Hampton Court’s love affair with the arts can be traced right back to its most memorable patron; King Henry VIII, who legend has it penned the song Green Sleeves in an effort to woo Anne Boleyn.

Built by Royal favourite Thomas Wolsey, who spent lavishly to create one of Europe’s most impressive renaissance palaces, Hampton Court became a crown possession after Wolsey fell out of favour with his king. Today, this almost untouched Tudor mansion is one of London’s top visitor attractions.

Forever linked with the high ideals of courtly love, the palace’s gardens continue to play host to a variety of music and arts events. An annual music festival has run since 1993 in the atmospheric Base Court, and has showcased the finest musical talent the world has to offer in the very same spot Tudor performers would ply their trade.

Along with the Globe, Hampton Court is one of the spiritual homes of English theatre, particularly the works of Shakespeare. Almost every summer groups of players continue to interpret the Bard’s plays in the Tudor gardens, which lend themselves perfectly to the role. Oh and did I mention, it also has an ice-rink…