If you visit Hever in the Spring, like we did, youll be greeted with a gorgeous spread of daffodils! But she was so witty and amusing that they remained friends. 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. During the Christmas season (23rd November to 23rd December), doors close at 16:30 with the last exit scheduled to take place approximately at 18:00. It is signposted from Junctions 5 and 6 of the M25 or junction 10 of the M23. Please contact the Estate Office Mon - Fri (9am-5pm) by calling 01732 865224 or emailing info@hevercastle.co.uk. . Henry was just not attracted to her. Astor's heirs continued to use Hever as one of their family homes until the 1970s when it was sold to a Yorkshire family who maintains it as part of their private property group. Days out London Hever Castle England - MelbTravel Learn how your comment data is processed. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit. Tickets for the gardens are 17.15 if booked in advance or 19.05 if purchased on the day. They built the Tudor family home within its outer walls. I'm trying to get my head round this. We will send you the latest TV programmes, podcast episodes and articles, as well as exclusive offers from our shop and carefully selected partners. Hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and subscriber rewards. It is about 48 km south east of London and has been open to the public since 1983. I feel privileged to say I got married here. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The castle, never fully completed because of Buckingham's early demise, gradually fell into ruin, before its restoration in the 20th century and reopening as a luxury hotel. 20 Most Interesting Fun Facts About Anne Boleyn | Beano The American millionaire William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle in 1903. Explore different ways to experience this place. [13][14] The castle offers three floors containing antique furniture, Anne Boleyn's prayer books, instruments of torture, and a large collection of Tudor paintings. Thank you for taking the time to feedback on your visit, we are so glad to hear how you enjoyed the Castle & Gardens and we hope to see you again soon! X. It is extremely misleading. It is a very special place. 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. Parking at the site is free. 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. A separate self-catering cottage that sleeps eight can be rented as well. With a diverse menu of hot food, sandwiches and cake, there is something for everyone. its like something out of a fairy tale! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Sir Christopher Wren: Life and legacy. If youre local, you might like our favourite beaches to visit which are a short drive from South East London, many are in Kent or our top ten best things to do in South East London with kids! She Was Very Talented Hever Castle's tulip event may be over, but there are still a number of gorgeous tulips in bloom in the garden. Both Edwardian wings decorated in the traditional Tudor fashion, the rooms offer guests to enjoy a luxury overnight experience with a difference. 9. Enjoy Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle, Kent - Easter Egg Hunts and [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. I was worried about taking Archie (aged 3) into the castle - I wasn't sure they'd be impressed with a little one running around but the staff were very friendly. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry VII. During their custodianship have invested greatly in the historical integrity of the estate and are helping to make Hever Castle more environmentally friendly. there are unfortunately no rooms in the castle my wife and i stayed once but our second booking was cancelled due to the virusyou wont be disappointed a fantastic place we are going again asap, Yes, I believe that Hever Castle is dog friendly, Does anyone know if I can stand outside the front of the castle and take a picture whilst the site is closed? He and Anne initially enjoyed a loving relationship, however after around 1,000 days as queen she fell from favour and was beheaded in 1536. Winter is here! The grand castle is saturated in rich history and its stories and secrets permeate throughout its walls. Rediscovering Richard III with Matt Lewis, Rome and the Amalfi Coast with Tristan Hughes, she fell from favour and was beheaded in 1536, Stunning British Castles for Photographers, How Catholic Nobles Were Persecuted in Elizabethan England, Sex, Power and Politics: How the Seymour Scandal Nearly Ruined Elizabeth I, 10 Historic Sites Associated with Anne Boleyn, Viking Sites in Scotland: 5 Areas with Nordic History, 10 Historic Sites You Should Not Miss in 2023, Historic Sites Associated with Mary Queen of Scots, 10 Places to Explore World War Twos History in England, 10 Historic Sites Associated with Elizabeth I, Military Bunker Museums You Can Visit in England, The Duke of Wellington: Where History Happened. Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit! 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. I will remember my trip to Hever forever. In the early 16th century, it became the childhood home of. 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. 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. During the winter season (27th October 22nd November), last entry to Hever Castle is 15:00 with the last exit at 16:30. In 1983, the Astor family sold the castle to Broadland Properties Limited, which is run by the Guthrie family. Visit it today to explore its early medieval keep, its Tudor rooms, and its 125 acres of exquisite gardens. A downloadable Tudor History Trail is aimed at families with children. Tickets - Hever Castle He used some of that money to buy Hever Castle and, between 1903 and 1908, he indulged his interest in history in restoring and refurbishing the castle, creating its various gardens, and building its lake. The third period of repair and renovation was in the 20th century, when it was acquired by William Waldorf Astor. The castle's oldest part dates to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. Set satellite navigation devices for postcode TN8 7NG. The castle also operates three restaurants, located in the gardens.[18]. Touristsecrets.com uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. A range of classes and treatments are available to members and visitors at the Golf Club. Food aside, it's an amazing day out and I highly recommend it! The nearest train station is Hever Station, a 20-minute rural walk to the site, while a 10-minute taxi may also be taken from Edenbridge Town Station. Hever Castle & Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. She was charged with treason, but the probable reason was her failure to produce a male heir. Equally we stock a carefully chosen selection of everyday gifts, toys, food and drink that are well made, competitively priced with many being sourced from the local area or the UK. At one point the King noticed Anne herself, and began to visit her at Hever. 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. Facts and Information. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The barbecue stand ran out of burgers and the carousel and stalls in front of the castle were very overpriced (10 for 12 mini doughnuts) and did detract somewhat from the castle itself, which was decorated beautifully inside. There are also an adventure playground and water maze on the grounds. [3], Geoffrey Boleyn's grandson, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the castle in 1505. Is there at least air circulation? For any history buffs with a specific interest in the Tudor period, Hever Castle is an inimitable opportunity to spectate and observe a different and more personal facet to the period. Hever Castle is located in Kent, near the village of the same name. The Hever Castle Estate has a wealth of history; most recognisably it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. [5], The property subsequently passed through various owners, including the Waldegrave family from 1557 to 1715, the Humfreys family to 1749 and the Meade-Waldo family from 1749 to 1903. 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. Hever Castle Reopens: Visiting With Families | Kidadl Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) to Edenbridge Town Station. The Guthries, a Yorkshire family based in Scarborough are the current owners of the Hever Castle Estate. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. We showed him the website where it clearly said it was and he said, "But the moment you pass this kiosk, you are entering the gardens and for that you have to pay" I was, and still am, totally perplexed. Tudor Times | Hever Castle (History of the Castle) To help our visitors with accessible needs enjoy a more memorable experience, we ask that they/you pay the normal entry fee and admit their/your carer free of charge on a 1:1 ratio. Its also a great time to visit the water maze. Great food and cater for all diets. During our visit we noticed several family friendly/children activities taking place, such as archery and children's 'slaying the dragon'. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It is truly an amazing place and good value for money. Now 183 on Tripadvisor: Hever Castle Bed and Breakfast, Hever. Online tickets cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. 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. 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. Since castles weren't used much for defense by the 16th century, their additions were comfortable living spaces. There are four separate categories of ticket types when visiting Hever Castle. Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, (born May 19, 1879, New York Citydied September 30, 1952, Cliveden, Buckinghamshire, England), member of Parliament (1910-19) and agricultural expert whose Cliveden home was a meeting place during the late 1930s for Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain and supporters of his policy of "appeasement" toward Adolf Hitler. The castle passed to him upon the death of his father, Sir William Boleyn. 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 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. It really is worth walking all around the wonderfullake, as there are some captivating little surprises as you head on your way round, like the Japanese house, the waterfall and a pretty fountain. Visit just 3 times to start saving. The 13th-century childhood home of Anne Boleyn is back in business and packed full of family fun. - it's like something out of a fairy tale! And the entrance fee is very reasonable for an entire day out. We visited Hever Castle and grounds and it was a lovely day out. The first phase of building at Hever was in about 1270, and the design of the castle reflects the defensive architecture of that time. Entry to the Castle, Water Maze and Play Areas is on a first come first served basis. The castle passed to him upon the death of his father, Sir William Boleyn. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the intriguing second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. At intervals, the stones tilt and hidden water jets spurt out streams of water to soak the unwitting visitor. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. [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. 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! There are approximately 115,000 snowdrops across the estate, the locations being marked on a map you would have received on arrival. He lived there with his wife Lady Elizabeth Howard and their children George, Mary and Anne (the future wife of Henry VIII). It began as a country house, built in the 13th century. Hever Castle: Directed by Karl Beattie. There is no need to book a hotel when you can stay within the grounds that Anne Boleyn herself once called home. It was I think 2.00 extra to do the castle and garden together. The British pie - 10 fun facts you didn't know. Still, somewhere in the afterlife, she probably had the last laugh because her daughter became one of England's greatest monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. By this time, King Henry had had an affair with Mary, Anne's sister. The Hever Castle B&B offers 28 luxury bedrooms in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing. Our hard work has been recognised by various organisations so we wanted to share the good news with you. Very disappointing! What's the best way to see Hever Castle & Gardens? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. The posters showed images of swathes of snowdrops like a blanket of white. We didnt manage to see one but they come highly recommended Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII parade around to start the event and the Knights of Royal England entertain the crowds with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box! It covers an area of almost 600 square metres, and has hedges up to 2.75 metres high. Multisport Event Kent | Hever Castle | Castle Race Series The castle itself is fascinating and you have the choice to just wander or listen to a tour using a headphone system. The gatehouse and the walled bailey of this first house remain. Thomas and Elizabeth had three children which survived childhood: George, Anne and Mary. For visitors travelling by car, the castles postcode is TN8 7NG. Heres where to dine out when nothing else but a show-stopping historical setting will suffice. The nearest train station is Hever, a one-mile walk down country lanes and cross country paths. But! And if not does anyone know if there are restrictions on bag sizes in the castle? 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. When Anne's father, Thomas Boleyn, died in 1539, the house reverted to the CrownHenry VIII. He commissioned the Tudor Village, now called the Astor Wing and the construction of the magnificent gardens and lake. 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.