Discover more facts about castles, or learn more about the Tudors. It began as a country house, built in the 13th century. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry VII. Touristsecrets.com uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. Got off at Hever Station ( Trains run every hour back to London ) and walked across paths and grass, Look out for the signs for the castle, Which took about 20mins, I pre paid on line for my adult ticket (18.25 Concession cos I was over 60) Ticket price April 2023.. Great visit as always, but manage your expectations. Take in the stunning sights of the grounds of Hever Castle and munch on a slice of pizza while youre at it. For the Sensory Garden Tour, tickets are 19.05 each and tickets for the classic Garden Tour are 17.00 each. There are over 4000 types of roses (who knew there were that many?!) The posters showed images of swathes of snowdrops like a blanket of white. Hi do you have to pay to visit the gardens of heaver castle? Towering cathedrals, ancient Roman wall art, huge wartime forts and Charles Darwin's house are just a few of the historic attractions that Kent has to offer. +44 (0)1732 865224 The lights they did have were quite spread around the gardens and lake and were somewhat disappointing. That was the only down side for me but I do realise that the staff were just following regulations and at all times were friendly and courteous, apologising non-stop for the long delays. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Set in the Garden of England, it is the ultimate place to visit with historical beauty, and events going on all year round. Hever Castle: Facts and Information - Primary Facts Celebrate spring by helping the Easter Bunny find their sweet treats as part of an Easter egg hunt around the grounds. Part of their courtship is thought to have taken place Hever, with the king often staying at the castle itself and at the nearby Penshurst Place. A number of rooms may be explored throughout Hever Castle that each represent the elegance of the Tudor era and the wealth of its past inhabitants. The Road to the Crown - Elizabeth I's Coronation Procession, Built by a Giantess? I was worried about taking Archie (aged 3) into the castle I wasnt sure theyd be impressed with a little one running around but the staff were very friendly. Spend time enjoying a walk in the stunning grounds with statues and a variety of ornamental gardens, making it an ideal day out for horticultural lovers. From 1462 to 1539, it was the seat of the Boleyn (originally 'Bullen') family.[1]. You can easily spend a whole afternoon just in the play areas- we spent the morning in the castle and maze and then the afternoon in the playground! For any history enthusiasts who want to see a personal side of the Tudor period, visiting Hever Castle is an opportunity not to be missed. Parking at the site is free. Hever Castle & Gardens is the perfect setting for enjoying time alone, with family or friends. He lived there with his wife Lady Elizabeth Howard and their children George, Mary and Anne (the future wife of Henry VIII). A cloakroom or lockers or something? Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. The goal of the game is to get to the middle without getting wet. Unfortunately because of the situation at the moment with the virus, we had to queue for 1 hour and 20 minutes to actually get into the castle as they were limiting the number of visitors, which is understandable, but very tiring. Wed definitely recommend it theyve never been so quiet! Enjoy your stay as it is amazing there. The grand castle is saturated in rich history and its stories and secrets permeate throughout its walls. Poor Anne, Henry's second wife, lost her head in 1536. The True Tale of Wales Legendary Hay Castle, 8 Formidable Fighters of the Hellenistic Period, Operation Unthinkable: Churchills Postwar Contingency Plan, The Pirates Code: Laws and Life Aboard Ship, How the Island of Rhodes Overcame a Superpower, Historical Trips - Book your next historical adventure, 10 Must-See Medieval Landmarks in England, Join Dan Snow for the Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, Lost Literature: Why Most English Texts Didnt Survive the Middle Ages, The Legacy of Hal 9000: How Science Fiction Depictions of AI Have Changed Over Time. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. [6], In 1903, it was acquired and restored by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who used it as a family residence. It was I think 2.00 extra to do the castle and garden together. Most people know the story of Ann and Henry and Hever's place in that story but it is so much more. Whether if youre wanting to treat yourself to a quick cup of Joe or a full-fledged meal, the Moat Restaurant is the best place to dine and drink with all the family in tow. The maze is comprised of stepping stone walkways sitting over a peaceful pool of water. Hever was built as a small fortified castle in around 1270. Prices are calculated as of 24/04/2023 based on a check-in date of 07/05/2023. With a diverse menu of hot food, sandwiches and cake, there is something for everyone. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. [3], Geoffrey Boleyn's grandson, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the castle in 1505. A luxury collection of 28 stunning bedrooms located in the Astor Wing & the Anne Boleyn Wing, an Edwardian Wing attached to the Castle and connected inside. Absolutely fab experience! Your March/April issue of BRITAIN is here! Hever Castle Reopens: Visiting With Families | Kidadl Today the Estate has something for everyone. A superior selection of unique, self-catering holiday cottages situated throughout the UK in areas of outstanding natural beauty. The American millionaire William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle in 1903. Spanning more than 600 years, the history of Hever Castle is rich and varied. Attractions at Hever Castle & Gardens X. all set within the stone structures. Visitors can also spectate at the detailed reconstruction of a World War I trench equipped with sound effects and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. On a sunny day the water maze is massively popular, but we had it all to ourselves, which was brilliant! The gift shop had a good selection of souvenirs with a price range to suit all budgets. In the 15 th and 16 th centuries it was the home of one of the most powerful families in the country, the Boleyns, who modernised the existing dwelling within the walls. There have been three main periods in the construction of this historic castle. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Geoffrey Boleyn's grandson, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the castle in 1505. Following this and her fathers death in 1539, Hever Castle was given to Henry VIIIs fifth wife Anne of Cleves as part of their annulment settlement. What hotels are near Hever Castle & Gardens? The castle and grounds are open throughout the year, daily between the end of March and the end of October, during a short Christmas season from the end of November through Christmas Eve. About Hever Castle Dating back to the 14th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. Today, Hever Castle is open to the public. Today it presents a stunning glimpse into the splendour of those close to the Tudor crown, and provides a personal look into the life of one of British historys most intriguing female figures. You can row boats on the 38 acre lake, wander through yew and water mazes, sniff roses, or try your hand at archery. For the ultimate golf break in Kent, stay in five-star luxury in the accommodation at Hever Castle and play our 27 hole Championship Course. This years unprecedented heatwave has identified the need for air conditioning in public spaces however we are not permitted to install units in all buildings within the grounds, notably the castle itself. Hever Castle in Kent is a picturesque Tudor mansion famous for being the family home of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII. The oldest part of this charming castle was built in about 1270 and was owned by William de Hever, a Sheriff under King Edward I. The fact file includes information about the history of the building as it changes over the centuries, who lived there and a brief part about the castle today. Well run attraction in the Kent countryside. Taxis are available from Edenbridge Town station, one stop closer to London, but should be booked in advance. What's the best way to see Hever Castle & Gardens? Broadland Properties, who purchased Hever Castle and its collection from the Astor family in 1983, are helping to make the Hever Castle Estate more environmentally friendly. The Guthries, a Yorkshire family based in Scarborough are the current owners of the Hever Castle Estate. Please advisethanks. A luxurious four bedroom five star gold rated property, forming part of the Astor Wing and accommodating up to 8 guests. She and Henry were married less than a year, and she managed to keep her head. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was the home of one of the most powerful families in the country, the Boleyns, who modernised the existing dwelling within the walls. Cant remember. As one of the best golf clubs in Kent and only one mile away from the castle entrance, The Hever Castle Golf Club offers a 27-hole golf course for all golf enthusiasts of all abilities. Any serving members, veterans and their families of the Armed Forces may be able to receive special discounts at certain times throughout the year. Hever Castle Facts for Kids - Kiddle There was no pressure of time constraints and non-flash photography was allowed in all rooms, which is unusual for a building of this age. Tickets Day Tickets Annual Members Join/Renew Partner Offer Carer Booking Discover more at Hever Castle Hever Castle's Online Shop The Loggia on the lake was used as the location for a peace conference in the comedy-drama The Great. [11] The Loggia on the lake was used as the location for a peace conference in the comedy-drama The Great. The 13th-century childhood home of Anne Boleyn is back in business and packed full of family fun. Despite its modest architecture, it played an essential role in the history of England. As you explore the gardens, there is a new gem around every corner everything from wild flowers by the lake through toformalItaliangardensplus a lovely lake walk and dog friendly. We state on our website that tickets are required for entry, but that once within the grounds the snowdrop trail and other activities in the gardens are included in the admission price (unless otherwise advertised). Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. Get time period newsletters, special offers and weekly programme release emails. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter with Transportation, Boutique Winery Experience in the Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country, Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs, Evening Food Tour with Girl Power Riders in Ho Chi Minh City | Kiss Tours, See all 9 Hever Castle & Gardens tours on Tripadvisor, See all Hever Castle & Gardens experiences on Tripadvisor, View all hotels near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor. The castle has two of Anne Boleyns prayer books, or Books of Hours. The Hidden Hever Tour is only available for groups up to 15 people. The castle was used as the location for a music video by Libera in 2006. The castle gardens contain a wide range of features, including an Italianate garden (including Fernery), rose gardens, herb garden, and topiary. Amazon specifically requests I tell you this: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Hever Castle (pronounced HEE-vr) is located in the village of Hever, Kent, near Edenbridge, 30 miles (48km) south-east of London, England. However, ticket prices differ when either buying tickets on entry to the castle on the day or pre-ordering online. It began as a country house, built in the 13th century. In the 14th century Hever was further crenellated during which time the walls, towers, moat, and Great Hall were constructed, before in 1462 it came into the possession of the Boleyn family. Get in touch to book your stay +44 (0)1732 861800. In 1540, Henry gave the castle to another of his wives. Days out London Hever Castle England - MelbTravel Spectacular aerial footage of Hever Castle - watch the video It is extremely misleading. that the guy at the kiosk would have said, there isn't actually much to see. Anne Boleyn, the second queen consort of King Henry VIII of England, spent her early youth there after her father, Thomas Boleyn, inherited it in 1505. Winter is here! The castle is a romantic double moated 13th-century castle which houses historic 16th-century portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures. Bring over 600 years of Hever Castle history to life with private guided tours, guide books and enjoyable trails to follow with young visitors. Totally delightful! Although it is called a castle it is more like a large stately home and the rooms are beautifully furnished and you can easily imagine the Boleyn family living here all those years ago. The keep at Dover Castle. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the intriguing second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. Stay in Hever Castle's boutique bed and breakfast, Don't miss these in the Book of Hours Room, Receive all the latest news, events and fantastic offers straight to your inbox.'. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit! 10 Most Beautiful Castles in New York State, Top 18 Things to Do in the Midlands of England, Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London, Every UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK, Anne Hathaway's Cottage - The Complete Guide to Shakespeare in Love, 48 Hours in Stratford upon Avon - A Pictorial Guide, Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors. You can hire arowingboator pedalo for thelake during some summer monthsand the whole area feels simply magical and special. Visiting Anne Boleyn's Hever Castle, The Complete Guide Hever Castle still has one of Henry VIII's private locks, taken with him on his various visits to noblemen's houses and fitted to every door for his security. Here are some facts about Hever Castle. Astor also planted the castles famous maze, one of only a few traditionally designed in the UK. Hever Castle: Directed by Karl Beattie. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There's . The castle is well pitched for kids, its a great historical day out there are lots of armour and dungeon props to keep little people fascinated but the older kids enjoyed it too as there are interesting personal letters to read from Henry VIII and good facts about what living there would have been like. There is also a water maze, opened in 1999, the object of which is to reach the folly at the centre without getting wet. Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. Staying here for bed and breakfast is a charming and immersive historical experience. For garden it was Around 14.00 for adult & 9.00 for child. We are immensely proud of the team that make Hever Castle & Gardens such a success. An open air venue set in the gardens of Hever Castle presenting a wide selection of shows. Sir Christopher Wren: Life and legacy. It has 3 slides, cargo nets to climb, two firemans poles and a play castle with its own drawbridge which provides a covered area for playing in when its raining. We visited the gardens only, primarily for the snowdrop displays, I am not a person who enjoys traipsing through the rooms of historic houses. The one cafe actually open, the Moat Cafe, was very busy with long queues and no tables free so we decided to eat later off site. Hever Station is the next stop on the train route. Beautiful grounds, especially the Italian garden. People also hung their clothes in the garderobes as the foul smell kept the moths away. The Boleyns transformed it into a stunning Tudor residence and when in 1505 Thomas Boleyn inherited Hever, he further added to its splendour. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. To say that our experience exceeded all expectations is an understatement. The grounds of the castle include a yew maze, planted in 1904. You should have no problems. Make sure you dont fall in! Hever Castle has a great set of play areas well kitted out for kids of all ages. Required fields are marked *. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. An open air venue set in the gardens of Hever Castle presenting a wide selection of shows. Whilst putting and playing, golfers can also enjoy the stunning sights of the lush greenery and placid lakes that the Hever Castle Golf Club offers. There are many things to do including taking a walk around the lake or looking at some of the exhibitions that may be on show. A range of classes and treatments are available to members and visitors at the Golf Club. I thought the admission prices were high but there was no shortage of visitors so it would seem they are charging what the market will bear. Hever Castle Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG Tel: +44 (0)1732 865224 Email: info@hevercastle.co.uk CONTACT US Discover more about the different ticket types available at Hever Castle & Gardens. Spanning more than 600 years, the history of Hever Castle is rich and varied. This year we launched snowdrop watch so that visitors can see how the gardens are progressing https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/snowdrop-watch/ in advance of organising their day out. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Discover 10 fascinating historic sites associated with Anne Boleyn, one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor era. Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor | British politician | Britannica This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Much of what you see when touring the house is a recreation, dating from William Waldorf Astor's reconstruction of Hever, but there are many real Tudor treasures to be found. Learn more about the Hever Castle coat of arms and the 4 families represented in it who helped to shape the estate we see today. Hever Castle, 30 miles southeast of London, was the home of two of Henry VIII's queensone tragic and one luckyand the pet project and home of America's richest man in the late 19th century. DIY Childrens Room Door Letters: Craft Challenge #1. History of Hever Castle Hever Castle in Kent is a beautiful Tudor castle that is best known as the home of Anne Boleyn. He added the Italian Garden to display his collection of statuary and ornaments. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Ferne Arfin is a freelance travel writer who covers the U.K. and Greece for TripSavvy. In the 15th and 16th centuries the Boleyn family added the Tudor dwelling within the walls. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This is the ultimate guide to Hever Castle, a romantic double-moated 13th century castle with over 700 years of history. From educational trails around the magnificent gardens to playgrounds and wildlife-spotting, Hever Castle is a fun and educational day out for you and your family, all a short drive away from the M25. At the kiosk the man told us it wasn't free. Can someone please tell me if they have stayed this time of year and whether the rooms are comfortable? Watch this stunning video of the castle and gardens . This is what I call a castle surrounded with its splendid grounds loved hiring the headphones made its magic come alive knowing all the history cant wait to visit again. However, due to no taxi facilities at the station, it is a one-mile rural walk to the castle with guided signposts directing the route. You will not regret a visit. 24/7 customer support (with real people!) What attractions are near Hever Castle & Gardens? Comprehensive information on the history of Hever Castle can be found in . Some believe that Anne was born at Hever, perhaps in 1501, although the evidence for this is sketchy at best. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". From those you see out in the gardens and Castle, to those typing away in the offices thank you. Hever Castle is a very interesting and historic castle and is a great place to visit for everyone. After several years of wanting to visit Hever Castle, we finally managed to achieve a day trip and we certainly weren't disappointed. //-->. Multi-media tour guides can be rented near the entrance, and guidebooks are available for self-guided tours. But! It may have been more or less by few pence. Tickets for the The Garden History Tour is also 17.00 each. In 1903, it was acquired and restored by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who used it as a family residence. John Turner, Astor, William Waldorf, first Viscount Astor (18481919), rev. After your visit, download fun activities for children that will encourage them to apply what they have learnt from their day out. There are fun shaped topiary on the lead up to the castle the kids loved to guess what shapes had been created! Take a taxi from the station for three miles to the castle. Broadland Properties purchased Hever Castle and its collection from the Astor family in 1983. It is one of my favourite castles to visit on a day trip out from London and I never get tired of bringing family and friends here to learn and to explore the stunning castle grounds. This page was last modified on 25 April 2023, at 23:22. A downloadable Tudor History Trail is aimed at families with children. The gardens and lake were beautiful and boat trips and boat hire were available, although we did not participate in either. The castle's oldest part dates to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. It was then owned by James Fiennes, 1st Baron Saye and Sele. In June 2013, a Japanese tea house folly was opened in the grounds of Hever Castle. However, the kids did get very wet as they had so much fun going in and out of the fountains so make sure you pack waterproofs or a spare change of clothes for a family day trip. Day tickets can be purchased on admission or online. GET IN TOUCH ABOUT VENUE HIRE +44 (0)1732 861 800. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Is there anywhere to leave bags there? At other times of year, the house and gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday. Since 1271, Hever Castle has stood proud within the tiny English village of Hever in Kent. Castles did not have toilets, instead people sat on wooden seats called 'garderobes'. Ive reserved a room in the Anne Boleyn wing but wondering if the Astor Wing is inside the actual castle and would be better? The Bullen family added to the castle, building the apartments inside the fortified walls. 9. Enjoy Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle, Kent - Easter Egg Hunts and This diverse offering and the independent ownership of the Castle make Hever a truly unique place to visit, stay, work and experience. The beautiful Hever Castle, situated in the lovely Kent countryside in England, dates back more that 700 years but was lovingly restored in the early 20th century by William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American. Thank you for your feedback Katie. During this latter period of ownership, the castle fell into a poor state of repair, during which time it was leased to various private tenants. Visit just 3 times to start saving. www.hevercastle.co.uk *We were given free tickets in exchange for this blog post. I just recently read that there's no air conditioning in this wing.

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