General information

Are the gardens open all year round?
Yes. The only day of the year that the gardens are closed is Christmas Day, although the formal gardens (the areas to the east and south that are covered by an admission charge during the summer) are closed on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day as well. Home Park is open all year round.  On certain occasions the gardens and park may be closed for specific events and in the case of inclement weather they will be closed for safety reasons. Click here for monthly garden highlights >

How many gardeners work at Hampton Court Palace?
There are 42 full time members of staff. 30 are gardeners and the remaining 12 are specialists in their field. We have a wildlife officer, a machinery fitter, a gardens cleansing team and a small team of managers.

How old are the trees on the East Front?
Some of the trees are around 300 years old. The others, which are between 75 - 100 years old, have been planted where the original late 17th century trees have been lost.

When is the best time to see the daffodils in the Wilderness?
During March the display generally lasts about 6 weeks with the greatest number of flowers during the 3rd and 4th week of the month.

How big are the gardens?
The gardens cover an area of 26.7 hectares or 66 acres and the wider estate covers an area of 304 hectares or 750 acres. Click here to view a map of the gardens > 

Where can I fish at Hampton Court Palace?
In the Longwater and Rick Ponds which can be found in Home Park. You can also fish in the Heron and Leg of Mutton ponds in Bushy Park on the same permit. Click here for further information on fishing permits >

How can I get out into Home Park and see the deer?
Home Park is not accessible from the palace gardens between Easter and the end of September. The park can be entered via the gates from either the Barge Walk or Hampton Court Palace Road which are indicated on the map boards throughout the gardens.

Can I exit the gardens from the Privy Garden and the South Front?
No. The only exits are either through the palace or the Tiltyard and Wilderness gardens on the north side of the palace.

Is there a nursery? Where do you grow plants?
There has been a history of growing plants on the current nursery site for over 300 years and the first glasshouses were erected towards the end of the 19th century. Located off the Wilderness garden, the nursery is only open to visitors under special arrangements such as garden tours.

Can I see what the gardens are like before I arrive?
Yes. View the gardens in our seasonal slideshow
Slideshow: Hampton Court Palace gardens »

Can I buy a ticket just for the gardens?
Yes. Click here for current prices and booking information >

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The Maze

Could you tell me more about the Maze?
The layout of the Maze has survived from the late 17th century and is now listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's oldest hedge maze. The maze itself was created as a humourous diversion for the court of William III and Mary II. Click here for further information on the Hampton Court Maze >

Can I buy a ticket just for the Maze?
Yes. Click here for current prices and booking information >

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The Great Vine

How old is the Great Vine?
Planted in 1768 during the time when Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was in charge of the gardens at Hampton Court, the Great Vine is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest productive vine. Click here for further information on the Great Vine >

Do you make wine from the grapes?
No. The Great Vine is a dessert type so the grapes are harvested and the fruit sold through the palace shops from late August until mid September. Click here for information on the Palace shops >

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