Halloween events announced for Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace

Halloween events announced for Tower of London and Hampton Court Palace

Few places are more perfect to spend Halloween than an ancient fortress or historic palace and this year Historic Royal Palaces will deliver two eerie experiences for families, serving up centuries of fascinating history with a terrifying twist.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

The former residence of Henry VIII will be getting a spooky makeover for Halloween.

With more eerie installations than ever before, visitors can encounter several of history’s most notorious characters at Hampton Court Palace.

From 21-29 October, visitors to Hampton Court Palace can:

• Peer into The Alchemist’s Workshop to discover more about historic remedies, potions, and spells.
• Witness a séance in the Council Chamber as Katherine Howard’s spirit makes contact via Ouija board.
• Stroll through The Haunted Garden complete with sinister Tudor scarecrows.
• Encounter some of history’s most notorious figures in the Gallery of the Damned, where the portraits come to life and relive their grisly and bloody deaths.
• Explore artefacts from the Historic Royal Palaces’ collection, including a mummified cat, cauldron, gargoyles and images of alleged ghost sightings.
• Discover the story behind the sighting of a mysterious cowled figure that was seen on Hampton Court Palace’s CCTV system in 2003 and has become a legend among locals who remain unable to explain the sinister apparition.
• Interact with some of Hampton Court Palaces’ most famous residents and visitors, as the likes of William Shakespeare, Anne Boleyn, Charles I, and Jane Seymour roam the corridors, gardens, and state rooms of the palace.

TOWER OF LONDON

Follow in the footsteps of infamous prisoners and notorious rulers at the Tower of London from 21 – 29 October, where the thrills and chills will be brought to life with spooky sound effects and deadly decorations that will transport visitors back to medieval London.

For 10 days in October, the Tower of London will be dressed with over 400 pumpkins.

Ghosts will roam in and out of a haunted garden on the lawn of the White Tower and creep around the decrepit Crooked Throne. Guests can peer into the Alchemist’s Tent to see the bubbling brews and remedies of years gone by, and you might even spot a ghost or two dabbling in some medieval potion making.

While at the Tower of London, be sure to seek out other spooky stories of history’s heroes and villains that feature onsite throughout the year. Visit the spot where Henry VI was murdered in the Wakefield Tower and learn more about the (often gruesome) fate of many of the most famous residents on a guided Yeoman Warder tour. Keep a watchful eye out and you might spot some of the Tower’s famous resident ravens, including new raven, Rex.

Notes to editors.

For further information or images, please contact Jon Hornbuckle in the HRP Press Office via jon.hornbuckle@hrp.org.uk

Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
21-29 October
Included in palace admission: Adults from £26.30 / Children (aged 5-15) from £13.10 / Concessions £21.00 / HRP Members go free.

Halloween at the Tower of London
21 – 29 October
Included in palace admission: Adults £33.60 / Children (aged 5-15) £16.80 / Concessions £26.80 / HRP Members go free.

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone.

Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk