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Hampton Court Magic Garden | Timings, Tickets & More

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.

What is Hampton Court Magic Garden?

hampton court magic garden

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. 

Hampton Court Magic Garden Overview

  • Location: Hampton Court Palace, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, UK Get directions.
  • Size: 5,060 m² 
  • Architect: Landscape Architect Robert Myers
  • Year Commissioned: May 2012
  • Year Completed: March 2016
  • Cost: £2.7 million
  • Awards: The Hampton Court Magic Garden won a 2017 Landscape Institute Award, and two awards from the Society of Garden Designers (SGD).
  • Number of visitors per year: 2.5 million to 4.7 million visitors annually.

What is Magical About the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

hampton court magic garden

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. 

Inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden

Hampton Court Magic Garden
  • Start with the many play areas built within Henry VIII’s former Tiltyard.
  • Interact with the several mythical beasts roaming the grounds.
  • Explore the Tiltyard towers, a secret lair, and a 25ft long sleeping dragon.
  • View the battlements, aerial walkways, amphitheatre, climbing frames, and a new fountain plaza area.
  • Partake in the fun activities at The Mount.
  • The Hampton Court Magic Garden is a botanist's and plantsman's dream spot with over 17,000 bulbs and 3,000 shrubs to discover.

Rise And Roar: A Quiet Session

Designed specially for children and adults with autism or other sensory needs, Rise and Roar is a quiet session in the Hampton Court Magic Garden. During this session, fewer guests are allowed entrance and adjustments are made in the playground to avoid sensory triggers. 

Carers are allowed entrance along with the child, however, everyone, including children under the age of three, will need a ticket. Up to three infants are allowed entrance for each ticket. 

Session timings: 4:30 PM to 6 PM

Event Dates in 2022: 6th March, 1st May, 3rd July, 7th August, 4th September, 2nd October 

Plan Your Visit to Hampton Court Magic Garden

Timings & Entry
Best Time to Visit
Facilities
Visitor Rules
Visitor Tips

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.

Get More Details on Planning Your Visit

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.

  • Visit the Tiltyard Café and the kiosk in the Wilderness to relax and grab a quick bite.
  • There are only a limited number of toilets in the Magic Gardens, all have disabled access. 
  • Waste bins have been provided across the premises to prevent littering.
  • Baby changing stations and nappy bins inside toilets are available in Magic Garden.
  • Hampton Court Magic Garden is made as wheelchair accessible as possible. There are areas like the aerial walkways and the wild wood paths that still remain inaccessible.
  • First-aid services are available inside the Magic Gardens.
  1. Adult supervision and care is required at all times. If the visitor is under 16 and unsupervised, entry will be denied.
  2. Activity is the name of the game at the Hampton Court Magic Garden, so with the play area including a range of equipment, water and sand, it's pivotal to dress appropriately for these conditions. Especially children, who are at the risk of grazing their skin. Adults are asked to avoid wearing swimwear.
  3. Smoking and/or vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere in the Hampton Court Gardens. Alcohol too, is forbidden. 
  4. Setting up picnics -- baskets, decks, blankets is a big no, no. Arrangements can be made to host a picnic in other areas of the palace. 
  • Make sure you learn the lay of the land and familiarise yourself with the Hampton Court Magic Garden. This way you can also pick where your children would want to play.
  • Pay attention to announcements and abide by staff rules and restrictions.
  • Wear your wristband at all times when inside the Magic Gardens.
  • Maintain cleanliness around premises and use the bins and nappy bins to dispose of any waste.
  • To steer clear of crowding do not picnic in the Magic Gardens or block pathways.
  • Using scooters and playing ball games is prohibited.
  • Be mindful of the many plant species inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden. Do not harm them.
  • Do not leave children unsupervised.
  • Above all, don't forget to have fun!



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All Your Questions About Hampton Court Magic Garden Answered

What is the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.

What are the Hampton Court Magic Garden opening hours?

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.

When was the Hampton Court Magic Garden built?

The Hampton Court Magic Garden was commissioned to be built in May 2012 and completed in March 2016.

Who built the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

Landscape Architect Robert Myers designed and built the Hampton Court Magic Garden.

What age group is the Hampton Court Magic Garden suitable for?

The Hampton Court Magic Garden is suitable for children ages 5 to 13.

Can adults enter the ​​Hampton Court Magic Garden?

Yes, adults can enter the Hampton Court Magic Garden.

Can I leave my child alone at the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

No, adult supervision is required at all times as the Magic Garden is an unsupervised play area.

What are the different things to see at the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.

When is the best time to visit 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.

Is the Hampton Court Magic Garden wheelchair accessible?

 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.

What happens if I lose my child at the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.

Do I need to bring special equipment or clothing if the Hampton Court Magic Garden has wet rides?

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.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.

Are there any toilets near the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

Yes, there are a limited number of toilets inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden. This includes an accessible toilet and baby changing stations. 

Does the ​​Hampton Court Magic Garden provide any drinking water facility?

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.

Is there any cafe in Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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. 

Can I have a picnic inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.

Are there any first-aid facilities offered at the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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.