Hampton Court Riverside Tea

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and much more . . .

The heatwave has made way for some warmer temperatures and sunshine in the forecast — a perfect reason to visit Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey.

Despite being one of Henry VIII’s favorite residencies and one of the filming locations for Bridgerton, the number of annual visitors to Hampton Court Palace (500,000) is relatively low compared to other tourist attractions such as Tower of London (2.9 million) and Westminster Abbey (2 million).

It is also home to the world’s largest annual flower show, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, that runs until July 7th.

Close by, the small village of East Molesey boasts quite a few antique shops, boutiques, independent stores and restaurants, including two options for a riverside afternoon tea:


Miss Polly Riverside Cafe (23 min walk) — Located on the
grounds of the Historic East Molesey Cricket Club, Ms. Polly Riverside Cafe serves a generous portioned, affordable afternoon tea (selection of finger sandwiches, mini sausage rolls, variety of vegetarian & non vegetarian quiches, selection of cakes and a pot of tea / cup of coffee per person) with a choice of riverside or cricket pitch seating. It is a good option for a kid-dog friendly casual tea when the weather is nice and it is possible to sit outside. 
£21 / person (3 person minimum)

The Mitre (8 min walk) — This boutique hotel is located on the banks of the River Thames next to Hampton Court Palace. Their 1665 Brasserie offers a cream tea (plain & fruity scones, clotted cream, homemade jam, tea or coffee) or full afternoon tea (assortment of sandwiches and sweets, scones, clotted cream, homemade jam, tea or coffee)
Mitre Cream Tea £13 and Mitre Afternoon Tea £40
Take advantage of the good weather while you can!


Kids go free July - September

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Tickets on sale June 11th 10 am

Kids Week performances run July 24th - September 6th and include 55+ musicals, plays, comedies and children's shows. Kids 17 and under go free with a full price paid adult ticket (plus half-price tickets for two additional children).

To make the most of your theatre experience, checkout the shows with workshops and curtain calls either before or after performances.  Given the popularity of this promotion, you'll want to check your diary and have a number of show dates and times picked out ahead of time.  

Post Show Q&A
  • Back to the Future August 8th, 5:15 pm - 6 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World August 8th 3:40 pm - 4:10 pm after 2 pm matinee
  • Hadestown August 21st 4:30 pm - 5 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Hello Dolly August 15th 5 pm - 5:30 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • An Inspector Calls September 5th 4:30 pm - 5 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Kiss Me, Kate August 15th 5:10 pm - 5:40 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Mamma Mia! August 15th 5:20 pm - 6 pm after 3 pm matinee
  • Ministry of Science August 27th-31st 30-45 min after each show
  • Next to Normal August 8th 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Sam Wu is NOT Afraid of Ghosts August 7th 3:30 pm - 3:45 pm after 2:30 pm matinee
  • Six The Musical August 22nd 5:30 pm - 6 pm after 4 pm matinee
  • Wicked August 15th 5:30 pm - 6 pm after 2;30 pm matinee
  • The Wizard of Oz August 29th 4:30 pm - 5 pm after 2 pm matinee

    • Workshops*
  • Brainiac Live! Acting Workshop August 6th 3 pm - 4 pm after 1:15 pm performance (40 spots)
  • Beauty & the Beast Mask Making Workshop August 6th, 13th & 20th 12 pm - 1 pm before 2 pm matinee (20 places 6-11 year olds with adult) 
  • Guys & Dolls Dance Workshop July 25th 12 pm - 1 pm before 2:30 pm matinee (20 places 13-17 year olds without adult)
  • Horrible Histories - Terrible Tudors Dancing, Singing & Acting Workshop August 20th 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm after 11 am matinee (30 places without adults)
  •  Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder! Storytelling Workshop August 15th 5 pm - 6 pm after 2:30 pm matinee (26 places 12+ with adult)
  •  Kiss Me, Kate Dance Workshop August 8th 5 pm - 6 pm after 2:30 pm matinee (30 places 8+ without adult)
  • Disney's The Lion King Music & Movement Workshop August 29th 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm before 7:30 pm performance (40 places with adult)
  • Mamma Mia Singing & Dancing Workshop August 27th 2:30 pm - 5 pm before 7:30 pm performance (30 places 8+ without adult)
  • Mrs. Doubtfire Dance Workshop August 15th 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm after 2:30 pm matinee (80 places 8-12 year olds without adult)
  • Peanut Butter & Blueberries Backstage Tour August 23rd 5 pm - 6 pm before 7 pm performance (20 places 12-17 year olds with adult)
  • The Play that Goes Wrong Comedy Workshop August 22nd 4 pm - 5 pm before 7:30 pm performance (20 places 9-15 year olds without adult)
  • Sister Act Dance Workshop August 13th 5 pm - 6 pm before 7 pm performance (20 places 8+ without adult)
  • Two Strangers (Who Carry a Cake Across New York) Acting/Storytelling Workshop August 9th 5 pm - 6 pm before 7:30 pm performance (20 places 12+ without adult)
  • Wicked Singing & Acting Workshop August 28th 12 pm - 1:30 pm before 2:30 pm matinee 

    • *Note : Limited spaces available

    Pre-pick your show dates/activities and go online Tuesday, June 11th at 10 am when the tickets are released.
    www.officiallondontheatre.com/kids-week