Historic Cookery

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 30 March 10:00 - 15:30

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

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

Visitors explore Henry VIII's Kitchens after re-interpretation in 2018.

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 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).