Discover a new collection of countryside-inspired artwork in a previously unseen part of Hever Castle this summer.
Visitors to Hever Castle will have the opportunity to explore Countryside on Canvas: An Exhibition Curated by Avril Bryant, a new exhibition exploring how artists have captured and interpreted rural life throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Opening on 20 July 2026 and running throughout the summer, the exhibition brings together a carefully curated collection of artwork featuring agricultural scenes, landscapes and seascapes. The artworks have been selected from Hever Castle’s own collection alongside pieces from a private collection, offering visitors the chance to discover paintings that are not currently on public display.
The exhibition will be located in the Red Corridor, a historic passageway connecting Hever Castle to the Astor Wing. Built in the early 20th century in the style of a Tudor manor house, the Astor Wing is home to Hever Castle’s luxury Bed & Breakfast accommodation and also plays host to weddings, private parties and corporate events. This unique space has previously not been open to Castle Day Visitors, offering guests the opportunity to explore a new area of Hever Castle while enjoying the artwork on display.
Featuring 13 works by celebrated artists including Dorothea Sharp, Dame Laura Knight and Laurence Stephen Lowry, the exhibition showcases different interpretations of the British countryside, from rural landscapes and coastal scenes to everyday life.
Set within the historic surroundings of Hever Castle and its gardens, Countryside on Canvas invites visitors to reflect on what the countryside means to them and explore why rural landscapes have inspired artists for generations. The exhibition considers how agriculture, nature and rural life have been represented throughout history, and how our relationship with these landscapes continues to evolve today.
The exhibition has been curated by Avril Bryant as part of her Masters in Public History at Royal Holloway, where she is exploring how history can be shared and presented to the public.
Avril has always had a passion for the past and her connection with Hever Castle began as a child, when she visited the Castle to watch the jousting and became fascinated by the stories of kings and queens throughout history. Today, alongside her studies, Avril works part time at Hever Castle as a Castle Steward.
Through Countryside on Canvas, Avril hopes visitors will discover new perspectives on the countryside and gain a deeper understanding of why rural life has continued to inspire artists across generations.
Countryside on Canvas: An Exhibition Curated by Avril Bryant will be available to view daily from 20 July 2026 until 15 November 2026. Please note there may be dates when access is restricted due to private events.
The exhibition is included with standard Castle & Gardens admission.
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