Hever Castle and Gardens

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Suzy McCullough

Things to do at Hever Castle and Gardens review

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).

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 include 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 are 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, 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’s 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.

FAQ and Further Information Hever Castle and Gardens

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