CHEAP! Magical Magic Garden at Hampton Court
I couldn't recommend this place more. The kids had a truly magical time here. Inspired by the stories and legend of Hampton Court Palace, this interactive play garden offers as much well thought out features as the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. One of the favourites part of the garden for my kids was the water fountain plaza and good sized sand play area with water pump feature that is guarded by a wooden carved 25ft smoke-breathing dragon. Whilst he is definitely the most impressive mythical creature around, he's not the only one and kids can roam around through the grounds including the wild wood, mythical beast lair and perspective pergola, in search of them. The garden has secure aerial walkways between towers inspired by the Tiltyard Towers of King Henry VIII's day with a spiral slide or tall fireman's pole for the kids to make their way down from. The large artifical grass ampitheatre represents the tournament area that was once sited on this plot of land and now offers ample seating around the egdes and a large open space in the centre. Perched high overlooking the whole garden is a royal crown structure based on King Henry VIII's crown that children can climb up to and look out from before making their way down via a tunnel slide or the artifical grassed slopes. Also to look out for is the mythical beast grotto, the fabulous treehouse and wooden thrones. There is so much to explore and whilst I wouldn't recommend leaving your child unsupervised, minimal supervision is needed once they have associated themselves with the garden as the area is gated and secure and the one entry/exit point is monitored. There are toilets, drinking fountain taps, encampment styled changing tents and a cafe...however as always I would suggest taking a picnic, with bottles to refill with water. I would also recommend bringing a towel and a change of clothes for the kiddies especially if the sun is blazing as much as it was today as water-play featured high on the list of things to do today! On busy days, the venue may operate timed 2-hour sessions so be prepared to queue to get in or you can wander around Hampton Court gardens and maze until the rush dies down. Adult tickets are £7 and kids (3-15 years) are £5 but buys you a Magic Garden and Maze combo ticket so you can re-enter later in the day if you want.
