Inhabiting Hampton

June 6th

Who needs class when you can go to Hampton Court?

This old castle that was once occupied by the British Royal Family is now open for tours and teaching groups like us about past kings and queens. Did I mention we got to wear some sweet capes?

Most of the rooms allowed photography which was nice. Half the palace is built in the Baroque style and half in the Tudor style. I just thought all of it was beautiful. Can I get one of these ceiling for my new apartment?

Not only could you take pictures, but the exhibits were much more hands-on than I was expecting. You could play castle in the castle if there weren't people all around. 

Greeted by King George II! He thanked us for wearing more than animal skins since we were from the savage territories of the new world and then told me my hair was beautiful. He suggested I cut it and sell it to be made into a gentleman's wig. ... Thanks? He and his attendant were fun to talk to and tried to rally our support against his son. The court was divided between the king and prince over an argument. We learned more about the conflict while traveling through the palace. Chelsea and I joined the prince's party so we wouldn't feel too awkward if we ran into him later.

King George II, His Attendant, Sarah, me, Justyne, and Tracy

"No one stands to the right of the king!" 

Truly a queen sized bed.

There are several outer courts at Hampton Court. This one was my favorite.

Here we have the clock court.

Preparing some delicious food in the Harry Potter style kitchens.

I'm pretty convinced that the Tudors were wizards.

You're not going to want to miss the gardens at Hampton.

Picnic in the park. Tracy, Sarah, and Chelsea. Can you imagine this being your backyard? I could never be a professional gardener. It would be rewarding, but so difficult.

Flowers make me think of weddings. Now I'll just think of London whenever I see bouquet. I have seen lots of different kinds of flowers on this trip I have never heard of before. Mostly I like these ones because they are purple.

Me, Tracy, Sarah, Justyne, and Chelsea

We spent around four hours at Hampton Court I think; two and a half hours inside and the rest of the time inside. It was a good amount of time. You can go even slower to learn more about each of the historical period the castle covers and use the audio guide. We clipped through the rooms at a brisk pace. One of my favorite parts was all the period-dressed people walking around and talking to each other like they really were living out the court drama. It was so fun.

Lonesome Road? 

Whoever thought of all the trees on either side of the road is a genius. I never get tired of walking along paths like this one.

Found the river!

The gardens just kept going and going. I am in love. Hampton Court is a must.

Wanna buy a sundial? 

This sun dial was an hour off though... We read the time table next to it to see if there was a conversion we had to do, but it didn't really make sense. Oh well.

Jutyne, Me, and Tracy

Hampton. Court. I love you.

Another gate. I love them so much. Gates should be a thing in the U.S. I want a gate!

High five statue man! Sarah has mad photography skills. This one is for Jenni <3

What is this? A tunnel of vines?! Done!

There were many aspects of the palace that reminded us of Ever After. This was one of them.

I like to think of taking selfies as one of my talents. Sad, but true. Justyne always complains how bad she is at it. That's why we travel in groups though; it is safer AND more photogenic.

So much walking. Plus the sun was actually out today. We hung out in the tunnel for a little bit and soaked in the glorious Hampton Court vibes.

Some of the offshoot gardens were gated off. We weren't able to walk through these ones. They were protected by giant bushes that had windows in them. Very secret garden. Chelsea decided she wanted a large shrubbery to a secret garden next to her castle and giant library. London helps us dream big.

I loved these chimneys. Every single one had a different design.

Now this is brilliant. The royal arms of England is a lion and unicorn holding the shield. This gate to the Hampton Grounds had the lion and unicorn on each side holding the shield. I thought it was so clever!! Just me? Okay.... ;)

Hampton Court was such a fun place that I decided it needed its own blog post. The rest of June 6th will follow shortly. Besides seeing shows, touring these castles might be my favorite part of the program. I dream about living some where like here. 

P.S. There is a great video of Sarah and I rolling down a baby hill at Hampton Court. I am not sure if it has made an appearance online yet, but keep your eyes peeled. 

~Princess Emily