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February Half Term at Hampton Court Palace

Join a royal quest this half term

Skip the event ticket details and go to event summary.

When

14 – 22 February 2026  

10:00-16:00

Ticketing information


Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

Performances are at set times each day. Timetable coming soon.

Start of the events summary

Make this half term extraordinary, and escape to a world of mystery at Hampton Court Palace.

Step back in time, join a royal quest and see if you can win over Queen Elizabeth I.

Don't miss also exploring the entire palace, 60 acres of gardens, and the popular Magic Garden playground - reopening in time for the half term.

Image of actor dressed as Elizabeth I sitting in the Council Chamber 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 10:30 - 15:30.

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

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 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.

Children enjoying food in the Tiltyard Cafe.
Privy Gardens showing family exploring  the grounds with South Front in the background.
Family in the Great Hall laughing and playing with the display set up for a  medieval feast.
Family walking in Great Fountain Gardens with East Front in background.
A black and white logo spelling out the words 'History Riot - the past going forward'.

Explore what's on

  • Things to see

Hampton Court Gardens

Take time to explore and relax in these world-renowned gardens and find our free entry Garden Open Days dates.

  • Open
  • In line with palace opening hours
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

Pond Gardens

Discover the sunken gardens created for Henry VIII and transformed by Mary II.

  • Open

  • In line with palace opening hours
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Chapel Royal

Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens in the Chapel Royal.

  • Open Wednesday - Saturday

  • 10:00 - 16:00
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Henry VIII

Who was the real Henry VIII?

The Field of Cloth of Gold

Henry VIII's historic meeting with his great rival François I in 1520 was a defining point in his reign

The Elizabethan era: a golden age?

Was the Elizabethan period really a 'golden era' of English history?

Shop online

Shop Tudors

Find the perfect gift for collectors and history enthusiasts in our treasure trove of souvenirs inspired by this ever-fascinating dynasty.

From £3.00

Shop Goblets & Tankards

Discover our decadent range of goblets and tankards inspired by the palaces in our care, the perfect gift for any history fan.

From £10.00

Henry VIII Gauntlet Armour Oven Glove

This fun oven glove is inspired by a suit of armour made for Henry VIII in 1540, currently on display at the Tower of London.

£18.00