Just as it always would have been, Hampton Court Palace is a large and thriving community. While now very few residents share it with its institutions and day visitor areas, the sense of a secret life beyond the public gaze survives – of doors leading to invisible staircases, of figures disappearing up a staircase with a briefcase or basket. The two Landmarks within the palace precincts (a self-contained eighteenth-century house and an apartment off Fish Court) allow us, on behalf of Historic Royal Palaces, to offer our visitors a chance to become part of this life, to go past the security barrier and make yourselves at home in a palace. You are free to explore the magnificent gardens and most of the courtyards early and late. You can visit the public rooms of the palace during opening hours as often as you like, and the friendliness of the palace staff will help you feel even more part of the scene. It will be an unforgettable experience.

This apartment has its front door in Fish Court. It was originally for the Officers of the Pastry and lies in the service wing of the Tudor palace. Begun by Cardinal Wolsey, this was enlarged by Henry VIII, who entertained even more lavishly and added new kitchens, one entirely for the baking of pies. The windows look south over Master Carpenter’s Court and north towards Bushey Park.

Sleeps: 6