Henry VIII's Joust FAQs

Tickets and admission

How much are tickets?
The Henry VIII’s Joust and falconry displays are both included in Hampton Court Palace admission tickets and no additional pre-booking is required. Tickets to Hampton Court Palace can be purchased in advance via our website.

You may be able to buy tickets on the day of your intended visit at the Ticket Office, subject to availability. It is advised that you pre-book all your tickets to avoid disappointment. 

Can Historic Royal Palaces members attend the Joust for free?
Yes, members can attend the Joust for free, providing they are able to present a valid membership card on arrival at the palace. A separate ticket will not be required for members to attend the Joust, although we would recommend pre-booking palace admission tickets to avoid disappointment.

Show information

Where do the Joust and falconry displays take place?
The Joust and falconry displays take place on the East Front Gardens at Hampton Court Palace. All performances are open-air and seated directly on grass. 

What are the timings for the Joust?
The Joust will take place at 11:00, 13:30 and 16:00 daily on the selected dates, with each performance lasting for around 45 minutes. Please note, all event times are subject to change. 

What are the timings for the falconry displays?
Falconry displays will take place at 12:30 and 15:00 daily on the selected dates, with each performance lasting for around 30 minutes. As above, all event times are subject to change. 

Is the Joust appropriate for children?
The Joust is a performance based on historical jousting tournaments and is appropriate for people of all ages, including children.

Can my child watch the Joust or falconry displays by themselves?
No. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit including while watching the Joust and falconry displays.

Will there be seating?
No seating is provided to view the Joust or falconry displays, so please come prepared to stand or sit on the lawns. Please note that umbrellas and folding chairs are prohibited as they may restrict the view for other guests.

What is in place for those with access requirements?
The East Front Gardens at Hampton Court Palace are fully accessible; however the Joust and falconry displays take place on grassed terrain and are accessed via a gravel path. Staff will be on standby to assist visitors with accessibility needs.

They should make themselves known to the team upon arrival at the event site, where a suitable place will be found for them to watch the performance comfortably. For more information about palace accessibility, please visit our accessibility page.

Can I bring my own food into the show with me?
Yes, please feel free to bring your own picnic to the show. Glass bottles are allowed, however drinking glasses are not permitted. Please use shatterproof non-glass drinking cups and recycle your bottles after use. Our range of cafes also serve a range of delicious food and refreshments. 

Where are the closest toilet facilities?
The closest toilet facilities will be located in the Wilderness Garden. Other toilets will be available to use onsite, including the Fountain Court toilets. Please ask a member of staff if you need directions.

Will there be any photography or filming?
It is possible Historic Royal Palaces will be filming and taking photographs at this event. Please speak to a member of staff on the day of the event if you wish to opt out.

Can I take photographs or use video?
You are welcome to take photographs providing these are for personal use. Please refrain from video recording the performance.

What happens in extreme weather?
This event is weather dependant and the safety and welfare of all involved is of utmost importance to us. Should event organisers determine that safety is compromised, the event will be cancelled. In the event of wet weather, adjustments will be made to the joust and falconry displays to protect the safety of the animals.

As this event is included in your admission ticket and does not incur any extra charge, there will be no refunds offered due to cancelled performances. 

What animal welfare policies have been put in place for the horses?

Outlaw Entertainments, the company providing the horses for Henry VIII’s Joust, are a well-established supplier offering numerous equine services throughout the entertainment industries.

They adhere to strict animal welfare policies and their horses receive the highest level of care throughout their training and work. Polices are built upon the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

What animal welfare policies have been put in place for the birds?

CODA Falconry, the company providing the birds for falconry displays at Henry VIII’s Joust, are a supplier operating locally to Hampton Court Palace. Their Bird of Prey Centre is located at Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow.

CODA Falconry have been issued with a zoo license by Hounslow Borough Council, which means they must adhere to strict welfare policies both within their Bird of Prey Centre and when transporting animals offsite for events such as this one.

Can we interact with the animals?

Unfortunately, you cannot interact with the animals onsite during your visit due to our strict animal welfare policies for this event. Horses should not be approached and birds cannot be handled.

If you are seeking a more interactive experience during your visit, the Shire Horse Carriage rides will be running elsewhere in the East Front Gardens during this time. We do ask that you please speak to a member of staff before approaching the horses for your own safety.

Are dogs allowed?
Only registered and recognisable assistance, service or guide dogs are allowed inside Hampton Court Palace and in the East Front Gardens.

Can I leave my dog anywhere during my visit to the palace?
There are no facilities for dogs to be left while their owners visit the palace and gardens and they should not be left in cars in the palace car park (owners of any animals left in cars are libel to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act and we are obliged to call the police to parked vehicles containing animals, especially dogs).

What is the policy regarding smoking?
The joust arena is a no smoking zone. Please refrain from smoking and vaping in this area.

Parking

Where can I park?
On-site paid parking at Hampton Court Palace is limited and on a first come first served basis. In the likely event that the on-site car park is full, overflow parking will be provided on Hampton Court Green. This will be operated by a third party. Where possible we encourage visitors to use public transport to visit us.

For more information about parking onsite and other local car parks, please view our Getting Here page.

Is there Disabled parking?
The palace car park has nine disabled parking spaces for Blue Badge holders. They are available on a first come first served basis. Parking is currently free for blue badge holders parked in the disabled bays.