Historic Cookery

Surviving the seasons the Tudor way

On weekends through 2025, step into Henry VIII's Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace for History Cookery. Discover why food preservation was more than just a skill for the Tudors - it was a matter of survival.

Smoked, salted, pickled, preserved

Imagine a world without fridges, supermarkets, or all year-round produce. For most Tudors, the difference between feast and famine depended on age-old preservation techniques, from smoking and salting to pickling and potting.

Waste not, want not

Not everyone needed to preserve food to not perish. At Henry VIII's court, extravagant feasts showcased fresh and imported foods. However, people outside of the palace walls relied on skill to make their food last through winter. But what did they eat? And why did courtiers clamour for a place at court when supplies ran low?

Uncover the magic, and science, behind food preservation and learn how to make food go further, the Tudor way. Watch demonstrations and help our historic cooks preserve food, ready for winter.

You may even take home some practical tips on how to make your own butter, preserves and pickles.

Also discover half term in the Historic Kitchens.

When

Weekends from 03 May to 20 November 2025 (excluding 24-26 May and 31 May, 01 June, 25 & 26 October and 01 & 02 November)

10:00 - 16:00

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

Find out important information including our allergen notice. Also see access information.

Young family playing with jugs and cups in Henry VIII's kitchen installations.

Important information

Our historic cooks follow original recipes, use original techniques and replicas of historic kitchen tools while attempting to show how Henry VIII’s kitchens functioned in the past.

The fire in the kitchen is real and is hot and as with a modern kitchen, the tools being used may cause injury if misused or mishandled. Please remember that surfaces may not appear hot, and tools may not appear sharp.

We are keen for you to enjoy an authentic and hands on visit to the kitchens, but please ask before touching items that the cooks are using and follow any safety instructions they, or our Palace Hosts, may give.

Please ensure children are supervised at all times while visiting the kitchens.

Allergen notice

Many historic recipes contain ingredients now known to be allergens. While every attempt is made to reduce their use, and while none are available for consumption, please note that these demonstrations may include the use and processing of almond (Nuts), flour (Wheat), Eggs, Milk, cream (Milk), Mustard, Oats, Fish, Molluscs, and dried fruits (Sulphites).