Hever Castle: Tudor Grandeur in the ‘Garden of England’
When you need a break or a touch of enchantment, look no further than Hever Castle. Enjoy a relaxing escape in regal surroundings set in medieval residences of illustrious royalty, with beautiful greenery, stunning lake views, and fun amenities. This magnificent Castle in the ‘Garden of England’ aka Kent, will have you feeling like a king or queen.
Multi Award-Winning Hever Castle and Gardens
Hever Castle overlooks 500 acres of glorious grounds and gardens and is steeped in over 700 years of rich history. Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, spent her childhood living at Hever, which belonged to her family in the 1500s, surrounded by England’s finest artisans.
Few castles have been preserved so spectacularly as Hever Castle. Hever has been a part of English history since the 12th century. It has been the seat of the Tudor dynasty, one of the most powerful monarchies in European history. From the grand scale to the stunning architecture, the castle stands as a testament to the Tudor power and wealth that once reigned over England.
A breathtaking sight; almost out of a fairytale. And so your tour begins…
Late Morning: In The Gardens
Start your experience with the most popular and one of the best attractions Hever offers — stunning grounds and award-winning gardens. Until 1903, only a modest garden existed around the castle walls. Today, Hever Castle offers Rose, Italian and Tudor lawns with sculptures that are a pleasure to visit and view. I recommend you take one of the walking tours available to make the most of these gardens.
On the east side of the entrance, you’ll be next to the Sunday Walk and Church Gill Walk — the routes the Boleyn family and friends took to church each Sunday, or head to the Moat Restaurant for freshly-made sandwiches and hot and cold drinks if you’re still peckish after breakfast. The Moat Restaurant is open every day from 10:30 or 11:00. The gift shop is available near the restaurant with Tudor souvenirs from house plants to fine china.
Early Afternoon: Inside Hever Castle
You’ll no doubt notice the beautiful Castle walls by the Castle Forecourt. This romantic double-moated 13th century castle is full of artefacts across each room, and you get interactive audio guides to bring Tudor history to life. All the castle museum rooms house exceptionally rare pieces of Tudor Dynasty family heirlooms, including the Book of Hours — prayer books belonging to Anne Boleyn — and Henry VIII bedroom during his courtship with Anne Boleyn.
Your tour of the castle begins in The Inner Hall, the Great Kitchen in the Tudor period. Once you’ve finished exploring, whisk away from the castle and find your way through the 100-year-old Yew Maze. Adjacent is also a great afternoon picnic spot. Close by is Medley Court, the award-winning five-star four-bedroom holiday cottage full of Tudor charm and character. It’s well worth seeing its striking medieval Tudor architecture from inside and outside.
Late Afternoon: Along the Lake
As the day carries on, continue strolling along the walkways towards Water Maze. Situated on Sixteen Acre Island, the remarkable water monument stones tilt when stood on, and hidden water jets spring into action. Reach the stone grotto in the middle without getting splashed. It’s great fun. Back on ground level, this maze has several other leisure attractions nearby, including the ancient sport of archery. Have a go at archery and shield painting and, stop by part of the estate on a separate site, to play the 27 hole golf course.
Step out, and you’ll be at the foot of the Hever Lake, 38-acres of serene waters. You can walk around Lake Walk on a self guided trail with breathtaking views. Watching Hever swans over the still waters is an unforgettable relaxing experience, while Flower Meadows beside the Lake offers a kaleidoscope of colours.
Another fantastic Hever Castle water attraction is the Japanese Tea House Folly, built on the edge of Hever Lake on the peninsula of Sixteen Acre Island, best viewed from the Loggia. You can take the Lake Walk or hire a boat to row across the lake for a closer view of the Folly. You can also walk around and sit under the veranda. It’s a unique part of the royal grounds as you continue along the lake.
Home to a rich history and idyllic setting, Hever Castle & Gardens is very inviting. You’ll feel like a king or queen in this royal retreat. Walk the grounds and gardens, and feel like the Lord or Lady of this legendary Tudor manor.
