We're planning a trip to Hampton Court Palace on 1 Jan. The Rick Steves books are a little lukewarm on the palace usually, but I wonder what people think about the Christmas activities. Has anyone been? It looks like they have a lot of "extras" at that time. Thanks!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
RS is luke warm on Hampton Court? Well, I just do NOT get that. Hampton Court is awesome. I love it. Have not been there at Christmas, but I checked the website and it does look like the kitchens are open, with demonstrations, and there's a full on "Tudor Christmas" set up. http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/WhatsOn/TudorChristmas Frankly, that alone sells me on checking it out for Christmas. If you are planning to go anyway, anything "extra" will just amp up what is already a fabulous place! And ooooh! Pretty decorations! http://www.flickr.com/photos/austrian_lancer/4450541115/
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
141 posts
I have never been to Hampton Court at Christmas, but on our trip to London, it was one of our favorite places! I can only imagine that it would be even more fun at Christmas!
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
9 posts
Thanks so much for the feedback and particularly for the link to the pictures, Kira. We'll definitely go visit Henry and Catherine for Christmas 1540!
Posted by
Boscombe, Dorset, UK
964 posts
I'm sure you've checked this, but just in case you haven't- is it open on Jan 1? A lot of places are closed on New Year's Day.
Posted by
OP
Nashville, TN, USA
9 posts
Maggie, yes the Palace is open, but thank you for checking. A train ride to a closed palace would not impress my nine year old daughter. The website says the Palace is open every day of the year except 24-26 December, and they repeatedly mention they are open 1 Jan. If anyone else happens to be considering a trip around this time, the Henry VIII's Christmas activities are on 27 Dec through 2 Jan, and there is now a notice on the website that the Great Hall will be closed for maintenance 3 Jan until 10 Feb-- I don't remember seeing that a couple weeks ago. I guess the Chapel could potentially be closed to visitors on 1 January since it is a Sunday and they sometimes have services. This will be our first trip to London, and we considered attending the New Year's Parade, but it sounds like a big crowd and lots of other things closed (although not nearly as shut down as 25-26 Dec). So we decided to head the other direction!