Ever heard of Shire Horse Sunday?
In one of those quirky events that London does so well, the Shire horses of Hampton Court Palace receive a special blessing in the palace grounds this autumn.
Shire Horse Sunday sees the entire herd blessed by HM’s Chaplain of the Chapel Royal, in a unique ceremony held just outside the palace. The horses, led by their riders, line up to receive the blessing, watched by quite a crowd.
Anyone’s welcome to spectate, and to join the evensong service at the Chapel Royal, within the palace complex, afterwards.
London’s last working Shire horse herd is owned by Operation Centaur, who run the Christmas carriage rides in Richmond Park each winter.
The horses live in Home Park, part of the wider Hampton Court Palace grounds, helping to maintain the wildflower meadows both here, and at Kensington Palace, through traditional ploughing.
Shire Horse Sunday 2026 takes place at Hampton Court Palace on 22 November at 3pm. It falls during a garden open weekend, meaning you can visit the gardens (and watch the ceremony) for free — though note that normal admission fees apply if you want to visit the palace itself.
The Hampton Court Palace ice rink opens on 20 November 2026, in case you fancy a skating sesh before/after your equine encounter.
