military parades, complete with soldiers, exotic animals, and treasures!