Tudor cookery in the kitchens of Henry VIII
Join us in the kitchens of King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace and discover what life was like on the lower rankings of the court ladder in the 16th century.
Discover historic cookery in the kitchens
Explore Henry VIII’s bustling Kitchens with our historic kitchens team and find out more about the types of food fit for a King.. or a skowerer.
Talk to our team of expert historical cooks and take home ideas for your own Tudor feast, or even a summer barbecue, and find out the fine dining manners and etiquette employed by those desperate to climb the social ladder at court.
When
Weekends until 15 December
10:00 - 16:00Ticketing information
Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsImportant 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 worked 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, Mustard, Oats, Fish, Molluscs, and dried fruits (Sulphites).
Access information
Henry VIII Kitchens include sound and light effects. Historic cookery will be presented by staff in historic costume.
Explore what's on
- Things to see
Kitchen Garden
Experience the recreated Kitchen Garden, which would have fed the Georgian royals and now supplies Henry VIII's Kitchens.
- Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Tours and talks
- Things to see
Palace Host Talks
Listen to the stories our Palace Hosts have to share, with fascinating tales that include captivating details on a variety of topics connected to Hampton Court Palace.
- Daily (except 30 January)
- 11:30 and 14:30
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- 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)
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Henry VIII, Terrible Tudor?
Who was the real Henry VIII?
The Field of Cloth of Gold
Henry VIII's historic meeting with his great rival François I in 1520 was a defining point in his reign
Katherine of Aragon
Katherine of Aragon was the first wife of Henry VIII. In her eyes, she was his only Queen.
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