The Ultimate Guide to Tudor England: 20 incredible buildings that every history lover should visit
- teamthomastravels
- Jul 27
- 16 min read
Updated: Jul 28
If you have ever watched The Tudors, Wolf Hall or Becoming Elizabeth and found yourself wondering, “Can I actually visit Tudor England?”, the exciting answer is yes!
While the days of Henry VIII and his wives ended over 400 years ago, the stories of the Tudor period are very accessible. From grand royal palaces and castles to timber-framed villages, country houses and historic churches, there are countless places where you can step into the world of Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and the families who dominated one of the most fascinating (and our favourite) eras in British history.
The Tudor period was a time of enormous change. It saw the rise of one of Britain’s most iconic royal dynasties, the break with Rome and the Catholic Church, the expansion of royal power and the beginnings of England’s global ambitions. Behind the famous names and dramatic stories were the places where these events happened - some Tudor sites are instantly recognisable, such as Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London. Others are hidden gems, from quiet Suffolk villages to Elizabethan houses built by the powerful families who helped shape the country.
This guide brings together some of the best Tudor places to visit in England, from Henry VIII’s favourite palaces and Anne Boleyn’s childhood home to Elizabethan masterpieces, filming locations and lesser-known historic treasures.
Whether you are a lifelong Tudor enthusiast or simply want to discover the real locations behind the stories, these are the places where you can experience Tudor England today.
Henry VIII’s England: Palaces, Queens and Royal Power
No Tudor travel guide can begin anywhere other than with Henry VIII. His reign transformed England forever: six marriages, splitting from the Catholic Church and his determination to secure the Tudor succession with a son created some of the most dramatic moments in British history. Thankfully, many of the places connected with Henry VIII and his family can still be visited today!
Hampton Court Palace, London
For anyone wanting to experience the world of Henry VIII, this is the place to start. Hampton Court Palace is arguably the ultimate Tudor tourist destination in England! Originally built for Cardinal Wolsey, Henry VIII’s powerful adviser, the palace was taken over by the king after Wolsey fell from favour. Henry transformed Hampton Court into one of the greatest royal residences in Europe, adding magnificent halls, vast kitchens, royal apartments and impressive gardens. This is where Henry VIII lived with several of his wives, where he entertained foreign ambassadors and where some of the most important events of his reign unfolded.
Today, Hampton Court offers one of the most complete Tudor experiences in the country. Walk through the Great Hall, explore the kitchens where enormous feasts were prepared and imagine the royal court that once filled these rooms.
The fact that Hampton Court Palace survives today is something of a miracle. After the Tudor period, William III and Mary II transformed parts of the palace, replacing many Tudor interiors with fashionable Baroque designs. Some of the original Tudor buildings were lost forever, especially during the Georgian period.
Hever Castle, Kent
For Anne Boleyn fans, few places are more atmospheric than Hever Castle. This beautiful moated castle in Kent was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife and the mother of Elizabeth I. Although the castle predates the Tudor period, it became closely connected with one of the most famous queens in English history.
Visitors can explore the rooms linked with Anne’s early life, see Tudor portraits and artefacts, and wander through beautiful gardens overlooking the lake.
Hever also offers something very special: the chance to stay overnight in the castle grounds! Guests can stay in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing, five-star Bed and Breakfast accommodation attached to the castle itself, or in Medley Court, a luxury holiday cottage within the grounds. Castle tickets and garden access are included with stays, meaning you can explore this extraordinary place after the day visitors have gone home.
For a Tudor enthusiast, waking up beside Anne Boleyn’s childhood home is a truly unforgettable experience.
Tower of London, London
Few places capture the darker side of Tudor history quite like the Tower of London. For centuries, the Tower has been a royal palace, fortress and prison, but during the Tudor period it became the final destination for those who fell foul of Henry VIII's wrath.
Anne Boleyn was imprisoned here before her execution in 1536. Catherine Howard later followed the same tragic path, along with other famous names such as Jane Boleyn, Margaret Pole and Thomas Cromwell. Lady Jane Grey, the “Nine Days’ Queen”, also spent her final days within the Tower walls and was executed under the orders of Henry VIII's oldest daughter, Queen Mary I.
Visitors can explore the medieval fortress, see the Crown Jewels and visit the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where many of the most famous Tudor figures who lost their heads are buried.
Leeds Castle, Kent
Although Leeds Castle has medieval origins, it became closely connected with the Tudor monarchy and offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. Henry VIII transformed the castle into a royal residence in the 16th century, spending heavily to create a luxurious palace suitable for his queen. It was here that Catherine of Aragon stayed before travelling to meet Henry at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520, one of the most spectacular diplomatic events of the Tudor age.
The castle was also used by Henry and Catherine as a royal retreat during the early years of their marriage, before their relationship began to deteriorate and the events that would eventually lead to England’s break with Rome.
Today, visitors can explore the castle’s beautiful rooms, moat, gardens and grounds, discovering how a medieval fortress was transformed into a Tudor royal residence.
The Mary Rose Museum, Portsmouth
For a completely different glimpse into Henry VIII’s world, and the largest collection of Tudor objects ever discovered, head to Portsmouth to visit the Mary Rose Museum.
The Mary Rose was Henry VIII’s flagship, built as a symbol of England’s growing naval power. She sank in the Solent in 1545 during a battle against the French, remaining hidden underwater for over 400 years before being raised and painstakingly conserved.
Today, visitors can see the remarkably preserved remains of the ship alongside thousands of Tudor artefacts recovered from the wreck: weapons, tools, personal belongings and everyday objects reveal what life was really like aboard a Tudor warship.
A Tudor Detour from Portsmouth: Yarmouth Castle, Isle of Wight
If you are already visiting Portsmouth and the Mary Rose, it is worth considering a short detour across the Solent to the Isle of Wight.
Yarmouth Castle was built during Henry VIII’s reign as part of his coastal defence programme. Along with other forts around the English coastline, it was designed to protect England from invasion during a period of increasing tension with France and Spain.
Much smaller than Henry’s great palaces, Yarmouth Castle offers a different perspective on Tudor history: not royal luxury, but the military challenges facing the kingdom.
Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire
Sudeley Castle is one of the most unique Tudor sites in England because it combines royal history with a genuine home setting. After Henry’s death, Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife, married Thomas Seymour and lived at Sudeley, where she died in 1548.
She was buried in St Mary’s Chapel on the castle estate, making Sudeley one of the few places in England where you can visit the burial place of a Tudor queen within the walls of a home she actually lived in (If you'd like to explore further, we've also put together a guide to where the Tudors are buried, including Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and many of the key figures who shaped the dynasty).
Sudeley was also home to one of the most remarkable households of the Tudor age. Lady Jane Grey lived here under Katherine Parr's guardianship, while the young Princess Elizabeth spent time at the castle in 1548 before being sent away amid growing concerns over Thomas Seymour's behaviour. These connections make Sudeley one of the few places where the lives of three future Tudor queens - Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I and Lady Jane Grey - intersected.
Beyond Katherine Parr's tomb, visitors can explore the beautifully restored castle rooms, wander through award-winning gardens and discover exhibitions celebrating Sudeley's royal connections. The castle has welcomed monarchs for centuries, from Richard III to Elizabeth I, and today its peaceful Cotswold setting offers a striking contrast to the Royal palaces of London.
Everyday Tudor England beyond the palaces:
The Tudor story is about far more than kings and queens. While Henry VIII’s reign is remembered for royal palaces, six marriages and dramatic political change, the Tudor world was shaped by the powerful families, ambitious courtiers and wealthy landowners who surrounded the monarchy.
Across England, ambitious men and women built extraordinary homes that reflected their wealth, influence and connections to the crown. These houses reveal a different side of Tudor history: not just the decisions made in royal palaces, but the people who advised monarchs, shaped religious change, hosted queens and sometimes risked everything for their beliefs.
From Elizabeth I’s childhood home at Hatfield to the grand ambitions of William Cecil at Burghley, the captivity of Mary Queen of Scots at Hardwick, and the hidden Catholic stories of Oxburgh Hall, these places bring the wider Tudor world to life.
Here are some of the greatest Tudor houses, castles and estates you can visit in England today.
Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Hatfield House is one of the essential stops for anyone interested in Elizabeth I. The current house dates from 1611 and was built for Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, advisor to James I, discoverer of the Gunpowder Plot and son of William Cecil (Elizabeth I’s chief advisor for most of her reign), but the site was home to the Old Palace of Hatfield, where the young Elizabeth spent much of her childhood. It was here, according to tradition, that she was sitting beneath an oak tree when she learned she had become queen following the death of her half-sister Mary I.
The palace became one of Elizabeth’s favourite residences, and today visitors can explore the surviving Tudor wing alongside the magnificent Jacobean house. The contrast between the Tudor and Jacobean buildings tells the story of England’s changing royal world, from Elizabeth’s uncertain childhood to the confidence of her reign.
Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire
From son to father! Burghley House is one of the greatest Elizabethan houses in England. Built by William Cecil, Lord Burghley, it represents the wealth and influence of the people who helped govern the kingdom during the Elizabethan age.
Unlike the fortified castles of medieval England, Burghley was designed to impress. Its grand architecture, lavish interiors and enormous grounds reflected Cecil’s power and his close relationship with the queen.
Today, visitors can explore magnificent state rooms, historic collections and landscaped parkland designed by Capability Brown. The nearby town of Stamford is also one of England’s most beautiful historic towns, making this an excellent addition to a Tudor-inspired road trip.
Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Kenilworth Castle is one of the most spectacular Elizabethan sites in England. Although the castle has medieval origins, it is best known for its connection with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, one of Elizabeth I’s closest companions and favourites.
Dudley transformed Kenilworth into a magnificent palace, creating one of the most extravagant royal entertainments ever staged for Elizabeth’s famous visit in 1575. The celebrations lasted for weeks and included banquets, performances, fireworks and elaborate displays designed to impress the queen.
Today, the ruins still give a sense of the scale and ambition of Dudley’s vision.
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Hardwick Hall is one of the greatest surviving Elizabethan houses in England. Built by the extraordinary Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women of the Tudor age, the house was designed to showcase wealth, influence and ambition.
Its famous glass windows (which led to the old saying, "Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall”), huge rooms and impressive architecture reflected Bess’s status in Elizabethan society. Her rise from modest beginnings to one of the richest women in England is one of the most fascinating stories of the period.
Bess's influence extended far beyond Hardwick itself. Through her marriage to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, she became one of the custodians of Mary Queen of Scots, who spent around 15 years in captivity under their supervision. Mary stayed at several of the couple's properties, including Hardwick Old Hall, which still stands beside the present house (which dates from the 1590s).
Today, visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved interiors, including the spectacular High Great Chamber, Long Gallery and richly decorated state rooms, many of which still contain original furnishings and tapestries. Outside, there are formal gardens, parkland and the romantic ruins of Hardwick Old Hall. Together, the two buildings tell the story of Bess's extraordinary rise and the ambition that made Hardwick Hall one of the greatest houses of the Tudor age.
Long Melford, Suffolk
Long Melford is one of the best Tudor destinations in England that many visitors overlook.
This beautiful Suffolk village offers not one but two magnificent Tudor connections: Kentwell Hall and Melford Hall.
Kentwell Hall
Kentwell is famous for bringing Tudor history to life through its living history events, where visitors can experience a recreated Tudor world with costumed interpreters, traditional crafts, cooking demonstrations and historical activities. At other times of the year, it's still well worth visiting to explore the (very pretty) E-shaped red-brick, moated manor house. Read our visitor guide to Kentwell Hall here.
Melford Hall
Just a short distance away, Melford Hall offers a quieter but equally fascinating Tudor experience. Owned by the National Trust, the house has Tudor origins and has been home to the Hyde Parker family for centuries. Its connection to Long Melford’s historic landscape makes it an excellent companion visit to Kentwell.
Combined with the magnificent Holy Trinity Church, independent shops, cafés and historic streets, Long Melford makes a wonderful Tudor day trip.
Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk
Oxburgh Hall is one of the most atmospheric Tudor houses in England. Built in 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfeld, this beautiful moated manor has remained the home of the Bedingfeld family for more than 500 years, making it one of the country's most remarkable surviving family estates.
Following Henry VIII's break with Rome and the English Reformation, the Bedingfelds remained steadfastly Catholic. Their loyalty to their faith came at considerable personal risk, and the house contains hidden priest holes and secret spaces where Catholic priests could be concealed during periods of persecution under Elizabeth I and the early Stuart monarchs.
Beyond its fascinating religious history, Oxburgh Hall is packed with Tudor character. Visitors can explore richly furnished rooms, admire centuries of family portraits and discover the beautiful gatehouse reflected in the surrounding moat. One of the highlights is the spectacular King's Room, prepared for a visit by Henry VII that ultimately never took place.
Surrounded by peaceful gardens and Norfolk countryside, Oxburgh offers a quieter, more intimate Tudor experience than the royal palaces of London. Rather than telling the story of kings and queens, it provides a rare glimpse into the lives of a Tudor family navigating one of the most dangerous periods of religious change in English history.
Layer Marney Tower, Essex
Layer Marney Tower is one of the most extraordinary surviving Tudor houses in England. Built in the early years of Henry VIII’s reign, this remarkable Essex palace was created by Henry Marney, 1st Lord Marney, one of the king’s closest courtiers and Lord Privy Seal.
Standing dramatically above the surrounding countryside, the house is famous for its spectacular gatehouse, which is the tallest Tudor gatehouse in England. Built with lavish Italian-inspired decoration, terracotta details and enormous ambition, Layer Marney was designed as a statement of wealth, status and influence at the Tudor court.
Lord Marney was a trusted servant of Henry VIII and clearly intended his home to reflect his importance. In fact, the king himself visited Layer Marney in 1522, while the ambitious building project was still underway. However, tragedy struck soon afterwards: Henry Marney died in 1523, followed by his son John just two years later, leaving the grand palace unfinished.
Despite never being completed, Layer Marney remains one of the finest examples of Tudor ambition. Unlike many historic houses that became museums, it has remained a lived-in family home for over 500 years, giving it a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.
Unlike many historic houses, Layer Marney Tower is still a private family home rather than a full-time museum. The tower, gardens and church open to visitors on selected days during the season, usually between spring and early autumn, with guided tours and special events also available. On these dates, visitors can explore the tower, historic rooms, church and grounds while imagining the world of Tudor courtiers who built their fortunes around Henry VIII’s court.
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Blickling Hall is one of Norfolk’s most beautiful historic houses and one of the most fascinating places to explore the early story of Anne Boleyn. The original house on this site belonged to the Boleyn family, who were one of the most ambitious families in Tudor England. It is traditionally associated with Anne’s childhood, and for centuries Blickling has been linked with the story of her birth. However, historians continue to debate whether Anne Boleyn was actually born here or at Hever Castle in Kent.
What is certain is that Blickling was an important Boleyn residence. Anne’s father, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the estate through his marriage to Elizabeth Howard, and the family’s connection with the house places Blickling at the very beginning of the story of one of England’s most famous queens.
The medieval house was later demolished and replaced with the magnificent Jacobean mansion visitors see today. Built in the early seventeenth century, the current Blickling Hall reflects a later age, but it still stands on the foundations of the earlier Tudor home and preserves the connection to the family whose rise changed the course of English history.
Today, visitors can explore the spectacular house, library, gardens and surrounding estate while discovering the story of the Boleyn family, Anne’s early years and the world that shaped the woman who would become Henry VIII’s second wife.
Lambeth Palace, London
Lambeth Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the religious upheaval that defined the Tudor age. As the historic London residence of the Archbishops of Canterbury, it stood at the centre of some of the most dramatic changes in English religious history.
During Henry VIII’s reign, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer played a crucial role in the English Reformation, helping to establish the Church of England and supporting Henry’s break with Rome. Later, under Mary I, the palace became connected with the persecution of Protestants, while Elizabeth I’s reign saw the Church of England firmly established.
Today, on selected dates, you can explore the Great Hall, Chapel, Guard Room, and other historic rooms and spaces at Lambeth Palace.
Lost Tudor palaces: The famous places that no longer exist
If you have discovered Tudor history through The Tudors, Wolf Hall or Becoming Elizabeth,
the good news is that many famous Tudor castles, houses and palaces have survived. The bad news is that some of the most important buildings of the Tudor age have disappeared almost completely.
Royal palaces were frequently rebuilt, demolished or replaced as fashions changed. In many cases, some places where Henry VIII and Elizabeth I lived survive only through archaeological remains, paintings and historical records.
Here are some sites that sadly no longer exist, but whose stories remain an important part of Tudor history.
Greenwich Palace, London
Before it became the home of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich was one of the most important royal residences of the Tudor dynasty. Originally known as the Palace of Placentia, it was the birthplace of Henry VIII and his daughters Mary I and Elizabeth I, and Henry transformed it into one of his favourite palaces.
The riverside palace included grand royal apartments, entertainment spaces and areas for sport and celebration. It hosted some of the most important events of Tudor court life and was closely connected with Henry’s family. Sadly, almost nothing of the Tudor palace survives today.
Later redevelopment changed the site completely, and the former footprint now houses the Old Royal Naval College and the Queen's House, both dating from the 17th century.
Whitehall Palace, London
Whitehall Palace was once the largest palace in Europe. Originally developed by Cardinal Wolsey before Henry VIII took control of it, Whitehall became the centre of Tudor government and royal life.
The king transformed it into a vast palace complex, complete with grand halls, tennis courts, galleries and royal apartments. It was here that Henry VIII married Jane Seymour, where Elizabeth I held court, and where generations of Tudor monarchs celebrated, negotiated and ruled.
The palace was largely destroyed by fire in 1698, leaving only one major surviving building: the magnificent Banqueting House, designed by Inigo Jones for the later Stuart court (and where Charles I was executed). Today, it's hard to imagine that the busy streets around Whitehall once contained one of England’s greatest royal palaces.
Eltham Palace, London
Eltham Palace offers a fascinating example of a Tudor site that survived in fragments.
The medieval palace was a favourite residence of Henry VIII when he was young, and it was here that the future king spent part of his childhood. Although most of the Tudor palace has disappeared, the magnificent medieval Great Hall survives.
The site later underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1930s when it became an Art Deco mansion, creating one of the most unusual historic houses in England. Today, visitors can experience several layers of history: medieval royal life, Tudor childhood memories and 20th-century glamour.
Wolfhall, Wiltshire
For fans of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall and the BBC adaptations, this is one of the most intriguing Tudor locations to visit. The real Wolfhall (also written Wulfhall) was the Seymour family home in Wiltshire and played an important role in one of the most significant turning points of Henry VIII’s reign. It was here that Henry’s relationship with Jane Seymour is traditionally believed to have developed, after the king began visiting the Seymour family estate while still married to Anne Boleyn.
The Seymour family were not among the most powerful noble families at the beginning of the Tudor period, but their fortunes changed dramatically when Jane caught the king’s attention. Within just a few years, Jane became queen, gave Henry the son he desperately wanted, and the Seymours rose to become one of the most influential families in England.
Unlike grand royal palaces such as Hampton Court or Windsor, Wolfhall was a country house rather than a royal residence. Its importance came from the people connected with it: Jane Seymour, her ambitious brothers Edward and Thomas Seymour, and the dramatic events that unfolded around Henry VIII’s final years.
The original Tudor house has largely disappeared, with later buildings replacing much of the medieval and Tudor fabric. However, archaeological excavations have revealed more about the lost Seymour residence, including the foundations of the buildings that once stood here.
Nonsuch Palace, Surrey
Perhaps the most spectacular lost Tudor palace of all, Nonsuch was Henry VIII’s attempt to create a building unlike anything England had ever seen. Construction began in 1538 to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of Henry’s accession. Its name reflected Henry’s ambition: there was “none such” palace anywhere else.
The palace was covered with elaborate Renaissance decoration, including colourful stucco panels, sculptures and paintings inspired by continental Europe. It was designed as a statement of Henry’s power, wealth and connection to the Renaissance world.
Sadly, Nonsuch did not survive. The palace was sold off and dismantled in the seventeenth century, with its materials reused elsewhere.
Today, the site is open parkland, but archaeological remains and surviving artwork allow visitors to imagine the extraordinary palace that once stood here.
Final Thoughts: Walking in the Footsteps of the Tudors
The Tudor period continues to fascinate because the stories feel so close. We can stand in the rooms where Henry VIII held court, walk through the gardens where Anne Boleyn spent her childhood, explore the ship that carried Tudor sailors into battle and visit the houses built by the powerful people who shaped Elizabeth I’s reign.
But Tudor England is also a story of what has been lost. For every Hampton Court, there are lost palaces like Greenwich and Whitehall that remind us how much history has disappeared.
Whether you are planning a dedicated Tudor history trip or simply want to add a little royal history to your travels, these sites offer a chance to experience one of the most dramatic periods in British history.
Further Reading - If you love Tudor history, you may also enjoy:
Follow the final resting places of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Katherine of Aragon, Elizabeth I and the people who shaped Tudor England.
Explore the story of Henry VIII’s flagship and the incredible discoveries made beneath the sea.
Step into the everyday world of Tudor England through some of the country’s prettiest historic villages and buildings.
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