Autumn is a magical time of the year at Hever Castle & Gardens. Check out our picks for three of the best autumn walks to invigorate your soul.
Make sure you read the Autumn Watch news item before you visit so you know exactly what autumn colour can be discovered in the gardens.
Begin your autumn journey on the Castle forecourt and take in the beauty of the 14th century Castle resplendent in red Boston Ivy.
Cross the bridge over the Outer Moat then walk along the path towards the Italian Garden until you are level with the far edge of the Yew Maze. At this point be sure not to miss the perfect photo opportunity of the stunning Persian Ironwood tree by the Outer Moat that looks stunning in its autumn glory with the magnificent Castle in the background.
Continue on to Half Moon Pond then enter the Italian Garden on the right hand side of the garden. Stroll down Pergola Walk to enjoy the dazzling autumn colours bedecking the Pergola and the gorgeous view of the Lake beyond – definitely an Instagram worthy photo!
As you explore the Loggia allow the breathtaking vista of the autumn trees around the Lake to revitalise you, then stroll along the Pompeiian Wall to appreciate the colourful autumn bedding plants.
Retrace your steps towards the Castle and then head to the Moat Café and warm up with a cuppa and a bite to eat.
Beginning with the Copper Beech near the Hever Shop, walk across the Horse Shoe Lawn and Half Moon Lawn, both with stunning views of the Castle. Then head away from the Castle and up towards the beauty of the Golden Stairs before exploring the tree filled splendour of Anne Boleyn’s Walk.
Don’t miss a perfect photo opportunity along the walk – the stunning Persian Ironwood by the outer moat looks stunning in its autumn glory with the magnificent Castle in the background.
Please note – This walk explores areas of the grounds that many visitors miss, such as Anne Boleyn’s Walk, and as such parts are not wheelchair accessible. Please use your own judgement as to the ground conditions as they may be boggy.
Lake Walk is a 30-45 minute brisk walk or one hour leisurely stroll around the circumference of the 38 acre hand dug Lake. Autumn is a stunning time of the year to experience Lake Walk as the variety of trees and water birds create a visual feast for the eyes.
As you explore, look out for wildlife such as reed buntings, the great crested grebe, green woodpeckers, herons and kingfishers.
Each side of Lake Walk offers iconic photo opportunities of the magnificent Loggia so be sure to look back as you stroll. Stunning at any time of the day, the Loggia is even more magical in the morning when viewed from the walk with the sun shining on the eastern façade.
Approximately half-way around the Lake you can see three WWII pillboxes which were closely spaced to cover what would have been a key crossing point of the River Eden. Near to the pillboxes lies the weir, which was originally built when the Lake was constructed during 1904-1908 and can be raised and lowered to control the level of the water.
A striking feature of Lake Walk is Chestnut Avenue on the north side. Designed to lie on the same axis as the Long Gallery in the Castle, this area is in its prime during the autumn.
Please note – Lake Walk can be boggy and suitable footwear is necessary. It is accessible to wheelchairs but we recommend that you may prefer to use a child carrier for the little’uns. We have road-tested the walk with an off-road pram in boggy conditions and it’s doable but hard work when the section on the north side of the walk is muddy. Lake Walk is weather dependent and at times we have to close the route – please check at the Information Centre on arrival.
If you love this time of the year in the grounds then be sure to share your photos of autumn colour walks at Hever Castle with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and include #hevercastle.
You can find out more about the Autumn Colour event here.
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Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
