Top things to do at the Festival

• With three judged garden categories there’s lots of garden design inspiration at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival. The Show Gardens represent the best in horticultural excellence, while the Gardens of Curiosity allow designers to challenge their creativity with beautiful gardens which also provide plenty of take home ideas.
• This year the Feature Gardens take their cue from the Festival theme of ‘Wonder’. Expect gardens of whimsy and delight – packed with plants and buzzing with wildlife.

• The popular Planting Pockets return to the Festival, inviting new horticulturalists to bring their first garden to an RHS Show. This mentored category offers the first opportunity for budding designers to start their Show Careers, including the opportunity to have their designs rated by RHS Judges.
• With allotments, student beds and exhibitor gardens squeezed into every corner of the Festival, there is lots of ideas and inspiration to be had. Remember to take a pen and paper and lots of photos.

• From the heady scent of the Festival of Roses to the stunning displays in the Floral Marquee, RHS Hampton Court is a plant lovers heaven.
• Last year’s visitors’ favourite, the Houseplant Cafe returns, celebrating the wonders of indoor gardening.

• If you see a flower you absolutely must have in a Garden at the Festival. check the plant lists, as you’ll almost certainly be able to buy it in the Floral Marquee, or around the Plant Village.
• Floral displays bloom all around the ground, created by skilled floral artists – for selfie opportunities, or just to provide a gorgeous backdrop for your picnic.

• Treat your garden to a summer make over with ideas from the top designers and growers in horticulture. Find out what plant combinations work for your conditions, discover how to recreate your favourite styles at home and learn how to look after your plants to keep your garden looking its best all year long.
• In the Floral Marquee, you can take advantage of having the greatest horticultural minds at your disposal to pick their brains and get the insider knowledge, you don't get on the high street.

• See your favourite gardening starts on the stage sharing their experience and wisdom. Take part in demonstrations and learn how the experts do it in on the Talks Stages.
• See out the many horticultural charities, trades and associations which come to the Festival to help you explore your love of growing. From RHS Partner Gardens to visit in your area, to free advice on your landscaping projects, it’s a great opportunity to dive into and explore all aspects of gardening.

• With lots of food and dring options around the Festival, there’s something for every appetite, diet and palatte. Choose street food from around the world, or take the opportunity to treat yourself to a sophisticated picnic hamper from Fortnum & Masons to be enjoyed by the cooling banks of the Long Water with stunning veiws of the Palace.
• Soak in the atmosphere with the sounds from the bandstand playing live music throughout the Festival. Check the website or Show Guide for the full line up. 

 “Lots of lovely places to buy food and drink with little or no queues when I wanted to purchase refreshments. Always found somewhere to sit for a little rest! No queues for the toilets which were clean and well maintained throughout both days I attended the Festival.”

- Vistor feedback from 2024.