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Discover our virtual palaces

We are lucky enough to look after extraordinary palaces, spaces and objects in our palaces. We look after Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in Northern Ireland.

Between them, the six extraordinary historic buildings in our care have witnessed 1,000 years of history. They have survived many tumultuous moments in the past. 

While the palaces are closed, take a look at some highlights and stories that we can share with you during these challenging times. 

Virtual Tower of London tour

Beyond Palace Doors

Our palaces are full of hidden secrets. Whilst our palace doors are closed, take a peek behind the scenes in our video series.

Take a virtual 360 tour

Take a virtual tour around Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Palace stories

Read stories from our curators about our palaces and the people who lived in them.

The King's Staircase, looking south. Mural paintings by Antonio Verrio partially seen on the left.

Blog: Raphael and Verrio: The Odd Couple at Hampton Court Palace

In 1700, works by Raphael and Verrio comprised an integral part of the decorative scheme designed for William III and his new palace at Hampton Court. Was this a complete failure in aesthetic taste and judgment by the King? 

A young couple wander through a wild meadow holding hands. Green trees and grasses flank the path

Blog: The winding history of the Wilderness garden at Hampton Court Palace

With the gardens at Hampton Court Palace open again, Gardens and Estates Manager Graham Dillamore delves into the winding history of The Wilderness garden, exploring how generations of monarchs and designers have all shaped and reshaped this one corner of the palace.

Queen Elizabeth I, 'The Rainbow Portrait', c.1600

Blog: Beauty tips from Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I is one of history’s most iconic monarchs, instantly recognisable in her numerous representations. But have you ever wondered what it took to create the Elizabethan look? Joint Chief Curator Tracy Borman explores Elizabeth I’s beauty secrets.

More stories

Revisit past exhibitions and rooms

Portrait of Queen Victoria on a green background
Things to see Highlights

Victoria: Woman and Crown

Explore Queen Victoria’s private life behind her carefully-managed public image in this major new exhibition at Kensington Palace.

Closed 5 Jan 2020

Kensington Palace

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more
The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I exhibition, showing curator Eleri Lynn looking at the Bacton Altar Cloth in a case. The Rainbow Portrait hangs in the background of the green exhibition space.
Things to see Highlights

The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I

See the Bacton Altar Cloth, a rare survival of Elizabethan dress worn by Elizabeth I, and the iconic Rainbow Portrait at Hampton Court Palace.

Closed 23 February 2020

Hampton Court Palace

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more
The Tudor Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace, showing the Abraham Tapestries and the room set out for day visitors.
Things to see

Great Hall

Experience the splendour of the Tudor court in Henry VIII's Great Hall, complete with his magnificent tapestries.

Open

Hampton Court Palace

Included in palace admission (members go free)

Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Anne Boleyn

How did Anne Boleyn become queen and why did Henry VIII execute her?

Henry VIII

Renaissance Prince or terrible Tudor? Who was the real Henry VIII?

Queen Victoria

From pampered princess to elderly empress: wife, mother and queen