Explore the stories and spaces of our palaces in a welcoming and relaxed environment
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When
Selected dates (next session 23 September 2025)
Booking information
Contact the Community Partnerships team with any queries: communities@hrp.org.uk
Free (advance booking required)
Book a sessionAbout the programme
For nearly a decade, our dementia-friendly programme has enabled people affected by dementia to explore the stories and spaces of our palaces and gardens to support their mental health and wellbeing.
We aim to create a welcoming environment and a relaxed experience for individuals, companions and groups affected by dementia by encouraging creativity, providing opportunities for social interaction and a person-centred approach.
Upcoming sessions
Sessions will be held on-site at Hampton Court Palace.
A Royal Harvest
Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025
Time: 11:00 - 14:30 (you are welcome to arrive from 10:30)
Join storyteller Olivia Armstrong as she explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the Hampton Court Palace Kitchen Garden at harvest time. We will be visiting the gardens together and creating some nature-inspired clay artwork to take home.
A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. The session is accessible to wheelchair users.
Programme Evaluation 2018
An evaluation of the benefits for people living with dementia and their carers and the impact of the heritage setting. Please note that the programme was previously called 'Sensory Palaces'.
Dementia-friendly palaces
We are committed to making Historic Royal Palaces a Dementia-friendly heritage organisation across all of our sites.
We deliver the Alzheimer’s Society’s 'Dementia Friends' information sessions to our staff and volunteers in order to raise awareness and understanding so that we are better able to support people living with dementia at our palaces and in our communities. We are a proud member of Age UK Dementia Friendly Communities Richmond.
Dementia-friendly heritage group
We lead the Dementia Friendly Heritage Group, a peer network comprising 18 heritage sites across the UK who are committed to developing and sharing dementia-friendly heritage best practice, thinking and support. New members are more than welcome! Please contact communities@hrp.org.uk for more information or to join the network.
Palace access guides
Explore the palace with confidence with our palace access guides, including a visual story and sensory map for each area. Access guides are also available at all palace entrances.
Inclusive and accessible events
An email list for the disabled community
Subscribe to our inclusive and accessible events newsletter to receive updates on events and programming thoughtfully designed with accessibility in mind.
Explore what's on
- Tours and talks
Community Access Scheme
Explore Hampton Court Palace for free with your local community or adult learning group.
- Open in-line with palace hours
- Hampton Court Palace
- Free (advance booking required)
- Things to see
Hampton Court Gardens
Take time to explore and relax in these world-renowned gardens and find our free entry Garden Open Days dates.
- Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Tours and talks
Community Access Scheme
Explore Kensington Palace for free with your local community or adult learning group.
- Wednesday - Sunday
- Kensington Palace
- Free (advance booking required)
Browse more history and stories
Elizabeth I, the Last Tudor
From Tower prisoner to English Queen
The gardens at Hampton Court Palace
A brief history of the famous royal gardens
The Indian Army at Hampton Court Palace in 1919
A forgotten story