Although his father and later his daughter preferred Richmond as their royal residence, Henry VIII cast envious eyes at Cardinal Wolsey's palace taking shape at Hampton Court.

Nowadays the overwhelming grandeur of Hampton Court's 1000 rooms, Royal Art Collection, formal gardens and yew maze never cease to impress and the 'Great Vine' and recently restored Privy Garden should not be missed.

Either side of the Palace are Bushy Park and Home Park, both former Royal hunting grounds where herds of deer wander at will. Home Park welcomes thousands of visitors each year during the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in July.

Actor David Garrick was a Hampton resident, building an ornate temple to Shakespeare at the foot of his garden. Garrick's Temple has been renovated following a successful lottery bid.

Boat trips leave from Richmond passing through Kingston and on to Hampton Court beyond.