Hampton Court Magic Garden | A Fun Adventure

A little about the Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden

The Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden is an ideal getaway spot for families who want a break from exploring the enormous palace grounds. Set in the historic former tiltyard of Henry VIII, this children's playground opened in 2016 and was designed by Robert Myers Associates. It features a 25-foot dragon, secret caves, and playful adventure zones inspired by age-old legends and folklore. Aimed primarily at children aged 5 to 13, the garden also offers climbing frames, water features, and sand pits. The Magic Garden is a spot where creativity and imagination collide, leading to a memorable experience for kids and adults alike.

Hampton Court Magic Garden timings

Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
Opening days:
Wednesday to Sunday from September 4 to October 20, 2024
Every day from October 23 to October 31, 2024
Last entry: 5:15pm
Best time to visit: Plan your stop at the Magic Garden either early morning, shortly after 10am, or late afternoon, around 4pm.
Other essential info: If you're heading to the Magic Garden on a weekend or holiday, be prepared for crowds, especially during the half-term of May. It may also close for special events or during biting cold weather. In any case, be prepared to wait in line whether you are a member or not, especially on weekends.

History of Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden

The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace may be a modern addition, but it's set on a site steeped in history. Once the stage for Henry VIII's thrilling jousting tournaments, this former tiltyard was where nobles showcased their skills and chivalry. Fast forward to 2012, when Historic Royal Palaces hired Robert Myers Associates to transform this historic space into a magical playground. After four years of creative planning, the garden opened in March 2016, with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge cutting the ribbon. The design cleverly weaves in Tudor history and mythology, featuring a towering 25-foot dragon and mystical caverns while nodding to the jousting past with its Tiltyard-inspired structures.

The design of Hampton Court Magic Garden

The Hampton Court Magic Garden is where history meets adventure. Opened to the public in 2016 and designed by Robert Myers Associates, it sits on the former tiltyard of Henry VIII. This garden is brimming with imaginative play spaces—think of a 25-foot sleeping dragon, underground grottos, and medieval encampment tents waiting to be explored. Climbing towers resemble the palace's turrets, while sand pits offer endless digging and building structures out of nothing. Resin-bound pathways guide little adventurers through this amusing landscape, with over 17,000 bulbs and 3,000 shrubs. It's a vibrant, fun-filled escape that entertains kids and teens.

Who built Hampton Court Palace Magic Garden?

Robert Myers, the mastermind behind the Magic Garden, is an award-winning landscape architect and the founder of Robert Myers Associates. His designs, including the lovely Magic Garden, Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea and The Brewin Dolphin Garden, showcase his knack for integrating historical depth with sportive elements. With accolades like six gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the Society of Garden Designers' Grand Award, Myers' work is celebrated for its detail and creativity. The Magic Garden opened in 2016, reflecting his vision of merging Tudor history with mythical charm, featuring a towering dragon and concealed grottoes that push little kids' imaginations to run wild.

Visitor information

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.

Adult supervision and care is required at all times. If the visitor is under 16 and unsupervised, entry will be denied.
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.
Smoking and/or vaping is strictly prohibited anywhere in the Hampton Court Gardens. Alcohol too, is forbidden.
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.
Using scooters and playing ball games is prohibited.

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.
Be mindful of the many plant species inside the Hampton Court Magic Garden. Do not harm them.
Do not leave children unsupervised.

Book Your Hampton Court Palace Tickets

Hampton Court Palace and Gardens Tickets

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Flexible duration

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 5%): Hampton Court Palace & Gardens Tickets + Tower of London Tickets with Access to the Crown Jewels

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

‌

Check availability

3 Palace Pass (Tower of London + Hampton Court Palace + Kensington Palace)

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

‌

Check availability

Combo (Save 10%): Hampton Court Palace and Gardens + London Eye Tickets

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

‌

Frequently Asked Questions about Hampton Court Magic Garden

Is the Hampton Court Magic Garden suitable for children, and do adults need to supervise them?

The Magic Garden is designed for kids aged 5 to 13. Adult supervision is mandatory, so they are welcome to accompany their children.

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

The Tiltyard towers, 225-foot sleeping dragon, aerial walkways, the Mount, Magical Beast's lair, climbing frames, an amphitheater, and a fountain plaza area are among the different things to see and enjoy at the Hampton Court Magic Garden.

Is the Hampton Court Magic Garden wheelchair accessible?

The Hampton Court Magic Garden is built to be as wheelchair accessible as possible. Even then, some areas, like some of the wild wood paths and the aerial walkways, remain inaccessible.

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

If you lose your child, don't panic—there's only one supervised entry and exit. The ticketing team is always available to assist. But, it's best to familiarize yourself with the garden layout to easily find your child if they're hiding.

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

With water play areas like fountains and streams, it's smart to bring a change of clothes and towels. Expect climbing, sliding, and sand play, so dress in older clothes that can handle some wear and tear.

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

Adults must not wear swimsuits, while children should always be dressed in swimsuits. Younger kids must wear a nappy or swim nappy when in playing areas. Please check regularly and report any accidents to the team for prompt cleaning.

Are there any toilets near the Hampton Court Magic Garden?

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

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

The Magic Garden doesn't have drinking water facilities as the fountains are closed. However, a kiosk offers drinks and ice cream on weekends and school holidays. Nearby, the Tiltyard Café provides water and other refreshments.

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

Picnics aren't allowed in the Magic Garden—no blankets, tables, or eating on play equipment. Head to the Tiltyard Café or the Wilderness at Hampton Court Palace for a picnic.

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 aid kit to you.