Henry VIII: Heads and Hearts

A busy programme of events at the Tudor king's home marks the 500th anniversary of his accession to the throne. Daily recreations of Henry's marriage to Kateryn Parr take place, with the chance to meet the monarchs, take part in sixteenth-century games and feasting, and try on period costumes. Restoration work has seen the Henry's Base Court, the courtyard for receiving visitors, spruced up, alongside a new audiovisual display in the Undercroft of the Great Hall which tells the king's eventful history. The State Apartments have also been re-presented with new furnishings and tables laid for extravagant Tudor feasts. Complementing the new events, the 'Young Henry' exhibition and the wonderfully atmospheric Tudor kitchens continue to recreate the ambience of the palace. From June, visitors can see a new Tudor garden inspired by Henry's Privy Gardens and planted with symbolic flowers from the period.