Hampton Court Palace is one England’s most famous palaces so it was fitting that our Level 1 Travel & Tourism and Level 1 Business students visited the Palace as part of their Visitor attractions unit.
Built in the early 16th century during the reign of King Henry VIII who famously brought all his six wives there, the palace is a magnet for millions of visitors, drawn to the grandeur, the ghosts and the famous art collection.
Travel & Tourism Lecturer, Elizabeth Smith, who accompanied the students, explained: “We met at the entrance on a lovely sunny morning and initially explored the vast kitchens which at one time served 1600 meals a day, before moving on to Henry’s state and private apartments. We admired the superb art collection before visiting the gardens and looking at 'Walking with Giants', an art installation of poppies and iron soldiers that had been installed for November to commemorate all the estate workers from Hampton Court who had lost their lives. We then visited The Great Vine, the largest grape vine in the world, and finally one of the palace’s most popular attractions, the Maze, which completed a very exciting day out.”
Business student, Grisilda Dauti, added: “Hampton Court Palace is a huge reminder of ancient traditions and culture. The building at the palace began in 1514 by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, the Lord Chancellor of King Henry VIII. It was almost unreal to walk through the palace and see everything remaining of the past. It is also one of the only two surviving palaces out of the many the King owned. It was really mind blowing to know that the King had 6 wives and he executed two of his wives and divorced another two. It felt like they were present in the castle! I had a look at the Queen's bedroom, it was an amazing experience that I enjoyed to the fullest. Although the visit was relevant to my course, everyone should visit a place like Hampton Court Palace and learn about the history of England.”
