Hever Castle is one of those rare places in Kent that’s perfect for a romantic date or a family day out in Kent.
Here are the best things to see and do at Hever Castle and Gardens.
The water maze
I might be 30, but that water maze is still fun. What’s a water maze? You have to navigate to the middle of the maze, but watch out, there are slabs which are spring loaded. Should you step on one, you’ll get squirted with water!
Feed the ducks
Walk past the castle and the bushes (which are shaped as Pokémon maybe?) and there’s a little hut on the left hand side. Buy a bag of duck food and feed the (many) ducks and swans!
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Walk around the lake
Hever Castle is best enjoyed when the sun in shining.
The walk around the 38 acre lake is around one hour alone.
Look how vibrant these flowers are.
There’s also this traditional Japanese tea House.
But you don’t have to walk around the lake for things to see and do.
Hire a boat
If you don’t fancy walking around in the sun for an hour, you can always hire a boat and float gently on the lake.
Visit the castle
It’s fun to go inside the tiny castle, but I think the outside is just so picturesque. You can watch the fish from the Disney style moat.
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Walk around the gardens
To be honest, I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend an afternoon then walking slowly around the award winning gardens in the sun.
See the Tudor chess set
See some mad skills with this Tudor chess set!
30 interesting facts about Hever Castle
History and Origins
- Built in 1270: Hever Castle began as a country house with a gatehouse and walled bailey.
- Defensive Upgrade: In 1383, it was fortified into a proper castle by William de Hever.
- Boleyn Family Home: From 1462 to 1539, it was the seat of the Boleyn family, including Anne Boleyn.
- Anne Boleyn’s Childhood: Anne spent her early years at Hever before being sent abroad for education.
- Tudor Drama: Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn nearby at Bolebroke Castle and visited Hever often.
- Royal Gift: After Anne’s father died, Henry VIII gave Hever Castle to Anne of Cleves in 1540.
- Changing Owners: The castle passed through 12 families, including the Waldegraves, Humfreys, and Meade Waldos.
- Astor Restoration: In 1903, American millionaire William Waldorf Astor bought and restored the castle.
Architecture and Design
- Tudor Interiors: The castle features wood-panelled rooms, carved fireplaces, and stained glass windows.
- Great Hall: A central room with a large fireplace and timber ceiling, used for feasts and gatherings.
- Gatehouse: The original medieval entrance still stands, complete with defensive features.
- Moat and Drawbridge: A wide moat surrounds the castle, crossed by a stone bridge.
- Astor Wing: Built in the early 1900s to house guests, now used for weddings and accommodation.
- Hidden Locks: One of Henry VIII’s personal locks is still on display, used for securing doors during his visits.
- Chapel Room: A small private chapel was used by the Boleyn family for worship.
Gardens and Grounds
- Italian Garden: Created by Astor to display his collection of classical sculptures.
- Rose Garden: Features over 4,000 rose bushes in formal beds.
- Yew Maze: A traditional hedge maze for visitors to explore.
- Lake Walk: A peaceful path around the 38-acre lake, with views of wildlife and woodland.
- Loggia Terrace: Overlooks the lake and includes marble columns and fountains.
- Woodland Trails: Paths through ancient trees and seasonal wildflowers.
- Water Maze: A family-friendly maze with stepping stones and hidden jets.
Curious Details
- Anne Boleyn’s Book of Hours: A prayer book believed to have belonged to Anne is displayed inside.
- Tudor Portraits: The castle holds one of the best collections of Tudor-era paintings in England.
- Haunted Reputation: Anne Boleyn’s ghost is said to appear near the bridge and gardens.
- Secret Passages: Some rooms include hidden doors and staircases used by past residents.
- Astor’s Vision: William Waldorf Astor spent over £10 million restoring the castle and gardens.
- Filming Location: Hever Castle has appeared in documentaries, dramas, and historical films.
- Royal Connections: Queen Elizabeth I was Anne Boleyn’s daughter, linking Hever to royal history.
Practical information for visiting Hever Castle
See the official Hever Castle and Garden site for tickets and more!
- Tours: Hever Castle offers self-guided access to the castle and gardens, with staff on hand to answer questions. Guided tours are available for groups and during special events, including historical talks and garden walks. Booking ahead is advised for themed tours.
- Events: Seasonal highlights include Hever in Bloom, Jousting Tournaments, Anne Boleyn: The Musical, and outdoor theatre in the Italian Garden. Family trails, craft activities, and garden demonstrations run throughout the year.
- Café:
- Moat Restaurant: Serves hot meals, sandwiches, cakes, and drinks with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Guthrie Pavilion: Offers pre-theatre suppers and afternoon tea during festival events.
- Waterside Restaurant: Located at Hever Castle Golf Club (1 mile away), open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
- Seasonal Kiosks: Ice cream, snacks, and drinks available near play areas and gardens.
- Places to Eat Nearby:
- Guthrie Pavilion: On-site dining with views of the lake.
- Ozzy’s Place: Casual café on Edenbridge High Street.
- Aniseed Indian Takeway: Indian cuisine with takeaway options.
- Pizza Uno Sevenoaks: Pizza and pasta near Sevenoaks station.
- Zizzi: Italian chain with vegetarian options.
- Marco Sevenoaks: Mediterranean dishes and cocktails.
- Wagamama Sevenoaks: Asian-inspired menu with vegan choices.
- Where to Visit Before or After:
- Penshurst Place: Historic house and gardens nearby.
- Chiddingstone Castle: Museum and heritage site with woodland walks.
- Chartwell: Winston Churchill’s former home.
- Knole House: Tudor palace with deer park.
- Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve: Nature trails and birdwatching.
- Cost / Entry Fee:
- Castle & Gardens (on entry):
- Adult: £27.40
- Child (5–17): £15.15
- Senior/Student: £24.30
- Family: £71.65
- Gardens Only (on entry):
- Adult: £21.50
- Child: £13.50
- Senior/Student: £19.45
- Family: £58.95
- Online booking: Discounts available
- Under 5s: Free
- Annual Membership: Available for regular visitors
- Castle & Gardens (on entry):
- Opening Times:
- Gardens: 10:30–18:00 (seasonal variations)
- Castle: Opens at 12:00, last entry 1 hour before closing
- Last entry to grounds: 90 minutes before closing
- How Long to Visit: Allow 3–4 hours to explore the castle, gardens, lake walk, and cafés
- Parking:
- Free on-site parking with multiple car parks
- Accessible bays near the Moat Restaurant
- Staff direct visitors to available spaces on arrival
- By Train:
- Hever Station: 1-mile rural walk to the castle (no taxis)
- Edenbridge Town Station: 3 miles away (taxis available)
- No direct bus service
- Accessibility:
- Ramped access to ticket office, shop, and gardens
- Accessible toilets and mobility scooters available
- Induction loops, large print guides, and sensory backpacks
- Golf buggy transport available for less mobile visitors
- Dog Friendly:
- Dogs on leads welcome in gardens, lake walk, and outdoor café areas
- Not permitted inside castle, cafés, shops, or mazes
- Water bowls, dog bins, and dog-friendly ice cream available
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