Take a taxi from the station for three miles to the castle. The gift shop was also kept in immaculate condition. Lots to do for the whole family and great place for children to discover English history. Hever Castle is located in Kent, near the village of the same name. Thank you for your feedback Katie. Its also a great time to visit the water maze. [15], The remains of the original country house timbers can still be seen within the stone walls of the fortification, while the gatehouse is the only original part of the castle. Although we did not have children with us we did notice a play castle for children in the grounds. Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. We love Hever, and our last visit was in Feb in the midst of storms and we had to call first to check it was open - which tells you how the whole of 2020 has been challenging for this industry. The British pie - 10 fun facts you didn't know. How much is it to get in to gardens but not castle? Car parking was well organised. Set in the Garden of England, it is the ultimate place to visit with historical beauty, and events going on all year round. [1] 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. The castle gardens contain a wide range of features, including an Italianate garden (including Fernery), rose gardens, herb garden, and topiary. Hello~ I've reserved 2 nights in the Astor Wing for late July. Once inside the castle, you can't overtake people who take a long time to view certain rooms or items, and so you are often left standing in doorways as most rooms only accommodate two people at a time. You could spend an entire day on the grounds alone. Throughout the weekend, athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy the award winning gardens and a fun-packed festival village . 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. 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. The bedroom believed to have belonged to Boleyn may too be explored with her bed also on display as well as the room Henry VIII stayed in during their courtship. It has the oldest working original portcullis in England. By clicking ACCEPT ALL, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Online tickets cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. It is truly an amazing place and good value for money. No matter what time of year you visit you are guaranteed a breath-taking display. Hever Castle (/hivr/ HEE-vr) is located in the village of Hever, Kent, near Edenbridge, 30 miles (48km) south-east of London, England. 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. She was charged with treason, but the probable reason was her failure to produce a male heir. The Grade I listed castle is now owned by the Guthrie family's Broadland Properties. He added a Tudor dwelling within the walls. The rooms are very airy and as so quiet windows can be kept open too. To say that our experience exceeded all expectations is an understatement. She was the lucky one. www.hevercastle.co.uk A range of classes and treatments are available to members and visitors at the Golf Club. Enjoy Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle, Kent 9 / 27 Make some special family memories this Spring with an Easter quest and egg-cellent craft egg decorating workshop at Hever Castle. We have kids aged 11, 9, 6 and 3 so sometimes its hard to find a play area which they all enjoy. From visitor experience executive to events coordinator, weve got something for everyone. The Castle was to become the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIIIs second wife, who became Queen of England for just 1,000 days. 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. 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 history's most intriguing female figures. There is no need to book a hotel when you can stay within the grounds that Anne Boleyn herself once called home. Top ways to experience Hever Castle & Gardens, Private Day Tour to Historic Hever Castle from London, Full-Day Tudor Tour to Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle from London, Dover Shore Excursion. There were various interactive installations, including our spacewalk, that were brought to life when visitors pressed the highlighted buttons. Originally built as a country house, the castle later became the seat of the Boleyn family between 1462 and 1539. The nearest train station is Hever, a one-mile walk down country lanes and cross country paths. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn interesting facts and acquire detailed knowledge about the Tudor era, Anne Boleyn and her relationship with Henry VIII. Its a great option to visit as a day trip to bring some of what kids learn in KS2 History to life! GET IN TOUCH ABOUT VENUE HIRE +44 (0)1732 861 800. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Today the Estate has something for everyone. 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. Spanning more than 600 years, the history of Hever Castle is rich and varied. I suggest you email the website to see if you can enter with larger bags.However as there are some steep stone staircases I think it would be totally impracticable to take anything but a small bag with you. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We were sorry to hear you were disappointed by your visit. 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. The afternoon tea looked really nice although we did not have one. Staying here for bed and breakfast is a charming and immersive historical experience. Guard the gates, patrol the turrets and walk the grounds: here are 10 Medieval strongholds and Early Modern fortresses that visitors can spend the night in across the UK. It was Anne Boleyn's girlhood home, where Henry VIII courted her (as well as her older sister Mary who was his mistress first). After spending time at the court of France and Anne returned to England and lived at Hever until she became a Lady-in-Waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon, the wife of Henry VIII. Directory; Subscribe Newsletter. In 1271, a license to crenellate it in the manner of a castle was given, after which the eminent Gatehouse was constructed. Receive the latest offers, stories & lessons straight to your inbox from Hever Castle. In the 15th century, Geoffrey Bullen, great grandfather of Anne Boleyn, acquired Hever. By the late 19th century, the land was a tenanted Kentish farm estate, but the castle itself was falling into ruin. The castle passed to him upon the death of his father, Sir William Boleyn. The castle also operates three restaurants, located in the gardens.[18]. We felt it was a bit of a missed opportunity, especially given that the tickets cost 50 for the two of us! An open air venue set in the gardens of Hever Castle presenting a wide selection of shows. Learn about the fun attractions for kids. It really was the day of my dreams! 24/7 customer support (with real people!) Hever later passed into the ownership of another of Henry VIIIs wives, Anne of Cleves, and from 1557 onwards it was owned by a number of families including the Waldegraves, the Humphreys and the Meade Waldos. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Well run attraction in the Kent countryside. There have been three main periods in the construction of this historic castle. Anti-Slavery and human trafficking statement. We recommend booking Hever Castle & Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. One of my most favourite places in England.Hever is just beautiful. This page was last modified on 25 April 2023, at 23:22. Enjoy the other reason why Hever Castle is so popular: the golfing! In 1983, the Astor family sold the castle to Broadland Properties Limited, which is run by the Guthrie family. Cawdor and Glamis Castles in Scotland - Macbeth's Castles? He lived there with his wife Lady Elizabeth Howard and their children George, Mary and Anne (the future wife of Henry VIII). What attractions are near Hever Castle & Gardens? Manage Settings A luxurious four bedroom five star gold rated property, forming part of the Astor Wing and accommodating up to 8 guests. [4], The property came into the possession of Henry VIII after the death of Anne's father, Thomas Boleyn, in 1539. 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. It began as a country house, built in the 13th century. In the children's adventure playground, there is a tower maze (currently undergoing reconstruction). 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. //-->. Henry was just not attracted to her. Today our mission is to conserve and improve the Hever Castle Estate whilst maintaining its integrity, and making its important history available to inform and educate our visitors. 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. This place is bursting with vibes, memories and secrets untold. Please contact the Estate Office Mon - Fri (9am-5pm) by calling 01732 865224 or emailing info@hevercastle.co.uk. Beautiful grounds, especially the Italian garden. During their custodianship have invested greatly in the historical integrity of the estate and are helping to make Hever Castle more environmentally friendly. They rented rooms to farmers who charged the public to see some of the older parts of the building. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. X. The atmosphere was just wonderful. Perfect For The Kids the King Henry VIII pub is literally just across from the entrance to Hever Castle. Before your visit download enjoyable and informative trails to follow with young visitors whilst exploring the Castle, Gardens and Lake Walk. top ten best things to do in South East London with kids! We also got a childrens audio guide for the kids to listen to as they walked around the castle- something Ive not done before but they loved it! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Enjoy the challenge of finding the best way out of the sculpted hedges of the 100-year old Yew Maze. . There is also a water maze, opened in 1999, the object of which is to reach the folly at the centre without getting wet, while in the children's adventure playground there is a tower maze (currently undergoing reconstruction). There are approximately 115,000 snowdrops across the estate, the locations being marked on a map you would have received on arrival. The room, grounds and staff were first class and my wife and I really enjoyed our short stay. 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. Day tickets can be purchased on admission or online. I will remember my trip to Hever forever. The castle is very interesting, but it is the grounds that make the trip worthwhile. Disclosure: If you happen to make a purchase after clicking though any links from Thimble and Twig, I will receive a small commission. The castle is still there today, and you can visit it and see the rooms and grounds where Anne and her siblings would have played! Offering a range of topping choices on deliciously authentic, freshly made wood-fired pizzas, Hevers Pizza Van is nestled cosily within the grounds of Hever Castle, readily available for any history enthusiasts with a weakness for the Italian food. The oldest part of the castle is the outer fortified wall and the massive gatehouse. 5 Best Mountain Biking Locations in Chicago, Illinois, 20 Best Cenotes in and near Tulum to Visit in 2022, 12 Abandoned Ghost Towns in Arizona You Can Explore, 10 Best Tandem Kayaks For Every Adventurer In 2020, 12 Best Travel Adapters and Converters for Every Traveler, 10 Toddler Travel Beds That Can Do Wonders To Any Parents & Kids. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [7] He completed a restoration, added the Tudor village (also known as the Astor Wing)[8] and also added the Italian Garden to display his collection of statuary and ornaments. Celebrate spring by helping the Easter Bunny find their sweet treats as part of an Easter egg hunt around the grounds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Are you trying to find the best British castles to capture with your camera? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Hello, Hever Castle ( / hivr / HEE-vr) is located in the village of Hever, Kent, near Edenbridge, 30 miles (48 km) south-east of London, England. Great food and cater for all diets. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. See the stained glass created to commemorate them. Make sure you dont fall in! In 1540, Henry gave the castle to another of his wives. The Castle was then owned by a number of families before William Waldorf Astor invested time, money and imagination in restoring the Castle, building the Tudor Village and creating the gardens, lake and golf club. This diverse offering and the independent ownership of the Castle make Hever a truly unique place to visit, stay, work and experience. Geoffrey Boleyn's grandson, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the castle in 1505. Annual Membership provides unlimited admission for 12 months from the date of issue. The castle is a romantic double moated 13th-century castle which houses historic 16th-century portraits, paintings, furniture, tapestries and treasures. [12], Hever Castle is now a tourist attraction, drawing on its links to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, its mazes, gardens and lakes. He bestowed it upon Anne of Cleves in 1540 as part of the settlement following the annulment of their marriage. Heres where to dine out when nothing else but a show-stopping historical setting will suffice. Indeed, we were proud to offer our visitors 3 kilometres of lighting on site, our Festive Forest Trail (a unique concept that was written, illustrated, designed and handmade by our Design Manager), character actors, owl encounters, huskie encounters and Castle as part of their entry ticket with no additional charge for parking. Lastly, the Hidden Hever Tour is 65.00 each. It does not store any personal data. When his father, John Jacob Astor III, died in 1890, he became the richest man in American. We will send you the latest TV programmes, podcast episodes and articles, as well as exclusive offers from our shop and carefully selected partners. Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your experience. 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.'. 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. 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! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There's a beautiful lake that you can take a leisurely walk around too. An Adventure day at Barracudas Activity Camp! $$ - $$$ British Pub Vegetarian Friendly. With Yvette Fielding, David Wells, Johnnie Fiori, Ciarn O'Keeffe. They were made in Belgium in about 1450 and were printed on vellum, or calf skin. If you visit Hever in the Spring, like we did, youll be greeted with a gorgeous spread of daffodils! Other productions that have filmed on the property include The Princess Bride and Inkheart. Hever Castle in Kent is a beautiful Tudor castle that is best known as the home of Anne Boleyn. A range of classes and treatments are available to members and visitors at the Golf Club. Enjoy your stay as it is amazing there. 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. It was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and one of the homes Anne of Cleaves was given after her divorce. It began as a country house, built in the 13th century. This is with the exception of 24th December and 27th December to the 1st January, where doors close at 15:00 and last exit at 16:30. Ferne Arfin is a freelance travel writer who covers the U.K. and Greece for TripSavvy. But no, it seems all they want to do is take your money as if making up for the losses of lockdown as so many businesses are doing without providing the service you are paying for. It later came into the possession of King Henry VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. Hever Castle is located within grounds that are not only rich in history, but also a gorgeous spectacle to admire and appreciate. After several years of wanting to visit Hever Castle, we finally managed to achieve a day trip and we certainly weren't disappointed. The outdoor barbecue was very nice and there was ample picnic spaces throughout the grounds. . Cant take dog in the castle sadly but gardens are fine. Explore different ways to experience this place. The Hever Castle estate has a wealth of history; most recognisably the home of two of Henry VIII 6 wives. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We booked on the Easter weekend so I felt nervous of how busy it was!! The gatehouse was built in 1270 and is the oldest part of the castle. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry VII. Subscribe Newsletter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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 castle gardens contain a wide range of features, including an Italianate garden (including Fernery), rose gardens, herb garden, and topiary.

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