Hever Castle & Gardens is celebrating winning its eleventh consecutive Gold medal at South & South East in Bloom.
Hever received both the Gold award and Best In Category accolade for Heritage Park & Garden of the Year, a category which showcases many of the region’s most exquisite gardens open for public enjoyment.
Judges noted in their report: “The Gardens captivate visitors with their striking horticultural features and expansive open spaces, each radiating unique character and allure.
“Classic elements, including the intricate Tudor Yew Chess Set and enchanting Rose Gardens, resplendent with blooming flowers, create a picturesque panorama that competes for the attention of every visitor.”
Judges also complimented the “expert leadership” of Head Gardener Neil Miller, and the high standards of “his dedicated team” (pictured).
“Throughout the Gardens, there is consistently something in bloom, inviting exploration and appreciation at every turn,” they added.
Neil said: “Our latest gold award is a huge honour for all at Hever Castle, and it owes everything to the passion and enthusiasm of the gardening team. It’s most gratifying that their hard work throughout the seasons has been recognised and rewarded within the horticultural world.”
In addition, Hever Castle was one of the winners of South & South East in Bloom’s prestigious Chairman’s Award. One of only three made this year by Peter Holman, the Chairman’s Award was for Church Gill, a relatively newly developed area of the Hever estate which can be found at the end of Sunday Walk.
Church Gill was rediscovered, quite literally, by the gardening team when they were clearing the area: first a stone was found, then more was uncovered to ultimately reveal a pathway that cut through the woodland. Lord Astor and his family would have used this pathway when walking to church at the turn of the 20th century.
The area has been redesigned and planted over the last seven years, with the help of alpine specialists Kevock Plants, and today it is home to thousands of flowering perennials, alpines and shade-loving plants, as well as a bubbling brook and small bridges. A shady, tranquil dell, Church Gill also provides plenty of glorious autumn colour and has proved a popular woodland space with visitors.
In making his award, the Chairman referred to Church Gill as “a true delight for plant enthusiasts”.
South & South East in Bloom is part of a larger initiative called Britain in Bloom, which hosts annual competitions in various counties including Kent, Surrey, East & West Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, East & North Dorset, and East Wiltshire. Each year, a wide range of entries come from villages, towns, cities and even urban communities and business districts.
Judges visit these communities to assess their efforts, and awards are given to celebrate their achievements. The Chairman’s Award also involved a visit to Hever Castle & Gardens in the last year.
The awards ceremony for South & South East in Bloom 2025 took place at RHS Wisley Gardens on Tuesday 21 October.
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.
