The Hampton Court Garden Festival is a biennial celebration that takes place at Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, England. It's a must-visit event for garden enthusiasts and those who love the outdoors.
The festival features over 600 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and innovations in gardening. From beautiful plants and flowers to innovative gardening tools and accessories, there's something for every gardener.
The festival covers an area of 10 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and discover new ideas and inspiration. It's a great opportunity to meet experts and learn about the latest gardening trends and techniques.
The festival is held over four days in late June and early July, with over 140,000 visitors attending each time.
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History
The Hampton Court Garden Festival has a rich history that spans over two decades. The first RHS Hampton Court Show took place in 1993 with additional sponsorship from the Daily Mail.
It was a huge success, and the following year was declared the best outdoor public event of 1994. The show ground, which spans 25 acres, has allowed for steady expansion over the years.
The Heritage Marquee was set up in the early years to showcase the NCCPG and its national collections, which initially drew a quiet crowd but gained popularity steadily. Crafts pavilions, which were once the first sight to greet visitors, were later moved to a less prominent position.
RHS Years – 1993-Present
The RHS Hampton Court Show first took place in 1993, with the Daily Mail providing additional sponsorship.
This event was a huge success, earning the title of the best outdoor public event of 1994.
The showground was massive, covering 25 acres, which allowed for plenty of room to expand and showcase various attractions.
Over the years, a Heritage Marquee was set up for the NCCPG and its national collections, which initially drew a quiet crowd but eventually gained significant public interest.
Crafts pavilions were gradually moved to a less prominent position, making way for more display gardens and other attractions.
There were room for a couple of dozen display gardens, plus a separate section for ten water gardens, which provided a unique experience for visitors.
In 1998, a Hampton Court garden was rebuilt at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability.
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Festival Goes Biennial
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival has a new schedule, folks! It's turning into a biennial festival, which means it will now take place once every two years.
After the 2025 festival, the event will become a biennial occurrence. This change is already in motion, with the 2026 festival taking place at the historic Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire.
The Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire is the new location for the 2026 RHS Show. This marks a change from the usual Hampton Court Palace grounds.
The festival will return to Hampton Court Palace in 2027, so mark your calendars for that one!
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Located at an iconic site
The Hampton Court Garden Festival is held on the grounds of Hampton Court Palace in East Molesey, Surrey. This iconic site is steeped in history, having been the home of Henry VIII.
Visitors to the festival will be surrounded by manicured gardens upon arrival. The palace's Grade I listed status is a testament to its architectural significance.
The Long Water offers picturesque views of the Tudor palace when walked along. It's a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of the festival.
Designers and build teams have just five days to dismantle the gardens after the show ends. This is a remarkably short time frame, especially considering it takes three weeks to build a Show Garden and two weeks to build a small garden.
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Festival Experience
The festival experience at Hampton Court Garden Festival is a unique blend of excitement and relaxation. There's an upbeat celebratory atmosphere, with a palpable furore in anticipation of what's on offer.
You can expect to find daily discussions and talks with personalities, as well as indulgent lifestyle treats and tools from high-quality trade stands. These stands showcase the latest gardening products, making it a great opportunity to learn about new trends and technologies.
The festival also features fabulous food and drink options, including the House Plant Cafe, where you can enjoy a meal or snack while browsing plants for sale. Forest and the Plant Pet Club are among the growers represented at the cafe.
Music plays a significant role in the festival, with a lively atmosphere that's perfect for dancing or simply enjoying the moment. It seems that horticulture has become the new rock and roll at Hampton Court Garden Festival!
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Festival Details
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is a must-visit event for gardening enthusiasts.
The festival has a celebratory feel with a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.
You can expect daily discussions and talks with personalities, as well as indulgent lifestyle treats and tools from high-quality trade stands.
There's also fabulous food and drink, including the House Plant Cafe where you can sit, sip, and browse plants for sale.
Music is a big part of the festival, with a fun and lively atmosphere that's perfect for all ages.
This year's gardens feature a diverse array of installations, many of which focus on environmental issues like global warming.
Make sure to check out the must-visit installations, which showcase clever and creative garden design ideas.
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The Result
The final edit of the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival videos is a colourful and joyful creation that will surely inspire viewers.
The animation is featured across all videos, adding an extra layer of visual interest and engagement.
The short social videos will go live in spring 2022 as part of a social media campaign.
You can already watch the longer 2 minute edit on the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival webpage.
One of the standout show gardens at RHS Hampton 2025 was Subaru Cocoon, a rainforest-themed garden that took home the Gold medal.
Mike McMahon and Jewlsy Mathews were the masterminds behind this impressive garden, which also won Best Show Garden and Best Construction for a Show Garden.
Their garden, Subaru Cocoon, was a triple win, also earning the RHS Environmental Innovation Award.
The judges praised Subaru Cocoon as a 'transportational and convincing space' that delivered on its brief and celebrated nature.
The garden's exceptional showmanship was particularly noteworthy, given the challenges of building it under difficult conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk around Hampton Court gardens for free?
Yes, you can visit Hampton Court Palace Gardens for free on select days throughout the year. Check the schedule for Garden Open Days to explore the grounds without a ticket.
Which is bigger, Chelsea Flower Show or Hampton Court?
The RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is actually the biggest gardening event in the world, dwarfing the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in size. Held annually in July, it's a must-see for gardening enthusiasts.
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