Family activities at Hampton Court Palace
The historical home to Kings and Queens will educate and entertain families this spring and summer. From sumptuous chocolate treats to hilarious tales of infamous rulers and one of the world’s most famous mazes, there’s something for all the family to enjoy at Hampton Court Palace.
The Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt
(1st – 16th April) returns to Hampton Court Palace this Easter, where families can explore the historic gardens and encounter some of the people who lived, worked, and visited Henry VIII’s pleasure palace.
Young explorers can run free in the 60 acres of gardens to find the hidden Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues, matching up the name of the important palace character on the trail to the red ribbon on the GOLD BUNNY at each location and unwrapping a fascinating story.
At the end of the experience, participants will be rewarded with a delicious Lindt GOLD BUNNY.
Visitors will also encounter historic characters brought to life as Prince George – son of King George I - is on a mission to sleep in, drink chocolate and dance all day. Charged with the task of making this possible, chocolatier Grace Tosier will face competition from other members of the royal court to make the young chocolate-loving prince’s dream a reality.
Horrible Histories Live on Stage
(27th May – 3rd June) returns to Hampton Court Palace to present Barmy Britain – Part Five, an open-air theatrical experience that will bring to life some of history’s most notorious characters. Taking place in the East Front Gardens, the Palace provides a fitting backdrop for the twice daily performances, perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during May half term.
Barmy Britain – Part Five is a raucous show of outrageous histories, bursting with comedy and songs following its debut on London’s West End. Audiences will encounter a host of infamous rulers from Henry VIII to Queen Victoria. It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!
Backstage at the Palace – Folio 400 celebrations at Hampton Court Palace
(1 May – 21 July) is part of upcoming celebrations for the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s first folio being published.
Hampton Court Palace visitors will be transported back in time to witness a troupe of actors rehearsing for a special performance for the royals and nobility of the early 17th century.
Three scenes – performed twice daily – will tell the story of the theatrical players as they arrive at court and commence work on staging the performance for their esteemed audience, lifting the lid for modern day visitors on how the folio was first put together.
Shakespeare himself visited Hampton Court Palace alongside the King’s Men (the acting troupe named after King James I) while the monarch used the Great Hall as a theatre when staying at the residence during an outbreak of plague in London during the Christmas period of 1603.
The fun continues throughout spring and summer in the Magic Garden(open daily from Easter), an imaginative play garden that is inspired by the palace’s legendary past. Located on the site of Henry VIII’s former jousting tiltyard, the Magic Garden has something new to discover around every twist and turn, with an immersive world populated by mythical beasts and a mysterious secret grotto. Of course, a visit to Hampton Court Palace won’t be complete without a visit to the famous maze that was commissioned back in 1700 by King William III and is now the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze.
