Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace has hosted members of the royal family since the 16th Century,  and is now available as a magnificent setting for private and corporate events. The venue’s numerous spaces can host events of any size – from the modest to the outrageous.

Once home to Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace has been the location for many historic events and lavish banquets. A favourite home of the Royal family until the 18th Century, the palace is set within 65 acres of stunning gardens and 700 acres of historic parkland.

An unforgettable venue for the most opulent of events, Hampton Court Palace lends itself perfectly to conferences, team building events, meetings, drinks receptions and dinners.

The Palace’s magnificent spaces include an outdoor marquee for over 450 guests, as well as the charming Little Banqueting House which provides a comfortable setting for up to 80 guests.

Other available spaces include the regal Queen’s Guard Chamber, The King’s Eating Room, the Orangery and the Great Hall – where William Shakespeare’s company performed for King James I in 1603.

Each space at Hampton Court Palace provides guests with an unrivalled decadent experience and a first rate view of the Palace’s priceless collection of finery, from intricately woven 16th Century tapestries to Henry VIII’s sporting guns.

Hampton Court was originally built circa 1514 by Cardinal Wolsey, a favourite minister of King Henry VIII. However in 1529 Wolsey fell out of favour with Henry when he was unable to persuade the Pope to grant Henry a divorce from Catherine of Aragon and as a result, Wolsey gave Hampton Court to the King in a desperate attempt to stay on the right side of the King. Wolsey later died on his way to the Tower of London in 1630.

Following Wolsey’s death, Hampton Court Palace was expanded by Henry VIII. The King wanted to transform the Tudor Palace into a principal royal residence. Indeed, Hampton Court Palace became a favourite royal residence and was the scene of numerous historic events during Henry’s reign. The palace was the birthplace of Henry’s son Edward VI, where Jane Seymour died and Catherine Howard was accused of adultery and where the new Queen Mary I spent her honeymoon.

Today the Palace remains a dichotomy of styles, unified by its pink bricks and vague symmetry.