Set in serenity and surrounded by adventure, a visit to Hampton Court Magic Garden is an escape into history and fantasy. It was, after all, built on King Henry VIII's tiltyard, drawing inspiration from the rich stories and history of the Hampton Court Palace. A kid's paradise but equally fun for the whole family, the main attraction here are the tiltyard towers and the 25ft long dragon.
Commissioned by the Historic Royal Palaces and designed by the landscape architects at Robert Myers Associates, the Magic Garden is a new garden at Hampton Court Palace. Located in Henry VIII’s former tiltyard, the Magic Garden brings to life the history, culture and also the mythical legacies of the Hampton Court Palace.
A key feature of the Hampton Court Magic Garden is that it is filled with mythical beasts like dragons. Apart from this, the journey through the Magic Garden is filled with challenges, illusions and obstacles. The designers also brilliantly designed contemporary landscapes in a historical setting, making this adventure-filled garden a truly magical place.
Weekdays: 10 AM - 6 PM
Weekends: 10 AM - 5 PM.
Entry is free and included in the admission ticket to the Hampton Court Palace. Tickets to only visit the Magic Garden, however, is not available.
It is advised to pre-book a visit to the Hampton Palace, whether a member or non-member. Also note that entry to the Hampton Court Magic Garden works on a first-come, first-serve basis, therefore, a visit is not guaranteed. Make sure to be there early.
The best time to visit the Hampton Court Magic Garden is early mornings on the weekdays to beat long queues.
Weekends, bank holidays and May half term are considered the busiest. Note that the Hampton Court Magic Garden may also be closed in cases of special events or during winters due to inclement weather.
Be prepared to wait in line whether a member or not, especially on weekends.
The Hampton Magic Garden is an adventurous garden built inside the Hampton Court Palace. It has designated play areas and relaxing spaces that are inspired by myths, legends, and stories that are related to the history of Hampton Court Palace. It serves as the main attraction for children with loads of whimsical entertainment and games.
The Hampton Court Magic Garden opening hours are between 10 AM to 5 PM, on weekends at 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. Plan your visit to the Hampton Court Magic Garden.
The Hampton Court Magic Garden was commissioned to be built in May 2012 and completed in March 2016.
Landscape Architect Robert Myers designed and built the Hampton Court Magic Garden.
The Hampton Court Magic Garden is suitable for children ages 5 to 13.
Yes, adults can enter the Hampton Court Magic Garden.
No, adult supervision is required at all times as the Magic Garden is an unsupervised play area.
The Tiltyard towers, 25ft sleeping dragon, aerial walkways, the Mount, Magical beast's lair, climbing frames, an amphitheatre and a fountain plaza area and the different things to see and enjoy at the Hampton Court Magic Garden.
If you are looking to avoid peak season and crowds, it is best to visit during weekdays or during term time when the Hampton Court Magic Garden is considerably quieter.
The Hampton Court Magic Garden is built to be as wheelchair accessible as possible. Even then, there remain a few inaccessible areas like some of the wild wood paths and the aerial walkways.
Do not panic because there is only one supervised entry and exit point at the Hampton Court Magic Garden and the ticketing team is here at all times ensuring that no unaccompanied child enters or leaves the garden. If you do happen to lose your child, know that they will be hiding in any one of the garden spaces. To avoid this from happening and in case of the event, to help ease the search process, it is recommended that adults walk around the Magic Garden with their children and familiarise themselves with the layout. This will help identify where their children may choose to hide.
Since the Hampton Court Magic Garden has multiple water-play areas, including fountains and streams, it is advised to bring a change of clothes and towels. There are many physically demanding games like climbing, sliding and sand play, therefore it is best to wear older clothes that you don't mind dirtying or subjecting to wear and tear.
Adults are not allowed to wear swimsuits. Children need to be dressed or in swimsuits at all times. Younger kids are to wear a nappy or swim nappy when in playing areas, mainly for health and safety reasons. You are also requested to continually check if your child needs changing. In case of accidents, make sure to let the team know so that they may clean the area and make it available to use for all.
Yes, there are a limited number of toilets inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden. This includes an accessible toilet and baby changing stations.
Unfortunately, the drinking fountains and the café in the Hampton Court Magic Garden are currently shut, so there's no drinking water on site. You may visit the Tiltyard café or Wilderness for water.
Yes, there is a café in the Hampton Court Magic Garden but it is presently closed. Visitors, however, can stop by the Tiltyard café for a snack or head to the kiosk at the Wilderness for some ice cream and drinks.
No, having a picnic is strictly prohibited inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden. You are not allowed to lay blankets, tables or chairs, or anything that blocks pathways and hampers the free movement of children. Eating or drinking in the playground or on the play equipment is also banned. If you do wish to enjoy a picnic, you can do so at the Tiltyard café or the Wilderness in the Hampton Court Palace.
Yes, there are first-aid trained staff on the premises of the Hampton Court Magic Garden. In case of an emergency, let one of the staff members know and they will bring a first aider to you.