Let their imagination run wild this festive season in a magical playground
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When
Closed
Reopens on 17 December-04 January (closed 24-26 December)
Ticketing information
You cannot purchase Magic Garden-only tickets. Please read important information about your visit before purchasing your ticket.
Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsLet the adventure begin
For the first time over the winter season, The Magic Garden playground reawakens for a special Christmas opening.
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 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.
This Christmas season, let the kids run free in the popular playground. Whilst they warm up and let off steam, parents can also warm up with a steaming hot drink from the Magic Garden kiosk. Please note, due to the winter weather some areas will be closed to keep your explorers safe.
The Magic Garden is currently closed, and reopens on 17 December.
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.
- Slithering slides – slip down the slide as you escape from the garden’s mythical beasts
- Sand play – dig, build, and let imaginations run free
- Tasty takeaway café – warm up with a hot drink or pick up a snack to fuel all the exploring!
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Manage CookiesEnjoy festive magic at The Magic Garden this Christmas season at Hampton Court Palace
Special Magic Garden openings
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
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 adventures, and keep warm with a hot drink from the café. Extend your festive day out with a trip to the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink or Festive Fayre.
Magic Garden map
Download a map
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: During summer a change of clothes, towel, sun cream, hats, sand play toys and water shoes for splash play. We request adults do not wear swimwear. During winter warm clothes and layers and a coat or rain jacket. 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.
- 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
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Manage CookiesAs a member, enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces
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.
Explore what's on
- Events
- Families
Rise and Roar
Quiet sessions in The Magic Garden, aimed at Neurodivergent and Learning-Disabled children, and their families and friends.
-
TBC
- 09:30 - 11:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Things to see
Henry VIII's Kitchens
Transport yourself back to the heyday of Tudor feasting and entertainment in Henry VIII's Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace.
-
Open
- In line with palace opening hours
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Christmas
- Families
Christmas Festivities
Join our Christmas Festivities at Hampton Court Palace. Discover Tudor Christmas cookery, interesting themed-talks and hear festive music as you explore Henry VIII's former home.
-
05-07 December, 12-14 December, 20 December until 04 January 2026 (Excluding 24-26 December).
- 10:00 to 16:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Browse more history and stories
Henry VIII's children
All three ruled England
Chocolate fit for a king
Where royal chocolate makers prepared this expensive delicacy
The story of Hampton Court Palace
Home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty
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