You only turn 500 once so Hampton Court Palace is pulling out all the stops for its milestone anniversary.

The royal palace, which was commissioned by Henry VIII's advisor Cardinal Wolsey in 1515, is one of Britain's best loved treasure and is holding a year-long celebration of its history.

From February, Aardman Productions, Historic Royal Palaces and 5,000 young people and families will retell the palace’s history in five minutes by creating an animated film.

A year of movie-making activities and workshops will culminate in the creation of a film by Aardman Productions, which will premiere at the palace in October.

From Easter, the palace's famous wine fountain will re-open, offering a toast to the 500 year history every afternoon.

A cast of characters from across the palace’s timeline will help bring Hampton Court’s history to life, giving visitors the chance to get close to the kings, queens and courtiers of the ages.

The palace will have carriages from different eras parked outside the famous Tudor gatehouse on Easter weekend and a 3D film will be shown, taking the audience on a kaleidoscopic journey through the history, re-modelling and life of the palace.

The palace will then hold a time quake event for families, written by best-selling author Damien Dibben, which will send them back in time to meet the key characters who shaped Hampton Court - those who complete the journey will be given an exciting reward.

Hampton Court will stage two large garden parties in the summer, celebrating a palace of two halves by recreating a Tudor joust in King Henry VIII’s palace, providing dancing in the Elizabethan knot garden and hosting a Baroque themed garden party, which will see Charles II celebrating a masque ball with his new queen and a selection of court beauties.

A Historic Royal Palace's spokesman says: "We hope lots of visitors will join us to raise a toast to the palace at our Tudor wine fountain from Easter, when we’ll begin a season of spectacles, parties and entertainments to see in Hampton Court’s 500th year in style."

Hampton Court Palace's 500th anniversary; Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Road, East Molesey; palace open from 10am to 6pm; tickets from £9.10; for more information, visit hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace.