Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII's

The palace that Henry VIII took from Cardinal Wolsey, on the banks of the Thames in south-west London: huge Tudor kitchens with lit fires, the Great Hall, the Chapel Royal, William III's Baroque extension and 24 hectares of gardens with England's oldest hedge maze.

For Bridgerton fans it is also one of the big filming locations, and everything that appeared in the series is covered by the standard ticket. According to Historic Royal Palaces, the Privy Garden is the exterior of Queen Charlotte's palace and the setting of Anthony's wedding in the second series; Fountain Court, Wren's courtyard, appears in scenes with the queen; Master Carpenter's Court became Chancery Lane, with the print shop where Lady Whistledown's pamphlets are made; and in the Great Fountain Garden Colin and Eloise stroll in the third series. The filming audio guide, Film and TV Location, with sections on the series, is included in the ticket.

In November 2026 it opens from 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00. On 21 and 22 November the gardens open free, with no ticket; the palace and the maze are still paid.

You get there by train from London Waterloo in about 35 minutes, every half hour; the station is on the other side of the bridge. An adult ticket costs from around £30 and rises in peak season; buy online. From late November to early January there is a Christmas programme, Winter Palace. Allow half a day.