Spring has well and truly arrived at Hever Castle, and while you cannot enjoy a visit to the award-winning gardens right now, there’s no better time to take one of the virtual garden tours of the estate.
With many of us now in self-isolation, why not make the most of your downtime and take a visual journey through Hever Castle & Gardens with your feet up in the safety of your own home.
April is a wonderful time to view the gardens in this virtual garden tour as spectacular carpets of late daffodils bloom across the estate. The grass is lush and green and the blossoms of the fruit trees are pink and delicate in the orchard. Walls are covered in camellias and tulips provide a kaleidoscope of colour along Pergola Walk. Spring bedding includes heavily scented hyacinths in Blue Corner and bluebells adorn Anne Boleyn’s Walk.
Those that have already viewed the tour on Hever Castle’s Facebook page described it as a ‘delight’, “just what I need at the moment”, ‘beautiful’, ‘peaceful’ and ‘inspiring’.
Hever Castle is best known for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn but the beautiful gardens at Hever Castle were the vision of William Waldorf Astor and were laid out between 1904 and 1908, turning marshland into the spectacular gardens and lake you see today.
One of the most magnificent areas of the gardens is the Italian Garden, which was designed to display William Waldorf Astor’s collection of Italian sculptures. Over 1,000 men worked on the grand design, with around 800 men taking two years to dig out the 38-acre (14.2 ha) lake at the far end of the Italian Garden. Within four years the 125 acres (50 ha) of classical and natural landscapes were constructed and planted. The garden is only now reaching its full maturity.
So, take yourself to your happy place and help beat the self-isolation blues with a little piece of Hever.
Hever Castle, and the garden team that continue to maintain the 125 acres, are working to bring the gardens to life for you with a series of virtual garden tours, gardening tips and some insight into their much-loved of the garden and favourite plants.
We will also be sharing pictures and videos on social media so that everyone can stay connected and enjoy the history of the castle and the beauty of nature and our gardens from afar.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
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.
