2016 - The Year of the Garden at Hampton Court Palace

Celebrate the Year of the Garden in 2016 marking the anniversary
of the birth of Lancelot Capability Brown.

In 1764 Capability Brown was appointed by George III as Chief Gardener at Hampton Court Palace and moved to Wilderness House which dates from 1700 and lies within the walls of the palace and was the official home of the palace's head gardeners. Amongst his many achievements was the planting of the Black Hamburg vine in 1768, which continues to flourish as the Great Vine and is the world's largest and most famous grape vine.

From 28 April - 4 September 2016 a temporary exhibition The Empress and the Gardener will bring 60 watercolour paintings of the Hampton Court estate by John Spyers, Brown's assistant back from Russia's State Hermitage museum. John Spyers, Capability Brown's designer at Hampton Court Palace worked as a draughtsman from 1746 - 1783 and it was he who prepared the drawings for many of Brown's park and architectural projects over a period of 20 years. The drawings are the only surviving records of how Hampton Court gardens looked when Brown was in charge.

New for 2016 The Magic Garden
Opening in the spring, a self-contained family focused walled area with every feature designed to be climbed upon, including a jousting arena, tiltyard towers and a fire breathing dragon. An out-door delight for children and families introducing history through play whilst engaging with nature.

An excursion to Hampton Court Palace in 2016 includes all the added value entertainments in addition to the magnificent Henry VIII State Apartments, Young Henry exhibition, the Baroque Palace of William & Mary, the Tudor Kitchens and the Triumphs of Caesar by Andrea Mantegna in one admission ticket.

Groups of 15 or more enjoy a 10% discount on admission rates. There is no extra charge for Christmas events (excluding the Ghost Tours). Groups can pre-book tickets on 0844 482 7770 or simply turn up and pay on the day at the Group Tickets desk.

For further details of events taking place at Historic Royal Palaces visit our website http://www.hrp.org.uk

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