February Half Term at Hampton Court Palace

Elizabeth I's Great Gift Off

Queen Elizabeth I has demanded a gift and the whole palace is desperate to obey! The best gift will gain the greatest reward, the Queen's favour, so it's a fight for first place.

Four courtiers are already in the running to present their gift, with an intriguing mix of ideas, from dancing and poetry to toilets!

Find out what each courtier will gift and gather information about Elizabeth I and her world, then meet her yourself to see if you can beat them with a fabulous gift idea of your own.

Discover live performances across the palace throughout your visit. Scenes will run daily 10:45 - 15:15.

Pre-book your tickets now for an unforgettable day of family fun this half term, members go free

Programme

Meet the Courtiers (Drop-in)

Find out what the courtiers are planning to give the Queen. Check out the competition and get some gift ideas, as the brightest and best of the Elizabethan age put their minds to the challenge.

Location and Timings: Great Hall - Henry VIII's Apartments - 10:45-12:00 and 13:30-14:45 and Queen’s Guard Chamber - Georgian Story -  10:45-11:40  and 13:30-14:25

Meet the Queen (Drop-in)

Do you have a gift idea? Share it with the Queen and see if she likes it.

Location and timings: Council Chamber - Henry VIII's Apartments - 11:00-12:00 and 13:45-14:45 

The Gift of Dancing

Stuck for gift ideas? Try a Tudor dance! 

Location and timings: Clock Court - 11:45 and 14:30 (15 minutes)

In wet weather this activity will run in the Queen's Guard Chamber - Georgian Story 

Gift Off

It’s time for everyone to present their gifts to the Queen. Who will she favour?

Location and timings: Great Hall - Henry VIII's Apartments - 12:00 and 14:45 (20 minutes)

Continue the fun

Don't miss exploring other highlights at Elizabeth I's home. Discover a magnificent Great Hall built by Elizabeth I's father Henry VIII, and complete the UK's oldest hedge maze.

Let off steam in the Magic Garden children's playground, reopening for February half term.

Discover a secret grotto, conquer a scary dragon and besiege the towers - there's plenty of fun for all.

And after all that adventure, cosy up in the café with a warming drink and delicious cake, or nutritious lunch.