Shady spots

Escape the heat this summer with a refreshing day out among the shaded gardens of Hampton Court Palace.

Explore our historic palace and gardens with your admission ticket, or become a member to enjoy unlimited adventures for a whole year.

The Great Fountain Garden

Relax with a picnic and a book on one of the shaded spots in the Great Fountain Garden – the perfect spot to catch a cool breeze flowing through from the Long Water in Home Park, with spectacular views of the baroque palace.

Then wander among the shady paths, fountains, picturesque waterways and bright summer planting on the palace’s East Front.

The Orchard

Pause for a moment or longer under the apple trees in the Orchard, with views of both the Little Banqueting House and the baroque palace.

Here you can bring a picnic to enjoy among the grass or relax on a bench, surrounded by the beautiful dappled light shining through the trees.

Queen Mary’s Bower

Walk under the shady Queen Mary’s Bower in the Privy Garden, pausing to admire the view over the formal garden – this structure was created to ensure that the royal family and courtiers could enjoy the vista over the garden in the shade.

The Wilderness

Stop for an ice cream at our ice cream stand by the Tiltyard café, then wander through the wild meadow in the Wilderness, shaded by the trees alongside the paths.