Schools Tudor Festival
Hampton Court Palace - Monday 23 to Friday 27 June 2025
The Tudor Schools festival is currently fully booked but we do anticipate some cancellations. If you would like to be added to our waiting list please contact schoolsfestival@hrp.org.uk.
The year is 1522. Find out what it was like to prepare for Henry VIII’s Royal progress!
Join us for the first schools only Tudor festival, in the gardens at Hampton Court Palace, as we bring to life the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of King Henry VIII and his court on tour.
During his lifetime, Henry went on several large-scale tours of the country to boost his popularity and consolidate his power. These tours were known as ‘royal progresses’ and were huge undertakings, involving hundreds of people.
Along the routes, ordinary people would clamour for sight of their awe-inspiring King. At key points along the way, there would have been feasts, pageantry, music and performances to entertain the King and his entourage, as they spent the night in royal residences and manor houses all over the country.
The festival will attempt to recreate the colour, activity and atmosphere of a royal progress through a series of demonstration tents, performances and historical characters. Through vibrant, interactive and multi-sensory activities, students will broaden their understanding of the Tudor world whilst having lots of fun!
Schools coming to the Tudor Festival
Resources for planning your visit
Festival Access guide coming soon.
What's included for schools?
Schools will be given an allocated timeslot to explore the outdoor festival site, visiting special tents where Tudor demonstrations of such things as cooking, and costume will take place. There will also be timed performances, Tudor games to play and opportunities to meet members of King Henry's court! When not at the festival, schools are welcome to explore the Palace and gardens.
Travel subsidy
A small amount of funding is available to assist eligible schools with travel costs to the festival. To be eligible, schools must be state funded (unless a Special school), and meet the following criteria:
- At least 30% of pupils eligible for Pupil Premium*
- 15% SEND pupils*
*Special schools do not need to adhere to these criteria.
Funding will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To find out how much travel funding your school may be eligible for, please see our funding map here.
To apply for a travel subsidy, please complete the relevant section of the online booking form below and ensure that the relevant box is ticked.
