Hever Castle and Gardens

Hever Castle located in Hever, Kent, is a charming castle with more than 700 years of history. It was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife who once was the queen of England for 1,000 days (Anne of 1,000 days).

Things to do at Hever Castle and Gardens

There is so much to do at the castle. You can look around the castle where you can see panelled rooms and one of the best collections of Tudor portraits. There is also a fascinating collection of miniature model houses.

Outdoors you can discover 125 acres of award-winning gardens. There are some fantastic themed gardens including a Pompeiian wall, an Italian garden and a Japanese garden. Plus there are many cascades, grottoes and fountains. It can take at least an hour and a half just to explore the gardens. There is a lovely nature trail walk around the lake and you can even rent a boat and go out on the lake (£17-20).

For £4-5 each you can have a go at archery (from the age of 8) or kids can have a go at painting their own shield. Over the summer you can watch some amazing jousting events, which are included with your garden ticket.

A highlight for kids is the adventure playgrounds. Acorn Dell is for younger visitors and it is an exciting natural play area for kids up to seven years old. There is a giant sandpit, tunnels, a climbing area, lookout platforms and more. Tudor Towers adventure playground features a 9-metre tall wooden play castle complete with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets. Plus there is a wooden playground for children up to the age of 14 with swings, an aerial runway, climbing frames and more. There are also more play items for the under 5s.

Also at the castle, there is a water maze and a yew maze. The yew maze is around 100 years old with hedges eight feet high. There is almost a quarter of a mile of pathways. You will need towels for the water maze as water jets spring into action when you are least expecting it. The castle also has a Military museum which has been designed to resemble a military operations tent.

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

There is a restaurant serving hot and cold food and drinks. You are welcome to bring a picnic.

What are the main things to do?

Castle with mazes, adventure playgrounds, gardens, boating, jousting, museums and so much more. There are toilets and a restaurant.

What are the ticket prices?

Tickets are cheaper if purchased online in advance. An adult castle and gardens ticket online costs £22, children aged 5-17 are £12.55 and children aged under 5 are free. Gardens-only tickets are cheaper.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.

Is there parking?

There is free on-site parking.

When are they open?

Hever Castle is open for most of the year. For up-to-date opening times please visit their website.

Dog friendly?

They welcome dogs within the grounds as long as they’re kept on a lead at all times. With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs are not allowed inside the cafés, restaurants, shops, Castle, mazes or adventure Playground