Name: Dementia-friendly programme
Start: 2026-02-17T10:30
End: 2026-02-17T12:00
Location: Hampton Court Palace

Explore the stories and spaces of our palaces in a welcoming and relaxed environment

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When

05 May, 02 June, 12 June and 16 June 2026

Booking information

Places are limited, please contact communities@hrp.org.uk for availability.

Free (advance booking required)

Book your place

About 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.

At Hampton Court Palace

Sensory Storytelling: At Home with the Georgians

Date: Tuesday 05 May 2026
Time: 11:00 - 14:30 (you are welcome to arrive from 10:30)

Join theatre practioner Lauren Grierson as she brings the Georgians to life on this gentle exploration of the stories and scandals of this fascinating family. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. The session is accessible to wheelchair users.

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Behind the scenes with the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection

Date: Friday 12 June 2026
Time: 10:30 - 12:00, repeated 13:30 - 15:00

Join Curator Kate Harris for a glimpse behind the scenes as they open up the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and our conservation studio. Refreshments will be provided. The session is accessible to wheelchair users.

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Sensory Storytelling: Close up with Queen Caroline

Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Time: 11:00 - 14:30, repeated (you are welcome to arrive from 10:30)

Join theatre practioner Lauren Grierson as she explores the life and passions of Queen Caroline in her private palace apartments. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. The session is accessible to wheelchair users.

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At Kew Palace

Creative Workshop: Happy Birthday George III!

Date: Tuesday 02 June 2026
Time: 10:30 - 12:30

Join us for a relaxed and inspiring morning, with tea, coffee, and creativity flowing. There will be an opportunity after the session to visit Kew Palace. Refreshments will be provided. The session is accessible to wheelchair users.

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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'.

Download summary report

Download full report

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.