There is something rather delicious about the idea of comic-book anarchy unfolding beneath battlements that have stood for a thousand years. This year, Historic Royal Palaces is inviting families to experience precisely that, joining forces with Beano to create a series of time-twisting trails across three of Britain’s most storied royal sites: the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

The collaboration unfolds across 2026, offering a playful collision of heritage and humour designed to delight both children encountering Beano characters for the first time and adults who grew up on Dennis the Menace’s gleeful rebellion. Each location hosts its own bespoke adventure, beginning with Beano Mischief at the Tower of London during February half-term, before travelling on to Northern Ireland and returning to London for a summer of comic havoc.

Beano Mischief at the Tower of London (14–22 February 2026) transforms the ancient fortress into the setting for a brand-new outdoor trail where time travel and history intertwine. The story begins with Dennis, Minnie, Harsha, Rubi and the ever-loyal Gnasher arriving late for a school trip — only for their go-kart-turned-time-machine to malfunction spectacularly. The result is a chaotic crash-landing inside the Tower, with vital pieces of the broken machine scattered across centuries of history.

Armed with a specially created comic-strip story, visitors follow clues through the grounds, tracking down the missing parts and helping to repair the tangled timeline. Along the way, they encounter larger-than-life figures from the Tower’s past, brought vividly to life through costumed performances. From William the Conqueror to Queen Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes to the suffragette Leonora Cohen, history is reimagined with theatrical flair and more than a hint of mischief.

Live performances take place throughout the day at locations across the Tower, offering moments of surprise, storytelling and ample opportunities for photographs. Thoughtfully designed as a step-free, outdoor experience, the trail ensures accessibility while keeping the sense of adventure firmly at its heart.

The fun continues later in the year with Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens (27 June–31 August 2026), followed by Beano Havoc at Hampton Court Palace (25 July–23 August 2026), extending the partnership into a summer-long celebration of comic creativity woven through royal history.

Included with general admission, these events reflect Historic Royal Palaces’ ongoing commitment to bringing heritage to life in ways that feel joyful, inclusive and relevant. By inviting Beano’s anarchic spirit into some of the country’s grandest settings, they offer families not just an outing, but a shared experience — one where laughter, learning and a little time-travelling chaos go hand in hand.

Beano Mischief at the Tower of London
14th February – 22nd February 2026

Beano Hijinks at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
27th June – 31st August 2026

Beano Havoc at Hampton Court Palace
25th July – 23rd August 2026