Hello~ I've reserved 2 nights in the Astor Wing for late July. The Hever Castle B&B offers 28 luxury bedrooms in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing. The outdoor barbecue was very nice and there was ample picnic spaces throughout the grounds. The British pie - 10 fun facts you didn't know. Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry VII. Many thanks to Hever Castle for a lovely family day out*. 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. He also created a "Tudor village" beside the castle, parts of which are now a 28-room boutique hotel. The Meade Waldo family bought Hever Castle in 1749. 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? Hever hosts a number of special events throughout the season including gardening events with the head gardener and his team. Sir Geoffrey's grandson, Thomas, was born in 1477 and in 1498, he married the daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, Elizabeth Howard. Henry often met Anne at the castle, as well as at nearby Bolebroke Castle. We endeavour to ensure an enjoyable, engaging and memorable experience for all in a beautiful, fun and safe environment. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The castle gardens contain a wide range of features, including an Italianate garden (including Fernery), rose gardens, herb garden, and topiary. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. About Hever Castle - Hever Castle In the 15th century, Geoffrey Bullen, great grandfather of Anne Boleyn, acquired Hever. Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor | British politician | Britannica Hever Castle is really well known for its jousting events and theyre very popular. Manage Settings During the next few centuries, Hever Castle passed through several owners. It has the oldest working original portcullis in England. Get in touch to book a tee time or find out more about membership +44 (0)1732 700771. $$ - $$$ British Pub Vegetarian Friendly. Heres where to dine out when nothing else but a show-stopping historical setting will suffice. Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) to Edenbridge Town Station. The castle was used as the location for a music video by Libera in 2006. 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. Day out in Kent at Hever Castle & Gardens This is the ultimate guide to Hever Castle, a romantic double-moated 13th century castle with over 700 years of history. The grand castle is saturated in rich history and its stories and secrets permeate throughout its walls. Your March/April issue of BRITAIN is here! Geoffrey Boleyn's grandson, Thomas Boleyn, inherited the castle in 1505. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. I didn't notice any lockers before entering the castle. This diverse offering and the independent ownership of the Castle make Hever a truly unique place to visit, stay, work and experience. 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. Closing times are seasonal, so check the website. How much is it to get in to gardens but not castle? The restaurants are also fantastic and have some great vegetarian options. - it's like something out of a fairy tale! What attractions are near Hever Castle & Gardens? [17], The castle can provide accommodations for visitors who wish to stay overnight, including 28 rooms that can be rented in a B&B format. The ground open at 10:30 a.m. and the castle opens at noon. He added a Tudor dwelling within the walls. Hever Castle has a great set of play areas well kitted out for kids of all ages. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. In the early 16th century, it became the childhood home of. 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. During the 14th and 16th centuries, the Boleyn family-owned Hever. Hever Castle was built in the 13th century as country house belonging to James Fiennes, 1st Baron Say and Sele, and first consisted of a large Hall and a number of surrounding outbuildings. It would be like saying Pay 20 to come and look at my back garden and I'll throw in an unlimited view of the sky and all the air you can breathe for free! It takes a great team with wide-ranging skills to look after and manage the Hever Castle Estate. It was Anne Boleyn's girlhood home, where Henry VIII courted her (as well as her older sister Mary who was his mistress first). Coupled with some amazing play areas for kids of all ages its a brilliant day out for families. Experience 700 years of history at the romantic double-moated 13th century castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. He was the elder son of William . 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! Loved that I would walk in the gardens after the tourists had gone home. Throughout the weekend, athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy the award winning gardens and a fun-packed festival village . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The maze is comprised of stepping stone walkways sitting over a peaceful pool of water. Whilst putting and playing, golfers can also enjoy the stunning sights of the lush greenery and placid lakes that the Hever Castle Golf Club offers. The gift shop was also kept in immaculate condition. We state on our website that tickets are required for entry, but that once within the grounds the snowdrop trail and other activities in the gardens are included in the admission price (unless otherwise advertised). GET IN TOUCH ABOUT VENUE HIRE +44 (0)1732 861 800. 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. Some believe that Anne was born at Hever, perhaps in 1501, although the evidence for this is sketchy at best. From 1462 to 1539, it was the seat of the Boleyn (originally 'Bullen') family. 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. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain's history, monarchy and religion. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. google_ad_height = 90; In the latter half of the 15th century, the castle was bought, along with Blickling Hall (in Norfolk) by Geoffrey Bullen. The goal of the game is to get to the middle without getting wet. It was lovely to see so many families enjoying the grounds but there was plenty of space and peace and quiet for everyone. Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana. Parking at the site is free. For a private guided tour across the castle and garden, a single ticket is 30.90. The gift shop had a good selection of souvenirs with a price range to suit all budgets. There were various interactive installations, including our spacewalk, that were brought to life when visitors pressed the highlighted buttons. Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) to Edenbridge Town Station. For visitors travelling by car, the castles postcode is TN8 7NG. 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. For authenticity, the museum is designed to resemble a military operations tent, so that visitors feel as if they have been transported through time to observe the true military experience of the past and present of the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry. The castle and grounds are open throughout the year, daily between the end of March and the end of October, during a short Christmas season from the end of November through Christmas Eve. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The gardens are for some family fun in a place teeming with history, much like Warwick Castle. Just over ninety years later, in 1383, the then owner, Sir John Cobham, received a further licence to . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The Castle itself was lovingly restored by the Astor family with multiple original features remaining including the impressive Long Gallery details of which are presented on our multimedia guides (included in the price of entry). 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. Originally built as a country house, the castle later became the seat of the Boleyn family between 1462 and 1539. I will remember my trip to Hever forever. Visit it today to explore its early medieval keep, its Tudor rooms, and its 125 acres of exquisite gardens. The Fun Kids Top Ten - Castles and Stately Homes The castle also operates three restaurants, located in the gardens.[18]. We were sorry to hear that you were dissatisfied with your visit. Ive reserved a room in the Anne Boleyn wing but wondering if the Astor Wing is inside the actual castle and would be better? Perfect For The Kids We had been so looking forward to this. The grounds are kept in pristine condition with lake, fountains and the imposing backdrop of the Castle itself. Come join us on our mission to get kids outdoors more and off screens! She was charged with treason, but the probable reason was her failure to produce a male heir. For the Sensory Garden Tour, tickets are 19.05 each and tickets for the classic Garden Tour are 17.00 each. The gatehouse and the walled bailey of this first house remain. Astor also planted the castles famous maze, one of only a few traditionally designed in the UK. 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. However, the kids did get very wet as they had so much fun going in and out of the fountains so make sure you pack waterproofs or a spare change of clothes for a family day trip. At Hever, his wealth and vision enabled him to create a lavish family home that also indulged his passion for history. more, Points of Interest & Landmarks Castles History Museums. Hever Castle - History, Rooms & Tours Well run attraction in the Kent countryside. 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. Cawdor and Glamis Castles in Scotland - Macbeth's Castles? Portraits include that of Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr, with Catherine of Aragons also found in the Long Gallery. The Hever Castle Estate has a wealth of history; most recognisably it was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Hever Castle in Kent intrigued the kids the most because theyve heard of Henry VIII and his infamous wives! We also got a childrens audio guide for the kids to listen to as they walked around the castle- something Ive not done before but they loved it! The Water Maze is a conundrum with a difference! Sir Christopher Wren: Life and legacy. And the entrance fee is very reasonable for an entire day out. The castle offers three floors containing antique furniture, Anne Boleyn's prayer books, instruments of torture, and a large collection of Tudor paintings. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Discover 10 fascinating historic sites associated with Anne Boleyn, one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor era. Take a taxi from the station for three miles to the castle. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. . The audio guide is an excellent addition with very informative commentary which brought the rooms to life. If you happen to be a collector of military knowledge, then the KSY Military Museum is an opportunity not to be missed. The castle's oldest part dates to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter with Transportation, Boutique Winery Experience in the Fredericksburg Texas Hill Country, Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs, Evening Food Tour with Girl Power Riders in Ho Chi Minh City | Kiss Tours, See all 9 Hever Castle & Gardens tours on Tripadvisor, See all Hever Castle & Gardens experiences on Tripadvisor, View all hotels near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Hever Castle & Gardens on Tripadvisor. The castle was used as the location for a music video by Libera in 2006. Hever Castle Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG Tel: +44 (0)1732 865224 Email: info@hevercastle.co.uk CONTACT US Discover more about the different ticket types available at Hever Castle & Gardens. This place is too amazing to put into words and give it justice. With a choice of four function spaces each venue has its own unique character and all areas are available for corporate and private events. 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. Astor had moved to England after a failed political career in America and various family squabbles. About Hever Castle Dating back to the 14th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. Beautiful grounds, especially the Italian garden. Day tickets include entry to most events except where stated, some additional charges may apply see WHATS ON pages. In 1983, the Astor family sold the castle to John Guthrie (1906-1992), chairman of the family-run business, Broadland Properties Limited. The gatehouse was built in 1270 and is the oldest part of the castle. This is with the exception of 24th December and 27th December to the 1st January, where doors close at 15:00 and last exit at 16:30. 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. Hever Castle - History and Facts | History Hit 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. Castles did not have toilets, instead people sat on wooden seats called 'garderobes'. From 1462 to 1539, it was the seat of the Boleyn (originally 'Bullen') family. Tickets for the The Garden History Tour is also 17.00 each. 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. 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. +44 (0)1732 865224 This page was last modified on 25 April 2023, at 23:22. She Was Very Talented It was then owned by James Fiennes, 1st Baron Saye and Sele. 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. Although it is called a castle it is more like a large stately home and the rooms are beautifully furnished and you can easily imagine the Boleyn family living here all those years ago. It can be reached via Junction 10 of the M23, and is signposted from Junctions 5 and 6 of the M25. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Your email address will not be published. Poor Anne, Henry's second wife, lost her head in 1536. Disclosure: If you happen to make a purchase after clicking though any links from Thimble and Twig, I will receive a small commission. 7. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Top 10 Places to Visit with kids in South East London, favourite beaches to visit which are a short drive from South East London. Get in touch to book your stay +44 (0)1732 861800. Icon of 1960s Britain: Who Was Mary Quant? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. The gardens are massive, with multiple lawns, mazes, themed gardens and even a lake. The Road to the Crown - Elizabeth I's Coronation Procession, Built by a Giantess? Hever Castle - Wikipedia I was worried about taking Archie (aged 3) into the castle I wasnt sure theyd be impressed with a little one running around but the staff were very friendly. From those you see out in the gardens and Castle, to those typing away in the offices thank you. Hever Castle is a proper English Castle with a moat drawbridge, pillars, stone walls, and huge topiary guarding the entrance. Thank you for your feedback Katie. During the winter season (27th October 22nd November), last entry to Hever Castle is 15:00 with the last exit at 16:30. The surroundings, ambience, service, food and accommodation all came together beautifully to leave everyone feeling very fulfilled and appreciated. Lastly, the Hidden Hever Tour is 65.00 each. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Hever later passed into the ownership of another of Henry VIIIs wives, Anne of Cleves, and from 1557 onwards it was owned by a number of families including the Waldegraves, the Humphreys and the Meade Waldos. Among the highlights: Besides the castle attractions, Hever has a 28-room luxury bed and breakfast inn within the Tudor style village and an Edwardian wing added by William Waldorf Astor. A Head Gardener ticket costs 19.05 each. Much of what you see when touring the house is a recreation, dating from William Waldorf Astor's reconstruction of Hever, but there are many real Tudor treasures to be found. When his father, John Jacob Astor III, died in 1890, he became the richest man in American. 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. Since 1271, Hever Castle has stood proud within the tiny English village of Hever in Kent. Other features include the 13th century Gatehouse that houses the oldest working portcullis in England, while a number of mazes are also scattered throughout the grounds including a yew maze, water maze, and tower maze. 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! Castle Fast Facts | Squizzes The oldest part of this charming castle was built in about 1270 and was owned by William de Hever, a Sheriff under King Edward I. 17 Historic Facts About Dover Castle | The Ultimate LIst The Grade I listed castle is now owned by the Guthrie family's Broadland Properties. Multisport Event Kent | Hever Castle | Castle Race Series Receive the latest offers, stories & lessons straight to your inbox from Hever Castle. 9 Games you can play with your kids while Camping. Hever Castle is a very interesting and historic castle and is a great place to visit for everyone. Those with access needs are encouraged to read our accessibility guide before visiting; this clearly details areas with inclines so that they might plan their visit in advance. Comprehensive information on the history of Hever Castle can be found in . Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit! 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. And given that by, the time they married, he was obese and gouty with a festeringand probably smellyleg ulcer, she perhaps wasn't enchanted with him either. It was Henrys love for Anne and her insistence that she became his wife rather than his mistress that led to the King splitting from the Church in Rome and creating the Church of England, forever altering the course of English and European history. In 1540, Henry gave the castle to another of his wives. William Shakespeares Wife: Who Was Anne Hathaway? 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. From 1462 to 1539, it was the seat of the Boleyn (originally 'Bullen') family. . I feel privileged to say I got married here. Wed definitely recommend it theyve never been so quiet! But it gets worse: We paid our 20 each. 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. There are fun shaped topiary on the lead up to the castle the kids loved to guess what shapes had been created! The Castle was to become the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIIIs second wife, who became Queen of England for just 1,000 days. . Hever Castle is located 30 miles from central London and 3 miles southeast of Edenbridge off the B2026. The castle is very interesting, but it is the grounds that make the trip worthwhile. Brochure Hever Castle 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. Dreadful. Once inside the castle, you can't overtake people who take a long time to view certain rooms or items, and so you are often left standing in doorways as most rooms only accommodate two people at a time.