Hever Castle & Gardens are located in Kent, the castle is synonymous with Anne Boleyn the second wife of King Henry VIII, being her childhood home. The castle is set in scenic grounds and contains a range of historical artefacts, there is plenty of history and heritage on show here for visitors to admire and visitors can stroll through the wonderful gardens and enjoy the peace and tranquillity. The Castle hosts a number of events during the year and is a popular wedding venue. The scenic setting and historical importance of the site make a visit to the castle well worth considering.
Attractions
Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent is a popular heritage attraction for visitors. The castle is located in the small village of Hever in Kent and has been described as a romantic castle based on the attractive construction and scenic location.
Over the years there has been three main periods when the castle was built, the oldest parts of the castle date back to the late 13th century and comprised of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. Then in the early 16th century the castle was bought by the Bullen family who proceeded to add a Tudor dwelling within the walls and it then became the childhood home of the castle's most famous resident Anne Boleyn. From 1557 the castle has changed owners several times families that have owned it include the Waldegraves and the Meade Waldos. In the early 20th century William Waldorf Astor helped to restore the castle and added the Tudor Village, gardens and lake.
Visitors will find the castle has a welcoming vibe and atmosphere and inside there are a number of 16th century portraits along with tapestries and furniture. There are other interesting and historical artefacts for visitors to look out for including the famous Books of Hours that have been signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. There are costumed figures of Henry VIII and his six wives in the Long Gallery helping to add to the atmosphere. The Council Chamber is located in the gatehouse and contains a number of armour, instruments used in execution, discipline and torture.
The Gardens at the Castle were laid out from 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son. One of the most admired areas is the Italian Garden, which was originally designed to display William Waldorf Astor’s collection of Italian sculpture. It was a big task with some 1,000 workers working on the project and taking two years to build. There are approx 30 acres of wonderful classical and natural landscapes here and presents visitors with a wonderful sight to admire.
Water Features around the gardens these include the Half Moon Pond, the Cascade Rockery and the formal loggia fountain based on the famous Trevi fountain in Rome. Visitors can also walk through the Tudor Garden and Rhododendron Walk. A trip to Anne Boleyn’s Walk will reveal a range of trees that were planted over a century ago. The gardens are subject to continual improvement with a number of features adding to the splendour of the garden, they have been designed in a way to provide a display for visitors around the year.
Visitors can enjoy a day out here for the whole family with both the castle and gardens to explore. There is also a Yew Maze, a Splashing Water Maze and an adventure playground for children.
How to Get There
The Castle is accessible by both car and train:
By Car:
The castle is approx 35 miles from London and is approx one hour to one hour 10 minutes by car.
The Castle is located three miles from Edenbridge off the B2026 between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead in small village of Hever. From the M25 exit at junction 5 or 6 and follow the brown tourist signs that will guide you to the Castle.
The Castle is also sign posted from the Hildenborough exit of the A21.
Parking at Hever Castle is available free of charge on the site.
By Train:
The closest main train station is Edenbridge Town Station located approx 3 miles from the castle. Services are available from London Bridge & London Victoria Station & from East Croydon & Oxted. There are taxis available from the station to the castle.
Hever Station on the same line as Edenbridge Station is approx one mile from the castle however there are no taxis here and visitors would have to walk the one mile to the castle.
Contact Details
Estate Office
Hever Castle
Hever
Nr Edenbridge
Kent
TN8 7NG
Telephone: +44 (0)1732 865224
Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796
email: mail@hevercastle.co.uk
Website: Hever Castle
Facilities & Information
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
For the Castle & Gardens:
Main Season: Mar to Mar end
Mon to Sun: Gardens 10.30 & Castle 12.00 to 16.00 (exit at 17.00)
Main Season: Apr to Oct end
Mon to Sun: Gardens 10.30 & Castle 12.00 to 17.00 (exit at 18.00)
Winter Season: Nov 2 – Dec 24 (Wed to Sun) see website for opening hours. Closed on Dec 25 and 26, then open daily between Dec 27 and Jan 2 2014
With various opening hour changes during the course of the year, please check the exact opening times before going.
Further Information:
Admission Prices:
For Castle & Gardens:
Adult: £15.00 approx, Children: £8.50 approx, Concessions: £12.75 approx, Family Ticket: £38.50 approx
For Gardens Only:
Adult: £12.50 approx, Children: £8.00 approx, Concessions: £10.75 approx
Family Ticket: £33 approx
There are Audio Tours available for visitors wanting to learn more about the castle and its history. The cost is approx £3.50.
Facilities:
There are two restaurants on site, the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant located close to the lake and Italian gardens and the Moat Restaurant. The restaurants serve a range of drinks and refreshments, snacks and meals both hot and cold.
It is possible to enjoy picnics on the grounds too.
There is wheelchair access only on the ground floor of the Castle.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Hever Castle Map
Tips & Other Considerations
There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
Always remain alert, vigilant and aware of your belongings at all times especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.
If you are travelling by car to Hever Castle ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Check traffic news & updates before you travel.
If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops well in time to avoid missing the service.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
