From stunning spring blooms to the history of royal fashion, discover the best events at Historic Royal Palaces in 2025
Immerse yourself in royal surroundings this year with a range of fun days out and events at Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). Boundless Plus members enjoy unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces locations, making them all well worth a trip.
From the iconic Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and an infamous prison, through Hampton Court Palace, which served as a domestic backdrop to Henry VIII and his wives, to Kew Palace, a hidden gem in the glorious gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
How to gain entry using Palace Pass
Boundless Plus members benefit from unlimited access to all Historic Royal Palaces. To gain entry to HRP locations, simply download your Palace Pass and present it at the palace admissions office where you will be given your free ticket/s for entry. You will also be required to show your membership card and a form of photo identification.
Don't have Boundless Plus? View upgrade options.
Events and activities at Hampton Court Palace
Partake in some Easter fun
Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt, 29 March–21 April
Perfect for a family day out, explore the iconic gardens of Hampton Court Palace while taking part in the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Hunt. Follow the trail and match the names of influential historical characters to the distinctive red ribbons adorning the Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues hiding among the spring bulbs starting to pop up around the grounds. If you find all the Lindt GOLD BUNNY statues, you will be rewarded with a delicious chocolate (or alternative) treat.
This event is free to Boundless Plus members and included in Palace admission.
Have a bloomin’ great time
Tulip Festival, 11 April – 5 May
Celebrate the joys of spring at the popular Tulip Festival, which promises a floral spectacle like no other. Enjoy Britain’s “Largest and Greatest Tulip Heritage Garden”, as it was described at the 2024 World Tulip Summit. Spread over Henry VIII’s 60 acres of gardens, more than 100,000 tulip bulbs will erupt in colour at one of the UK’s biggest displays of planted tulips. Admire the blooms pouring out of the Tudor wine fountain and vintage horse carts, the floating tulip bowls in the Great Fountain, and rare varieties in the Lower Orangery, some of which are over 500 years old.
This event is free to Boundless Plus members and included in Palace admission.
Improve your mood
Feel Good Festival, 16–18 May 2025
Our busy lives don’t always give us a chance to relax, so go and unwind in the tranquil gardens and grounds of Hampton Court Palace at its Feel Good Festival. Bring together mind, body and soul with its program of wellness workshops, inspiring talks and guided practices. And, of course, there will be plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy, with a range of food, drink and shopping options on offer. Find a moment of calm and spark some joy.
This event is free to Boundless Plus members and included in Palace admission.
Treat your ears
Hampton Court Palace Festival, 10–21 June
The palace will open its gates after hours to welcome festival goers into the palace gardens for a line-up of open-air live entertainment, from the likes of Elbow and Bananarama. The nightly concerts take place in the intimate setting of Base Court, and you even order a luxury hamper to make the evening extra special. More acts are yet to be announced, so check the website for updates.
A separate festival ticket is required for entry to this evening event. Visit the website to purchase tickets.
Get some garden inspiration
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, 1–6 July
Whether you’re an avid gardener or just a fan of flowers, a world of botanical beauty awaits. Marvel at the Show Gardens, each designed by leading gardeners, and pick up some tips from demonstrations with green-fingered celebrity experts. After being inspired by the Festival of Roses, you can buy a few additions to plant in your own garden.
A separate ticket is required for entry to this event, you can purchase your tickets here.
Sample delicious food and drink
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, 23–25 August
Enjoy a fabulous day out at Hampton Court Palace Food Festival 2025. Sample delicious food and drink, listen to live music and play traditional games in a spectacular historic setting.
With more than 150 food and drink stalls to sample, live music to bop to, loads of activities to keep the kids entertained, and a spectacular royal palace and grounds to explore, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
This event is free to Boundless Plus members and included in Palace admission.
Marvel at majestic motors
Concours of Elegance, 5–7 September
Car enthusiasts will relish the fine craftsmanship, design and innovation that’s gone into some of the rarest cars ever created in this collection (pictured above). Sixty extraordinary cars will be rolling up to Hampton Court Palace, many of them being shown in the UK for the first time. Over three days, nearly 500 more luxury and performance motors of all ages will complete the line-up, including a few of the world's most sought-after brands.
A separate ticket is required for entry to this event, you can purchase your tickets via the website.
Discover some military history
The Indian Army at Hampton Court Palace, until 28 September
Did you know that Soldiers from the Indian Army camped at Hampton Court Palace on a number of occasions in the early 20th century? This fascinating exhibition explores their forgotten story and brings it to life using previously unseen objects, photos, film and personal stories.
This event is free to Boundless Plus members and included in Palace admission.
Events and activities at Hillsborough Castle
Welcome in the new season
Spring Spectacular, 15 March – 5 May
Northern Ireland’s royal residence erupts in a riot of colour as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and more all burst into bloom. More bulbs than ever have been planted for this year’s Spring Spectacular, set in 100 picturesque acres of a grand Georgian estate and royal residence, just 20 minutes outside Belfast. Don’t miss this stunning seasonal sight.
Free entry to Boundless Plus members, and included in all admission tickets.
Get some sartorial insight
Royal Style in the Making, 15 March 2025 – 04 January 2026
Discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women, and see three stunning outfits on display, including the toile used in The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, which she wore in 1937. The exhibition reveals the intimate bond that develops between designers and their royal clients. The collection includes sketches from David Sassoon for Princess Diana, complete with her handwritten comments.
Free entry to Boundless Plus members, and admission is included in all combined castle tour and gardens tickets.
Events and activities at Kew Palace
Admire the view
The Great Pagoda, seasonal opening times (check website for details)
Originally built in 1762 and recently restored to its former glory, the 163ft Great Pagoda was the most ambitious building in a 'royal circuit'. Choose a clear day to climb its 253 steps so that you can appreciate the views over London from the top.
As you climb, learn why this impressive building was built and how it was used by the royal family. Keep an eye out for the 80 dragons that adorn the building – after being lost for 200 years, they were brought back to life using 3D printing and hand wood carving.
Boundless members can enjoy unlimited entry to Kew. Your complimentary Kew Gardens admission and tickets to The Great Pagoda can be pre-booked by logging in.
Visit a special home
Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, seasonal opening times (check website for details)
Tucked away in the southwest end of Kew Gardens known as ‘the wilderness’ is Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, used by Queen Charlotte and other members of the royal family. Found on the riverside, the secluded spot was a favourite place for resting and taking tea during their walks in the gardens. This intimate hidden gem is a must on your next trip to Kew Gardens.
Free entry to Boundless members, and included in all admission tickets.
Events and activities at Kensington Palace
Study five centuries of fashion
Dress Codes, 13 March – 30 November
This deep-dive into Royal fashion will explore the codes and conventions behind the way the royals dress. Glimpse royal and court fashion treasures on display for the first time, and learn about the powerful influence of fashion when it pushes the boundaries of both dress codes and society. Both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures will be on show from a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years.
Free entry to Boundless Plus members, and included in all admission tickets.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.
All photos: Getty Images
