We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.

Home Palace: Hampton Court Palace
Status: Established/Permanent
Salary: £28,909 per annum
Days/Hours of work: Full time, average 36 hours per week (5 days out of 7 per week, including occasional weekends)

About the role and about you

We are the independent charity that loves and looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. The palaces are the setting for the stories that shape us all, and we’re bringing them to people in ways that mean more to them. We want everyone to find themselves in the spaces and stories we share.  To find out more, please visit our strategy page found on our website.

Hampton Court Palace’s world-famous gardens include 60 acres of spectacular formal gardens and 750 acres (304 hectares) of parkland, all set within a loop of the River Thames. Our gardens are home to the world’s oldest puzzle maze, a record-breaking grape vine, three National Plant Collections, and over one million flowering bulbs in the Wilderness.

The role of Gardener is to provide a high standard of horticultural maintenance in the gardens and landscapes belonging to HRP. This includes maintaining a safe working environment, engaging with visitors and helping or guiding others in the team when required. A Gardener for HRP would have an interest in historic gardens and be dedicated to their sympathetic upkeep and interpretation to the wider public, delivering a customer service in keeping with our royal standard at all times.

We are looking for someone with creative flair and an eye for detail to work primarily in our formal ’South’ gardens. They should have knowledge of a wide range of plants, formal garden features and other planting styles, experience using a range of horticultural machinery and equipment, always prioritising safe working practices. In addition, they should be confident working independently or as a team and have experience of this ideally within a public garden. An interest in sustainable gardening in a historic setting is desirable.

In addition to demonstrable professional horticultural gardening experience, you will also hold a recognised horticultural qualification at RHS Level 2 or equivalent.

A NPTC spraying certificate and driver’s licence are both desirable but not essential.

Closing Date: Sunday 3rd May 2026
Expected Interview Date: w/c 18th May 2026

Historic Royal Palaces is an equal opportunities employer and truly values a diverse workforce. Applications are welcome from candidates regardless of their background.

We are also committed to high quality Safeguarding practices and to ensure everyone is kept safe in our palaces. We have procedures in place to ensure this commitment is delivered and will deal firmly and swiftly with anyone representing our charity who does not meet our required standards

You may have experience of the following: Gardener, Estate Gardener, Historic Gardens Gardener, Formal Gardens Gardener, Horticultural Gardener, Parkland Gardener, Public Garden Gardener, Assistant Gardener, Skilled Gardener, Amenity Gardener, Heritage Gardener, Botanical Gardener, Garden Maintenance Technician, Landscape Gardener (Heritage), Grounds Gardener, Grounds Maintenance Gardener, Garden Operative, Garden Technician.

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