Explore 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of historic parkland
The world-famous gardens of Hampton Court Palace include 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens and 750 acres (304 hectares) of parkland, all set within a loop of the River Thames.
Our gardens are home to the world's oldest puzzle maze, a record-breaking grape vine, three National Plant Collections and a huge variety of wildlife, including the descendants of Henry VIII's deer herd.
Garden highlights
Summer sees the spectacular herbaceous border in the East Front Gardens at its best, while Queen Mary II's Exoticks come out in the Lower Orangery Garden.
The Great Vine grapes are harvested at the end of the summer, followed by autumn colours in the Tiltyard and Wilderness as deers rut in Home Park.
In the winter, striking outlines of trees stretch across Home Park and, if we're lucky, snow highlights the topiary of the Privy Garden.
All year round, our Kitchen Garden grows fruit and vegetable crops that fed the Georgian royal family in the 18th century.
The gardens come to life in spring with over one million flowering bulbs in the Wilderness and a riot of colour in the formal gardens.
When
Open in line with palace opening hours
Ticketing information
A Hampton Court Palace admission ticket is required to access our gardens and they are open in line with palace opening times. Please check any closures before your visit.
Garden Open Days:
All palace gardens will be open to visitors free of charge on the following dates (Entrance to the Palace, Maze and Magic Garden will still require a ticket):
2023
18 - 19 November
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Hampton Court Palace ticketsHampton Court Gardens: autumn
Find out more about our gardens in autumn in this short film.
Our work in the gardens happens all year round.
Our growing yearA year in the life of Hampton Court Palace gardens
Our gardeners look after the world's oldest puzzle maze, the world's oldest grape vine, Britain's longest herbaceous border, three National Plant Collections and over 60 acres of historic gardens. Find out how they do it in this series of films.
More information
National Plant Collections
Hampton Court Palace is the holder of three important National Plant Collections – Heliotropium, Lantana and Queen Mary II's Exoticks which is designated a Heritage Collection.
More about our national plant collectionsDownloads
Garden FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the beautiful gardens at Hampton Court Palace.
Read our FAQsEXPLORE WHAT'S ON
- Things to see
Kitchen Garden
Experience the recreated Kitchen Garden, which would have fed the Georgian royals and now supplies Henry VIII's Kitchens.
- Open
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in gardens admission (members go free)
- Events
- Christmas
Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre
Shop bespoke handmade gifts in a unique festive setting.
- 01-03 and 08-10 December 2023
- 10:00-18:00
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
Haunted Gallery and Processional Route
Walk Henry VIII’s route from his private apartments to the Chapel and see the infamous Haunted Gallery in the State Apartments.
- Open
- Hampton Court Palace
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
BROWSE MORE HISTORY AND STORIES
The gardens at Hampton Court Palace
A brief history of the famous royal gardens
The story of Hampton Court Palace
Home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty
Henry VIII, Terrible Tudor?
Who was the real Henry VIII?
Shop online
Shop Hampton Court Palace Gifts
Our gifts and souvenirs are are inspired by over 500 years of history from Hampton Court Palace.
From £3.00
Shop HRP Books & Publications
Discover books inspired by the palaces in our care, learn about fascinating periods of British history, including our official palace guide books, children's books and more.
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Elizabeth's Women by Tracy Borman
Discover the world of Elizabeth I with this insightful look at Elizabeth's relationship with woman and how they helped to shape her into a remarkable monarch. This thrilling book explores the lesser known side of Elizabeth I who is often portrayed as a ruthless 'man's woman'.
£14.99