Name: Henry VIII's Joust
Start: 2025-07-12T10:00
End: 2025-07-20T17:00
Location: Hampton Court Palace

Knights clash, fun reigns

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When

11-12 and 18-19 July 2026

Ticketing information

Pre-booking recommended.

Under 5s go free. Members go free, pre-booking required.

Performances take place at set times daily (please see below).

Included in palace admission. (Members go free, pre-booking required)

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Make it a day to remember at Hampton Court Palace this July, with excitement, pageantry, and the return of Henry VIII’s Joust.

For two weekends only, step back in time and watch fearless knights clash in a thrilling tournament at the magnificent home of King Henry VIII.

Pick your family’s champion, cheer them on together and follow the drama as the contest unfolds until one knight reigns supreme.

Keep your eyes peeled, and you may even see the King himself taking part — rumour has it he’s keen to impress a captivating new lady at court, though it’s probably best the Queen doesn’t hear about that!

Alongside the excitement of the joust, enjoy breathtaking falconry displays and discover these majestic birds up close.

Great Fountain Garden showing action shots of two knights jousting.

Great Fountain Gardens showing a member of CODA team with a falcon.

The Jousting event…was such a joy to watch, real entertainment.

Kateryna

Let the merriment continue

Your ticket will also give you access to the spectacular palace for a full day of adventure.

Get lost in the world famous maze, explore the stunning Great Hall, and let your imagination run wild in the Magic Garden adventure playground.

After all the exploring refuel and grab a tasty treat in the Tiltyard Café, or visit one of the delicious ringside food and drink stalls.

A general view of children climbing on the Magic Garden dragon. A child in the foreground is holding a toy sword.

Further information

The joust and falconry displays take place on the East Front Gardens (Great Fountain Garden) at Hampton Court Palace. All performances are open-air and seated directly on grass. This is an outdoor event so make sure to dress appropriately for the weather on the day.

Performances

Jousting: 11:00, 13:30, 16:00 (Each performance lasts approximately 45 minutes)

Falconry: 12:30, 15:00 (Each performance lasts approximately 30 minutes)

In the event of wet or hot weather, adjustments will be made to the joust and falconry displays to protect the safety of the animals.

Seating information

No seating is provided. For Joust and Falconry viewing, you'll be on the grass, where you can either sit or stand. We encourage those standing to move to the back to enable others to see. We welcome you to bring your own picnic blanket or folding chair if you require one. If you bring a chair, please note that it must be used in the allocated area.

Please be mindful of other visitors when seated to ensure you’re not blocking anyone’s view. We will not allow any other portable furniture (e.g. tables, gazebos) to be brought onto the site.

Folding chairs cannot be taken into the palace.

See Henry VIII's Joust FAQs