Tudor cookery in the kitchens of Henry VIII
Join us this summer and autumn 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.
There is no historic cookery scheduled for the 20/21 July weekend.
When
Weekends and bank holidays*
10:00 - 16:00Ticketing information
Each Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday until 15 December 2024
*Excludes 26/27 October and 2/3 November. Please check palace opening times for the day of your visit.
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsImportant 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.
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).
Access Information
Henry VIII Kitchens include sound and light effects. Historic cookery will be presented by staff in historic costume.
EXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Families
- Events
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Discover the magic behind Henry VIII's haunted palace.
- 26 October - 03 November 2024
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
Kitchen Garden
Experience the recreated Kitchen Garden, which would have fed the Georgian royals and now supplies Henry VIII's Kitchens.
- Open in line with palace opening hours.
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- For members
- Tours and talks
- Events
Member-only Rooftop Tours
Marvel at spectacular views across Hampton Court Palace's gardens and beyond, as you learn about the history of the palace on a members-only rooftop tour.
- 10 August, 24 August and 07 September 2024
- 14:00 and 16:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Henry VIII’s kitchens at Hampton Court
Henry VIII's food factory, preparing up to 1,000 meals a day
Henry VIII, Terrible Tudor?
Who was the real Henry VIII?
The Field of Cloth of Gold
Henry VIII's historic meeting with his great rival François I in 1520 was a defining point in his reign
Shop online
Shop food & drink
Feast your eyes on our wonderful selection of food inspired by our royal kitchen. Shop chocolates, preserves, jam, chocolate coins and the finest liqueurs.
From £4.00
Shop goblets & tankards
Discover our decadent range of goblets and tankards inspired by our Historic Royal Palaces. The perfect gift for a medieval fan our goblets are made in a selection of leathers, glass and pewter.
From £10.00
Medieval armour - gauntlets
Gauntlets inspired by Gothic armour popular during the late 15th century. Fully articulated and constructed from polished steel.
£175.00