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Gardens at Hampton Court Palace | Tickets, Timings, Highlights & More

While Hampton Court Palace is steeped in royal history, it is also home to vast, green, flourishing grounds. Stretching 60 acres, these gardens have been evolving since Tudor times. Whether it's spring blossoms or autumn hues, the gardens offer a year-round visual feast.

Brief overview about Hampton Court Gardens

hampton court garden

Hampton Court Palace Gardens is a lush haven in East Molesey, Surrey, right by the River Thames. Covering 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of parkland, they've served as a kingly sanctuary since the 16th century. From William III's elaborate designs to the famous Maze and the ancient Great Vine, there's a storied past in every corner. These gardens offer something for everyone: various plant collections, striking seasonal presentations, and even a Magic Garden for kids. So, whether you're into history or horticulture or just want to go on an idyllic walk, it's a place you'll love!

Quick facts about Hampton Court Gardens

  • Official name: Hampton Court Palace Gardens
  • Location: Hampton Court Palace
  • Timings: 10am to 5:30pm
  • Architect: Todd Longstaffe-Gowan
  • Architectural style: Baroque, Tudor and Formal style
  • Function: Garden

Hampton Court Gardens timings

Hampton Court Gardens
  • Opening hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm on most days
  • Closed on: Most Mondays-Tuesdays, December 24 and December 25 
  • Free entry on: September 14-15, November 23-24, December 26, 2024 
  • Best time to visit: Plan your visit during spring for vibrant blooming flowers or early autumn for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Things to see at Hampton Court Gardens

The Maze

This maze, dating back to the 1700s, is the oldest in the UK. With yew-clad paths and tricky turns, it's a true brain teaser that even made a famous appearance in the classic novel Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome!

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The Great Vine

This grand grapevine, planted in 1768 under Lancelot Brown's watch, is not just old—it's the world's largest! Once reserved for royalty, its sweet grapes are now sold to lucky visitors. A 250-year-old treat you won't want to miss!

National Plant Collection

Home to three heritage plant collections—Heliotropium, Lantana, and Queen Mary II's Exoticks—this garden is a delight for plant lovers. The first two are recent, but Mary's Exoticks have been captivating for centuries, with conservation efforts keeping these exotic treasures alive.

The Magic Garden

Inspired by Tudor motifs, this children's garden, opened by the Duchess of Cambridge in 2016, is a complete fantasy land. With kid-friendly plants, towers, walkways, and a steam-breathing dragon, it's a perfect spot for kids to let their imaginations run wild!

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The Royal Kitchen Garden

Once the royal pantry for William III, this garden turned into an herbaceous paradise under Queen Victoria. These days, it's back to supplying the Royal Kitchen with fresh produce, and you can pick up some of that bounty once a week!

The Wilderness

Originally a royal retreat for Charles II, this 60-acre wilderness is now a meadow filled with cherry trees and birds. Come early April; you'll catch over a million daffodils and bulbs in full bloom—it's a colorful springtime show!

20th Century Garden

Tucked away in a peaceful corner, this hidden jewel is full of majestic trees like Eucalyptus, Paperbark Birch, and Cherry. Originally planned as the Home Park, it's now a stunning arboretum—a botanical tree collection that's perfect for a quiet escape.

Privy Garden

The Privy Garden from William III's 1702 reign has been lovingly restored using original worker accounts. It's now one of the most accurately recreated gardens, with every tree and bush perfectly manicured to capture that historical charm.

Pond Gardens

What started as fish ponds for Henry VIII became a sunken garden under Mary II's touch, designed for her exotic plants. Today, it's a summer standout, where vivid tulips take over and turn this garden into a riot of color!

Rose Garden

Check out this stunning rose garden, a colorful creation that's been lovingly tended for over 80 years. Originally William III's veggie patch, it's now a fragrant kaleidoscope of exotic roses, making it a real floral showstopper!

History of Hampton Court Gardens

hampton court gardens

Hampton Court Gardens have been blooming with history since the 1500s. Starting with Cardinal Wolsey's Tudor knot gardens in the early 1500s, Henry VIII expanded them with the Privy Garden in 1533. William III and Mary II transformed the gardens in the 17th century with their Baroque vision, adding the Great Fountain Garden and Long Water. In the 18th century, Lancelot "Capability" Brown introduced the legendary Great Vine. The Victorian era, thanks to Edward Jesse, continued the garden's legacy by enhancing and opening it to the public. Today, they hold a layered narrative of horticultural history across 60 acres.

Hampton Court Gardens today

After several centuries of existence, Hampton Court Gardens are still buzzing with life. Spanning 60 acres, the gardens are home to the UK's oldest hedge maze and the world's oldest grapevine, which still yields delicious grapes. You'll find everything from the colorful blooms in the Fountain Garden to the playful Magic Garden for kids. Recent restorations have brought back historic features like the Privy Garden, while new additions like the Kitchen Garden keep things fresh. With efforts to address climate change and a calendar full of events, the gardens continue to enamor the visitors with its consistent beauty and efforts to stay so!

Frequently Asked Questions about Hampton Court Gardens

Garden Open Days are special occasions when you can wander through the gardens for free! They usually happen a few times yearly, though you'll still need a palace admission ticket if you want to check out other attractions.

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