Our inaugural The Rest Is History Festival is taking place on the 4th and 5th July 2026 at Hampton Court Palace.
Here's what your favourite hosts have to say about the weekend:
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the most historic surroundings:
- History live: prepare for a journey through the ages as Tom and Dominic join forces with world-leading historians. Catch Tom discussing the Romans with Mary Beard, or Dominic delving into Irish history with Paul Rouse. See below for the full line-up.
- Top-tier entertainment: enjoy live music, immersive experiences and close-up demonstrations from Historic Royal Palace’s curators. And we’ve heard rumours of medieval combat…
- Explore the Palace and grounds: your tickets grant you full entry to Hampton Court Palace. At your own leisure, admire Henry VIII’s Great Hall and Tudor kitchens, and discover the spectacular baroque palace built for William III and Mary II. The entire estate is yours to explore.
- The ultimate hangout: connect with your fellow friends of the show and explore 60 acres of magnificent gardens whilst sipping on a refreshing gin and tonic.
- Summer days on the palace lawn: bring your picnic blankets and chairs, and settle in for a weekend of engaging talks with your favourite historians.
Full line up:
Saturday, 4th July
- Tracy Borman on the Tudors
- Ali Ansari on Persia
- Paul Rouse on Ireland
- Mary Beard on Rome
Sunday, 5th July
- Katja Hoyer on Weimar Germany
- Helen Castor on Elizabeth I
- Adam Smith on US Presidents
- Dan Jackson on The Momentous Pit Disaster
We will be sharing all ticketing updates via email.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m on the members mailing list and what do I do if I’m not?
If you receive our weekly newsletter, you are on the mailing list and will be sent further festival updates. If you unsubscribed from emails and wish to resubscribe, please email therestishistory@goalhanger.com
