13 Things to do in the Summer Holidays

summer-holidays
July 09 2019 | Attractions Castle Garden What's on

summer holidays

Hever Castle is your one-stop destination for fun in the summer holidays

If you’re wondering what to do with the kids in the summer holidays then look no further than Hever Castle & Gardens, where there’s entertainment galore for the whole family.

1. Castle
Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and is a fantastic place to explore with the kids. There are awesome fireplaces, opulent ceilings, lavish furnishings and a room full of torture equipment – need we say more?

2. Gardens
The stunning gardens are an inspirational place to take the kids, with statues, water features and flowers aplenty. Explore the extensive grounds and enjoy areas that many day visitors miss, such as the gorgeous Sunday Walk.

summer holidays jousting

3. Jousting
Exhilarating jousting tournaments take place throughout the summer holidays at Hever Castle. Witness spectacular jousting in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box, and cheer your favourite knights to victory.

4. Knights & Princesses School
Young knights and princesses will love these fun classes where they’ll experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times. Suitable for ages 7-14 (approximately), children are encouraged to come in costume to really enter the spirit of the event (included in admission price, pre-booking is not required).

5. Yew Maze
Lose yourself in the eighty foot by eighty foot Edwardian Yew Maze adjacent to the Castle forecourt. Popular with visitors of all ages, the quarter-mile of pathways in the 100 year old maze provides quite the challenge!

summer holidays water maze

6. Water Maze
Cool down in the legendary Hever Castle Water Maze, but don’t forget to bring a towel! The goal is to navigate the stepping stones and reach the stone grotto in the centre without getting wet – but beware the hidden jets of water and tilting stepping stones that make this a serious challenge. *Children under 5 need to be accompanied by an adult. Shoes must be worn at all times.

7. KSY Military Museum
Check out the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry Military Museum located in the grounds, where the interactive displays bring the stories of their soldiers to life. Designed to resemble a military operations tent, the museum has a Saladin armoured car and a 25lb field gun on site.

8. Playgrounds
With an array of climbing frames, swings and slides, kids up to 14 years old will enjoy the thrills of the Adventure Playground. The Tower Maze provides a fun and educational challenge – test your Tudor history and see if you can reach the slide in Henry’s Tower. Younger visitors will also be able to explore a natural play area. It includes a 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a grassy mound with three tunnels to clamber in and much more!

Hever Castle Attractions Miniature House Exhibition Kitchen

9. Miniature Model Houses
Featuring intricately crafted 1/12 scale model houses, this hidden gem shows the development of English country houses through the ages, from Tudor to Victorian times. Marvel at the accuracy of the architectural features and enjoy seeing the miniature people carrying out jobs of the day. Access to the exhibit is via the Hever Shop.

10. Castle Canines
Taking place on 3 and 4 August, visitors have the chance to enter their four legged friends in a fun dog show, with awards for the winners in each category. The event will include displays and entertainment from a variety of dogs, including Newfoundland dogs in action.

11. Lake Walk
Work off some energy with a stroll around Lake Walk and enjoy the wildlife and stunning scenery en route. Download an enjoyable nature trail for the children to complete during the walk and learn fascinating facts as you go.

summer holidays archery

12. Archery & Shield Painting
Adults and kids alike can test their prowess with the bow and enjoy ‘have-a-go’ archery (minimum age 2.5 years) which is located en route to the Water Maze. Situated right next door, children can also paint their very own shield and/or crown to take home as a memento of the day. Click here for prices.

13. Boating
Enjoy family fun on the Lake with rowing boats and pedal boats for hire. Boating is available for hire from the Edwardian boathouse on the lakeside. Please note – boat hire is weather dependent and availability varies each day; click here for details and prices.

With so much on offer at Hever Castle in the summer holidays, the whole family can enjoy a great day out. Or why not make a year of it and treat yourselves to an annual membership – with savings from your third visit onwards, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a summer of fun.

Buy Day Tickets  Buy Annual Membership