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. Hever was built as a small fortified castle in around 1270. Brochure Hever Castle I didn't notice any lockers before entering the castle. How much is it to get in to gardens but not castle? 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. 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. price of taxi from Edenbridgr to Hever Castle. 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. Today Hever Castle is a popular tourist attraction that tells the story of Anne Boleyns life and her relationship with Henry VIII. From her time at the French chteaus of the Loire Valley to her untimely end at the Tower of London, each site provides a piece of the story that has captivated audiences for over 500 years. The maze is comprised of stepping stone walkways sitting over a peaceful pool of water. Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. She currently lives in London. Attractions at Hever Castle & Gardens People also hung their clothes in the garderobes as the foul smell kept the moths away. Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. 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. top ten best things to do in South East London with kids! Hever Castle Fact File (Teacher-Made) - Twinkl Family (2 children + 2 adults, 1 adult + 3 children). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. At intervals, the stones tilt and hidden water jets spurt out streams of water to soak the unwitting visitor. This informative Hever Castle fact file is great to use with KS2 as a quick guide to this interesting building. No matter what time of year you visit you are guaranteed a breath-taking display. The gardens are really extensive you could lose yourself in them for most of a day! Enter American-born William Waldorf Astor. The room, grounds and staff were first class and my wife and I really enjoyed our short stay. Manage Settings Hever Castle is located 30 miles from central London and 3 miles southeast of Edenbridge off the B2026. It covers an area of almost 600 square metres, and has hedges up to 2.75 metres high. Cruise Terminal to London with stopover at Hever Castle, Canterbury Cathedral Hever Castle and Dover Castle Private Tour, A winter adventure to the World's most Haunted Village & Haunted Castle, Coronation celebration at English Castles and Gardens. [6], In 1903, it was acquired and restored by the American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who used it as a family residence. Learn about the fun attractions for kids. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Hever Castle & Gardens: 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Splash about the water maze to be found deep within the grounds of Hever Castle. 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. There have been three main periods in the construction of this historic castle. After several years of wanting to visit Hever Castle, we finally managed to achieve a day trip and we certainly weren't disappointed. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Beautiful grounds, especially the Italian garden. //-->. Hiya, X. He then gave it to his fourth ex-wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of their separation settlement. [12], Hever Castle is now a tourist attraction, drawing on its links to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, its mazes, gardens and lakes. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We recommend booking Hever Castle & Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. We visited Hever Castle and grounds and it was a lovely day out. Celebrate spring by helping the Easter Bunny find their sweet treats as part of an Easter egg hunt around the grounds. Everything is open at Hever Castle during this current time and is now operating a pre-booking system and during peak times for access you may need to queue. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Day tickets can be purchased on admission or online. 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. 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. Totally delightful! Hever Castle is located in Kent, near the village of the same name. The original medieval defensive castle, with its gatehouse and walled bailey, was built in 1383. [1] Tickets Day Tickets Annual Members Join/Renew Partner Offer Carer Booking Discover more at Hever Castle Hever Castle's Online Shop This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. The posters showed images of swathes of snowdrops like a blanket of white. She was charged with treason, but the probable reason was her failure to produce a male heir. Some believe that Anne was born at Hever, perhaps in 1501, although the evidence for this is sketchy at best. 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. Discover the history of Hever Castle, its owners and inhabitants as you travel through time from its construction in 1383 to the present day. Discover 10 fascinating historic sites associated with Anne Boleyn, one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor era. Hever Castle - History and Facts | History Hit From those you see out in the gardens and Castle, to those typing away in the offices thank you. We endeavour to ensure an enjoyable, engaging and memorable experience for all in a beautiful, fun and safe environment. 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. www.hevercastle.co.uk The castle was used as the location for a music video by Libera in 2006. Come join us on our mission to get kids outdoors more and off screens! There is no added cost to you as a consumer. Multi-media tour guides can be rented near the entrance, and guidebooks are available for self-guided tours. For more fun days out and historical sites try some English Heritage properties to visit! She and Henry were married less than a year, and she managed to keep her head. 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. 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. For a private guided tour across the castle and garden, a single ticket is 30.90. It may have been more or less by few pence. google_ad_slot = "3602148821"; The first phase of building at Hever was in about 1270, and the design of the castle reflects the defensive architecture of that time. Rent a canoe, rowing boat or pedalo from the Edwardian boathouse and glide serenely along the lake and take in the stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. 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. Visiting Anne Boleyn's Hever Castle, The Complete Guide The gardens are for some family fun in a place teeming with history, much like Warwick Castle. It was I think 2.00 extra to do the castle and garden together. It is truly an amazing place and good value for money. In 1540, Henry gave the castle to another of his wives. its like something out of a fairy tale! 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. 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? Car parking was well organised. We visited on 18th December and felt it was such a let down. The Grade I listed castle is now owned by the Guthrie family's Broadland Properties. Multisport Event Kent | Hever Castle | Castle Race Series The oldest part of the castle is the outer fortified wall and the massive gatehouse. The Boleyns transformed it into a stunning Tudor residence and when in 1505 Thomas Boleyn inherited Hever, he further added to its splendour. 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. By this time, King Henry had had an affair with Mary, Anne's sister. The gift shop had a good selection of souvenirs with a price range to suit all budgets. They built the Tudor family home within its outer walls. As you walk around the castle, each room has a little board outside letting you know how many people can be in that room at a time which is a great system. With a choice of four function spaces each venue has its own unique character and all areas are available for corporate and private events. Visitors can explore the magnificent gardens for all seasons which include Italian, Rose and Tudor gardens, topiary, yew maze and splashing water maze, or take a stroll around the informal areas of Sunday Walk and Anne Boleyn's Walk. The gatehouse was built in 1270 and is the oldest part of the castle. At Hever, his wealth and vision enabled him to create a lavish family home that also indulged his passion for history. The ground open at 10:30 a.m. and the castle opens at noon. 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. We struggled to find any. You can hire arowingboator pedalo for thelake during some summer monthsand the whole area feels simply magical and special. Bullen came from Norfolk and began his career as an apprentice mercer. After your visit, download fun activities for children that will encourage them to apply what they have learnt from their day out. 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. A cloakroom or lockers or something? The second period was when the castle, then in need of repair, was converted into a manor in 1462 by Geoffrey Boleyn, younger brother of Thomas Boleyn, Master of Gonville Hall, Cambridge. There were various interactive installations, including our spacewalk, that were brought to life when visitors pressed the highlighted buttons. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit. 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. Hever Castle & Gardens England is the childhood home of Anne Boleyn the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. all set within the stone structures. Visit it today to explore its early medieval keep, its Tudor rooms, and its 125 acres of exquisite gardens. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There have been three main periods in the construction of this historic castle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Disclosure: If you happen to make a purchase after clicking though any links from Thimble and Twig, I will receive a small commission. Discover some of the best Tudor sites in England, from Henry VIII's favourite residence of Hampton Court Palace, to Shakespeare's magnificent Globe Theatre. The nearest train station is Hever, a one-mile walk down country lanes and cross country paths. The Hidden Hever Tour is only available for groups up to 15 people. At the kiosk the man told us it wasn't free. Uncover more about the 12 different families that have owned Hever Castle from 1383 to the present day. By clicking ACCEPT ALL, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Online tickets cannot be purchased on the day of your visit. The gift shop was also kept in immaculate condition. Fun for Kids At Hever Castle. Loved that I would walk in the gardens after the tourists had gone home. We felt it was a bit of a missed opportunity, especially given that the tickets cost 50 for the two of us! Hever Castle - History, Rooms & Tours 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. 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. Read below for everything you need to know about Hever Castle. 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. 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. So it was 40 for a stroll round a park. There is also a water maze, opened in 1999, the object of which is to reach the folly at the centre without getting wet. 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. The only slight thing is the price of the food but they are aware of that and encourage you to bring your own picnic so I'd definitely recommend doing that instead of paying nearly 20 for a drink, a couple of sausage rolls and a cupcake! The castle also operates three restaurants, located in the gardens.[18]. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. But! Hever Castle (/hivr/ HEE-vr) is located in the village of Hever, Kent, near Edenbridge, 30 miles (48km) south-east of London, England. Hever Station is the next stop on the train route. 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. There is no need to book a hotel when you can stay within the grounds that Anne Boleyn herself once called home. Parking was a bit chaotic, as a previous review has mentioned, and the carpark itself was like an ice skating rink and had obviously not been gritted. There is also a museum of the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry. Hever Castle is located in the village of Hever, 30 miles from Central London, 3 miles southeaster of Edenbridge off the B2026 between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead. Anne lived at Hever until 1513 when she was sent to the court of Archduchess Margaret in the Netherlands to refine her skills as a courtier, yet upon her return soon caught the eye of Henry VIII. Sir Christopher Wren: Life and legacy. [9], The castle has been Grade I listed since 10 September 1954; that was after the addition of the Tudor village, "a picturesque cluster of guest cottages".[10]. As one of only a few traditionally designed mazes in the United Kingdom, the Yew Maze is certainly a feature that one has to experience when visiting Hever Castle. Annual Membership provides unlimited admission for 12 months from the date of issue. The grounds of Hever Castle open from 10:30am and the castle itself opens at 12:00 noon. Henry VIII often used the nearby Bolebroke Castle to conduct his courtship with Anne. Castle Fast Facts | Squizzes The Water Maze is a conundrum with a difference! Do you need to book in advance to visit Hever Castle & Gardens? Just over ninety years later, in 1383, the then owner, Sir John Cobham, received a further licence to . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Visit just 3 times to start saving. Receive the latest offers, stories & lessons straight to your inbox from Hever Castle. The Italian rose garden has to be one of the highlights of Hever Castle. John Turner, Astor, William Waldorf, first Viscount Astor (18481919), rev. 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.