A great place to explore
The Gardens are open every day from Spring to Autumn and also host numerous events throughout the year.
A great place to explore
The Gardens are open every day from Spring to Autumn and also host numerous events throughout the year.
Discover the beautiful gardens and grounds of Hampton Court Castle
The gardens at Hampton Court Castle are lovingly cared for throughout the year by our dedicated gardening team. Open to the public from the spring to the autumn, there is a lot to explore, including a maze, beautiful herbaceous borders, water features and fantastic views of the forest backdrop.
The river walk provides the opportunity to further explore the estate, offering stunning views of the Castle from across the ha-ha wall and a taste of the surrounding Herefordshire countryside.
Garden Highlights
Surrounded by original Victorian walls, the ornamental Kitchen Garden is one of the first areas you’ll come to on arrival at Hampton Court Castle. It contains an abundance of fruits and vegetables also supplies the Orangery Cafe with some seasonal produce.
The espalier trees grow over 20 different varieties of heirloom apples and pears. Elsewhere, homemade intricate supports help to guide the beans and sweet peas on their way.
The Rose Garden is adorned with sweet-smelling and colourful blooms, which are in flower for much of the summer. Walk over one of the little bridges and onto a pavilion to see a different perspective of the gardens, or relax on one of the many benches and enjoy the ambience.
The Dutch Garden is a favourite amongst visitors, with beautiful symmetry and a striking water feature. It is a very tranquil setting, at its best when the agapanthus flower in midsummer.
You’ll also notice the gothic tower at the centre of the maze of 1,000 yew trees, which provides endless entertainment for guests of all ages. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the gardens, and a surprise journey elsewhere, which we’ll keep secret so you can discover it for yourself!
The Sunken Garden can be reached by wandering down a path of cascading stepping stones. It features huge lily pads, lush greenery and a stunning waterfall, which you can walk behind! It is well worth taking the time to explore this area of the gardens, which also attracts plentiful wildlife.
The 150 year old Wisteria Arch takes you from the Formal Gardens onto the South Lawns. At its best in May-June with lilac and white flowers, it smells divine, attracts lots of bees and is wonderful to photograph.
Beyond the Wisteria Arch, you’ll emerge onto the expansive South Lawns, where you can stop for refreshments at the Orangery Cafe.
Children can enjoy the playground and everyone can soak up the surroundings, with views across to the forest backdrop. Here you’ll find the gateway to the river walk, which offers the chance to further explore the estate.
Look out for the quirky wooden bridges and the tree swings beneath a spectacular London Plane.
