A day eagerly awaited by all, it was finally time to take a break from lessons and enjoy a full day of fun! Today was excursion day, giving our students the chance to explore some amazing sites around the country. Where better to visit than the historic, royal Hampton Court Palace, home to the infamous Tudor king, Henry VIII? A towering figure in our collective imagination, Henry VIII is well-known, and our students found it fascinating to connect the legendary king to a real place, delving into the intrigue and fascination that surrounds him.
Our students had the opportunity to explore the palace and its many incredible sites. We toured the Great Hall, marveling at the beautiful, ornate tapestries and the grand, arching ceilings. We also ventured through the infamous Haunted Gallery, reputedly haunted by the ghost of Catherine Howard, and the processional route used by the Tudors. We tested our navigational skills in the renowned Garden Maze, the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK, designed in the late 17th century.
No introduction to Henry VIII would be complete without a thorough exploration of his elaborate kitchens, known for their vast size and historical significance. These kitchens were capable of feeding the entire court, which often included over a thousand people. Exploring Hampton Court Palace provided a unique and vivid insight into Tudor history, bringing to life the grandeur and daily operations of Henry VIII’s reign!
On their return to Cambridge, the students had the chance to attend a University Life workshop, or take part in the ever-popular game Werewolf, a hidden roles game whereby one team has to find out who the werewolves are, whilst the werewolves pretend to be ordinary villagers. It is always such a hit with our students, and was a fun way to end a great day of exploration!
Come back tomorrow to hear all about our Sports Day, and as always, check out our Instagram and Tiktok for more daily updates! (@reachcambridge)
