Let their curiosity and imagination run wild in this magical children's playground
Let the adventure begin
Come face to face with mysterious mythical beasts, storm the battlements, besiege the towers and explore the secret grotto in this magical children's playground.
The Magic Garden provides a unique way for your family to explore the history of Hampton Court Palace.
Please be aware that during busy periods, there is a time limit to give everyone the chance to visit.
The Dragon's Nest is currently closed.
Rise and Roar: Quiet sessions in The Magic Garden
We offer a quiet session in The Magic Garden, aimed at those living with or caring for someone with Autism, or those who have any other sensory needs, and their families and carers.
The Magic Garden will open later at 11:00 when Rise and Roar sessions take place. Please check opening times before visiting.
Learn more about Rise and Roar quiet sessionsWhen
Open Wednesday-Sunday (Daily from 23-03 November)
Ticketing information
Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsMagic Garden map
Download a map
Entry and rules of the Magic Garden
Entry to the Magic Garden
- We cannot guarantee entry to the Magic Garden. Entry is on a strictly first-come, first served basis
- Adults without children will not be allowed access due to safeguarding.
- Wristbands are given to gain entry and must be worn by adults in the garden.
- Due to the size and design of the Magic Garden, groups of children over the age of 12 will not be admitted (such as school groups). Children over the age of 12 will still be admitted as part of a family group.
Access during peak times
- There may be queues for both visitors and members at busy times and a time limit to give everyone the chance to visit
- To ensure that everyone has a safe and comfortable experience we may have to suspend entry. You will be able to revisit the garden later in the day if capacity allows.
- Members are subject to time limitations as our other visitors.
Hot weather
- In hot weather, the water features are the perfect way for your little ones to cool off, but there is minimal shade in the Magic Garden and the queueing area.
Winter access
- During the winter, we may need to close the Magic Garden at short notice due to inclement weather.
The dragon's rules
The Magic Garden is protected by our enormous fire-breathing dragon. He has certain rules you must obey, or you may spark his fiery temper!
1. Supervision
Though children are safe with our dragon, they must also be supervised by a responsible parent or carer at all times. The dragon does not allow unsupervised visitors under 16 in his garden.
2. Children's clothing
The Magic Garden play area includes sand, water, AstroTurf and a range of play equipment, some of which may graze sensitive skin. Please make sure your children are appropriately dressed for these conditions. We also ask adults to refrain from wearing swimwear.
3. Smoking and alcohol
No-one is allowed to smoke or vape in the Magic Garden - not even dragons. Alcohol is forbidden too... it could set the dragon's breath alight.
4. Picnicking
The Dragon will eat any picnic blankets or deck chairs being used in the Magic Garden, as we don't want them to get in the way of children playing. We can guide you to some other lovely picnic spots around the palace grounds and you can always come back to play later.
To help plan your visit, please read our FAQs.
Read our FAQsAs a member, enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces
Join Historic Royal Palaces
There has never been a better time to join Historic Royal Palaces. As a member, enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces, access to an exciting events programme and discounts in our shops and restaurants.
Family membershipThank 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
A quiet session aimed at children and young people with Autism, and their families and carers.
- Various dates until 06 October 2024
- 09:30 - 11:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Halloween
- Families
- Half term
- Events
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
Discover the magic behind Henry VIII's haunted palace.
- 26 October - 03 November 2024
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (Members go free)
- Families
- Events
- Christmas
Hampton Court Palace ice rink
Get your skates on and glide around this stunning outdoor ice rink this festive season.
- Daily: 22 November 2024 - 05 January 2025 (excluding Christmas Day)
- 09:30-20:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Separate ticket (palace admission not included)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
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The story of Hampton Court Palace
Home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty
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Discover our range of traditional toys and games inspired by Historic Royal Palaces. Bring history to life with our fun selection of toys and games inspired by our British heritage.
From £4.00
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Our gifts and souvenirs are are inspired by over 500 years of history from Hampton Court Palace.
From £2.50
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Browse through our Tudor Collection to find a whole range of products based on the Tudors.
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