Hever Castle and Gardens
     
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Hever Castle and Gardens
Open daily from 11am - 6pm Be inspired to come and visit this thirteenth century romantic castle - once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Set in magnificent gardens from the majestic formal Italian Garden and topiary, to the informal meanderings of the lakeside and Sunday Walk. The Water Maze on Sixteen Acre Island and the Yew Maze challenges both adults and children alike! The warm and welcoming atmosphere of Hever Castle and Gardens will give you a day to remember.
Castle History
There have been three main periods in the construction of this historic castle. The oldest part of the castle dates to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. In the early 1500’s, the Bullen family bought the castle and added a Tudor dwelling within the walls and so it became the childhood home of its most famous inhabitant, Anne Boleyn. It later passed into the ownership of Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves. From 1557 onwards the Castle was owned by a number of families including the Waldegrave’s, the Humfreys’ and the Meade Waldo’s. Finally, in 1903, William Waldorf Astor invested time, money and imagination in restoring the Castle, building the ’Tudor Village’ and creating the gardens and lake. Since 1983, the castle has been owned by Broadland Properties Limited and open to the public. The castle has a homely atmosphere and houses historic 16th century portraits, furniture and tapestries. Other artefacts include two magnificent Books of Hours (prayer books), both signed and inscribed by Anne Boleyn. A costumed figure exhibition in the Long Gallery adds to the atmosphere and is popular with the children The Council Chamber in the thirteenth century gatehouse contains recently acquired swords and armour which have been added to the existing collections of historic instruments of execution, torture and discipline. A visit to Hever Castle and its idyllic gardens is an experience to cherish and remember for years to come. This thirteenth century castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is furnished with many Tudor portraits, furniture and artefacts. In 1903 William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle and restored the castle to how you will see it today. He also created the gardens including the yew maze (open April - October weather permitting) and the Italian Garden, as well as building the Tudor Village (now a residential conference venue). More recent introductions include the adventure playground and the water maze (open April-October) weather permitting - both of which are firm favourites with the children! We welcome groups - both large and small (minimum of 15 people) and for information particular to your needs please visit the Group Visits section. To allow enough time to enjoy all Hever Castle and Gardens has to offer, we suggest you allow about 4 ½ hours for your visit.
How Much Does It Cost?
How Much Does It Cost?
Castle & Gardens
Gardens Only
Adult £10.50 £8.40 Senior Citizen £8.80 £7.20 Child (5-15) £5.70 £5.40 Family (2 adults/2 children)£26.70
£22.20
3 - 23 December Castle OnlyCertain areas of grounds closed
Adult £5.00Free entry to Hever Shop & Restaurant
Child £2.00 Freen entry to Hever Shop & RestaurantNearby Attractions
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