Name: The Magic Garden
Start: 2018-12-31T10:00
End: 2030-10-31T16:30
Location: Hampton Court Palace

Let their curiosity and imagination run wild in this magical children's playground

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When

26 October - 02 November

10:00 - 16:15 (last entry 15:30)

Ticketing information

You cannot purchase Magic Garden-only tickets. Please read important information about your visit before purchasing your ticket.

Special openings take place throughout the year.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

Let the adventure begin

Hidden within the grounds of Hampton Court Palace is an extraordinary secret garden designed for little ones to adventure in. Here, they can come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers, explore the secret grotto and more. It’s the perfect way for children under the age of 12 to explore history and storytelling in a safe, fun environment as part of their visit to Henry VIII’s famous palace and 60 acre gardens.

Children and their grown-ups can enjoy special openings at The Magic Garden throughout the year.

In the Magic Garden, your little adventurers will discover:

Royal towers to conquer – race to the top and look out over your kingdom.
An epic dragon – climb along his back and be sure to escape his fangs!
Secret grotto – hidden pathways perfect for explorers.
Water play – cool off on sunny days (don’t forget a towel!).
Sand play – dig, build, and let imaginations run free.
Tasty takeaway café – warm up with a hot drink, cool down with an ice cream, or pick up a snack to fuel all the exploring!

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Special Magic Garden openings

Christmas at the Magic Garden

For the first time over the winter season, The Magic Garden playground awakens for a special Christmas opening from 17 December until 04 January.

Discover where frosty towers and mythical beasts await for your family adventure, and keep warm with a hot drink from the café. Extend your festive day out further with a trip to the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink or Festive Fayre.

Rise and Roar: Quiet sessions in The Magic Garden

We offer a quiet session in The Magic Garden, aimed at Neurodivergent and Learning-Disabled children, and their families and friends.

The Magic Garden will open to members and the public at 11:00 when Rise and Roar sessions take place. Please check opening times before visiting.

Learn more about Rise and Roar quiet sessions

Boy playing on the large dragon sculpture in the Magic Garden

Magic Garden map

Download a map

Download a map of the Magic Garden

Practical information for parents and guardians

Entry: Included with your Hampton Court Palace admission. Members go free.
Capacity: Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. At busy times you may need to queue or return later. Adults will be given wristbands on arrival to help manage capacity; you may be given a time limit during busy times so that everyone can have a chance to play.
Facilities: Toilets, baby-changing, and a cafe for drinks and snacks.
What to bring: A change of clothes, towel, sun cream, hats, sand play toys and water shoes for splash play. We request adults do not wear swimwear. With a range of surfaces including AstroTurf, children should wear clothing to prevent grazes.
Supervision: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults cannot enter the Magic Garden without a child.
Weather: The Magic Garden may close due to inclement weather. There is limited shade in the Magic Garden and queuing area, but children can cool off in the water features.
Mobility scooters: Personal mobility scooters can be used, but those borrowed from the Palace are not permitted due to the tight pathways.
Smoking and alcohol: Smoking, vaping and alcohol are forbidden... they could set the dragon's breath alight.

To help plan your visit, please read our FAQs.

Read our FAQs

The Magic Garden, showing a little boy coming down a slide and smiling to camera.

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Join Historic Royal Palaces

Become a member today and enjoy endless days of play in the Magic Garden. Membership will also treat your family to unlimited access to some of the UK’s most iconic palaces and gardens, as well as a year of unforgettable family events – from Easter hunts to spooktacular Halloween trails.

Family membership

“The Magic Garden is magic! As well as the kitchen garden… [we enjoy] the changing seasons every visit as a different experience of nature… We connect with nature and experiencing a decompressing time after the work week”

Historic Royal Palaces member

Thank you to our supporters

The Magic Garden has been generously supported by The Gosling Foundation and The Cadogan Charity.

With additional support from The Mercer Family Foundation, The Margaret Giffen Charitable Trust, and The Members and American Friends of Historic Royal Palaces.