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 Daily
Ticketing information
Until 06 May: Open daily 10:00 - 18:00. Last admission: 17:15.
The Magic Garden is closed on 29 April.
- The Magic Garden entry is included in your admission ticket (members go free). Pre-booking is advised for all visitors including members. Magic Garden-only tickets are not available.
- We cannot guarantee entry to the Magic Garden. Entry is on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, and queueing at busy times is highly likely for visitors and members.
- Adults without children will not be allowed access due to safeguarding.
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsMagic Garden map
Download a map
Important information
Visiting the Magic Garden
Access during peak times
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Magic Garden. Please be prepared to queue, especially if it is a busy day. Coloured wristbands are given to gain entry and have to worn by adults in the garden.
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 may also have to queue and are subject to the same time limitations as our other visitors.
Hot weather
The Magic Garden is a large open space with plenty of room to run and play. 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
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
- Separate ticket
- Things to see
Hampton Court Gardens
Take time to explore and relax in these world-renowned gardens and find our free entry Garden Open Days dates.
- Open in line with palace opening hours.
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
Great Hall
Experience the splendour of the Tudor court in Henry VIII's Great Hall, complete with his magnificent tapestries.
- Open
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
Henry VIII's children
All three ruled England
Chocolate fit for a king
Where royal chocolate makers prepared this expensive delicacy
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.
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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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