A celebratory programme of events are planned to mark the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian accession to the British throne next season at Hampton Court Palace.

Historic Royal Palaces will bring the colourful Georgian Court and monarchs to life across three palaces including Hampton Court.

Throughout 2014 visitors will be invited to take part in new experiences and entertainment at the court of the new king, George I.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, for the first time in almost 300 years, Hampton Court will see the opening of the only surviving chocolate kitchens in the country.

The 18th century kitchen, once occupied by George I and II’s personal chocolate maker, Thomas Tosier, will host Georgian chocolate making sessions throughout the year.

Visitors can experience chocolate making for the king first-hand and learn more about the elaborate and complex processes used to create his luxury chocolate drink.

From May 3 the restored Kitchen Garden will open for free to visitors who will be able to explore the history of the production of food for the king’s table at Hampton Court Palace.

Henry VIII’s former Tiltyard was used as a royal kitchen garden throughout the 18th century and the new garden will recreate what was once on the same spot.

Based on historic evidence and plans the garden will be as true to the period as possible, right down to the authentic gardening tools used to cultivate rare heritage fruit and vegetables.

Over the May bank holiday families can sample Georgian food, live music and meet George I at the Georgian Big Picnic including Gorgeous Georgians, a performance by the Horrible Histories Company.

A Georgian Garden Party will take place on the weekend of 26 and 27 July, with themed creative programming, live interpretation and Georgian food.

The Hampton Court sleepover will return next year and will be interrupted by some unexpected live performance recreating the midnight flit of the Prince Frederick of Wales and his heavily-pregnant wife Augusta.

In October the newly refurbished Cumberland Suite will re-open with a masterpiece hang of selected paintings from the Royal Collection.