Hampton Court Palace, London

Hampton Court Palace stands as an emblem of England's royal heritage, nestled within the Greater London borough of Richmond upon Thames. This regal estate, with its stunning red brick façade, was originally built in the early 16th century for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey before being seized and expanded by King Henry VIII.

The palace is a triumph of Tudor architecture, with its grandiose Great Hall, opulent State Apartments, and the world-renowned maze in the beautifully manicured gardens. The Great Hall, in particular, is a masterpiece of the period, with its hammer-beam roof and sumptuous tapestries. Visitors can explore the vast kitchens, designed to cater to the enormous Tudor court, and the Chapel Royal, which continues to host religious services to this day.

Hampton Court Palace also boasts the distinction of having the largest surviving Renaissance gardens in Europe, including the historic real tennis court and the Great Vine, planted in 1768 and still fruiting today. The gardens are a delight to amble through, featuring the famous Maze, the Great Fountain Garden, and the 20th-century Garden of the World.

Open to the public, the palace serves as a portal to the past, offering a glimpse into the lives of its royal inhabitants. Live historical reenactments and the annual Hampton Court Palace Festival and Hampton Court Flower Show add to the site's vibrant cultural calendar, drawing visitors from around the world.