Shady spots and cool corridors

Escape the heat this summer with a refreshing day out among the shaded gardens, cool Tudor cloisters and baroque courts of Hampton Court Palace.

Explore our historic palace and gardens with your day 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.

Chapel Court and Tudor cloisters

Enjoy the benches and shade in Chapel Court, a Tudor garden at the heart of Henry VIII’s palace. The garden takes inspiration from The Family of Henry VIII painting that now hangs in the Haunted Gallery.

Then wander through the cool Tudor cloisters alongside Henry VIII’s Kitchens and the Chapel Royal, before admiring the views across Base Court.

From here, you can start your journey through Henry VIII’s Great Hall and Tudor apartments or head towards Fountain Court to enjoy the Baroque gardens.

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.

The Kitchen Garden

Stop and watch the world go by at the pavilion in the Kitchen Garden, perhaps venturing out into the sunshine to take a look at the gardener’s cart and seasonal planting.

This interesting corner of the gardens, which once provided fruit and vegetables for the king’s table, offers great views over the Tudor palace.

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 Tiltyard

Whether you’re looking for summery light lemon sorbet, indulgent ice cream or fresh salads and sandwiches, our air-conditioned Tiltyard café and deli is the perfect stop on your palace day out.

Relax on the sunny terrace or the lawn, or take a seat inside. With meal options on the menu for children, this is the perfect spot for a family lunch.

Fountain Court Café

Enjoy an afternoon tea, cool drink or a light lunch in the shady Fountain Court café, off Fountain Court in the baroque palace.

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.

The Privy Kitchen

Situated at the heart of the Tudor palace, the Privy Kitchen is an ideal spot for a quick bite to eat. The café serves a variety of cold drinks, ice creams, sweet treats and Tudor-style meals.

The Magic Garden

Let the little ones' imaginations run wild in the Magic Garden, where shady spots and fun water features inspired by the palace's history will help them cool down while they play and learn.

Please note, the Magic Garden gets very busy in peak times. Our staff will use the wristband system to minimise queues as much as possible. On hot days, it is advisable to get to the garden early.

The Gardener’s Hut

Stop at the Gardeners’ Hut by the Royal Tennis Courts and Fountain Garden, and find out what’s growing in the palace gardens.

Family trails and activities

There is plenty to do indoors at the palace! If you haven't experienced a Digital Mission, followed our dragons in the gardens, completed a family trail or met the wives of King Henry VIII, then now is the time!