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The Magic Garden

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.

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 at 11:00 when Rise and Roar sessions take place. Please check opening times before visiting.

Learn more about Rise and Roar quiet sessions

When

Closed


Ticketing information

You cannot purchase Magic Garden-only tickets. Please read important information about your visit before purchasing your ticket.
The Magic Garden is now closed for winter and will re-open on 15 - 23 February 2025.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Hampton Court Palace tickets

Magic Garden map

Entry and rules of the Magic Garden

Entry to the Magic Garden

  • We cannot guarantee entry to the Magic Garden. Entry is on a strictly first-come, first served basis
  • Adults without children will not be allowed access due to safeguarding.
  • Wristbands are given to gain entry and must be worn by adults in the garden.
  • Due to the size and design of the Magic Garden, groups of children over the age of 12 will not be admitted (such as school groups). Children over the age of 12 will still be admitted as part of a family group.

Access during peak times

  • There may be queues for both visitors and members at busy times and a time limit to give everyone the chance to visit
  • 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 are subject to time limitations as our other visitors.

Hot weather

  • In hot weather, 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.
Boy playing on the large dragon sculpture in the Magic Garden

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 FAQs

As a member, enjoy a range of member benefits including unlimited adventures at our magnificent palaces

Join Historic Royal 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 membership

Thank 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.

  • 06 October 2024
  • 09:30 - 11:00
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Events
  • Christmas

Hampton Court Palace Festive Fayre

Discover a winter wonderland with over 100 artisan producers at Henry VIII's palace.

  • 13-15 December 2024
  • 10:00-17:00 (The palace closes at 16:00)
  • Hampton Court Palace
  • Included in palace admission. (Members go free, pre-booking required)
Learn more
  • 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)
Learn more

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

Shop online

Shop Children's Toys

Delight in our fantastic range of children's toys, ensuring hours of fun and playtime.

From £4.00

Shop Dress-Up

Let your little ones step into the shoes of royalty with our enchanting fancy dress inspired by Historic Royal Palaces.

From £4

Shop Hampton Court Palace

Explore our gifts and souvenirs, inspired by over 500 years of history from Hampton Court Palace.

From £2.50