Hampton Court Palace

Lonely Planet review

Here history is palpable, from the kitchens and grand living quarters of Henry VIII to the spectacular gardens complete with a 300-year-old maze. This is one of the best days out London has to offer and should not be missed by anyone with any interest in British history. Set aside plenty of time to do it justice, bearing in mind that if you come by boat from central London the trip will have already eaten up half the day.

Once you're finished with the palace interior there are still the wonderful gardens to appreciate. Carriage rides for up to five people around the gardens are available; they cost around £10 and last 20 minutes. Look out for the Real Tennis Court, dating from the 1620s and designed for real tennis, a rather different version of the game from that played today. In the restored 24-hectare Riverside Gardens, you'll find the Great Vine. Planted in 1768, it's still producing just under 320kg of grapes per year; it's an old vine, no doubt about it, but not the world's oldest, as they say it is here (that one is in Slovenia).

No-one should leave Hampton Court without losing themselves in the famous (and recently renovated) 800m-long maze, which is made up of hornbeam and yew and planted in 1690. The average visitor takes 20 minutes to reach the centre. The maze is included in entry. Those not visiting the palace can enter the maze for around £4 .