Paid entry (English Heritage)
Varies by season – check website
What it is
Museum tags: Historic building; Architecture; History; Henry VIII; Gardens; Tudor
A dizzying fusion of architectural styles. A medieval palace which was then further developed during Henry VIII’s time, who spent much of his childhood in here.
After the Civil War it fell out of favour and much of it was abandoned. The Great Hall where Henry VIII once ate and dance beacme a farm barn. In the 1930s, the site was bought by eccentric millionaires, who built an art deco mansion on the site, attached to the medieval Great Hall (the only part of the old palace that’s left).
There are also large, glorious gardens – 19 acres of them – and an awesome moat.
The Art Deco interiors are jaw-dropping, rivalling any of London’s art deco gems. This is only added to by the juxtaposition with the medieval Great Hall, its ancient woodbeam roof immaculately preserved. A wonderful day out.
Thanks for visiting my blog! This post may contain affiliate links - which means if you make a purchase, I'll receive a small commission, at no extra cost to yourself. This helps me keep this site running for free.