Private Guided Tour Secrets of the Six Wives Hampton Court Palace
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour is for visitors who want to explore the 16th century Tudor side of Hampton Court Palace; the life, loves and intrigues of Henry VIII, his six wives and children. Exploring the past where history happened.
Hampton Court Palace is a 'Palace of two halves'; the 16th century Tudor half and the 17th century Baroque rebuild by Sir Christopher Wren.
If you wish to be guided around the whole palace, please see Sarah's other listings and book the 'Expert' tour which is slightly longer.
Sarah aka Hampton Court Tour Guide, has worked at the palace since 2008 so is ideally placed to bring alive tales of mistresses, betrayals and ghosts that haunt the galleries.
Sarah is a professional guide and storyteller, a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and British Guild of Tourist Guides, she is qualified as both a White Badge Guide Lecturer at Hampton Court Palace and Blue Badge Tourist Guide South Central England, Windsor and Eton.
Chapel closed on Sundays.
Entrance fees excluded.
Available options
Private Guided Tour Secrets of the Six Wives Hampton Court Palace
What's included
Sarah has worked as a Guide Lecturer at Hampton Court Palace since 2008
Private guided tour with Sarah, accredited through the Institute of Tourist Guiding, White Badge
Expert insider knowledge of the architecture, artworks and history
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
This tour is for those particularly interested in the detail of the Tudor Palace rather than Baroque.
We will walk in the footsteps of the Tudor kings and queens, following the stories, life and loves of the notorious Henry VIII, his children and his six wives; Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleve, Catherine Howard and Kathryn Parr.
I will show you the magnificent State Apartments, Tudor kitchens, wine cellars, and beautiful Tudor Pond Garden.
As a trained storyteller I will bring alive the characters from the past, the tales of mistresses, betrayals and the ghosts that haunt the galleries. The cost of my tour covers a private group of up to 15 people for 2 hours, by prior arrangement I can accommodate more guests and increase the length of the tour.
Entrance fees to Hampton Court Palace are NOT included in the price of this tour booking. Entrance tickets should be purchased through the Historic Royal Palace's website.
What's not included
Entrance fees; guests must purchase their own tickets from the Historic Royal Palaces website
No food or drink are included; there is a cafe onsite where refreshments can be purchase if required
Transport; guests will need to make their own way to the meeting point
Gratuities
Parking fees
Admission fees are not included
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
21 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
13 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
I shall meet you on the moat bridge in front of the West Gate, this is the large brick gatehouse at the top of the driveway where the palace staff wearing red coats check visitor tickets. Once you have booked, I will send send you a map pinpointing the exact location.
Important notes
Please note that your ticket is for the guided tour only, you will need to purchase your entrance tickets separately from the Historic Royal Palaces website.
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
