[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysTBczPuR8[/embedyt]
Hever Castle is celebrating after winning at the School Travel Awards 2022 in the Best Heritage Venue category.
It is the second year in a row that the heritage attraction has scooped the accolade.
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn was up against Bletchley Park, Battle Abbey, East Sussex, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, Lichfield Cathedral, Staffordshire and Westminster Abbey
The winners of the School Travel Awards 2022 were announced during a ceremony on Wednesday 25 May at the five-star Royal Lancaster Hotel, London hosted by Olympian and broadcaster Katharine Merry.
Upon winning the award, Harriet Waldron, Learning and Engagement Coordinator at Hever Castle said, “Given the calibre of properties nominated in the Best Heritage Venue category, we were hopeful, but not expecting to win for the second year in row. Therefore, we were understandably thrilled with the result, which is a victory for all those involved with school visits; from the booking process, right through to the delivery of the private guided tours and workshops. Engaging future generations is such a vital part of what we do here, which makes winning this award all the more rewarding as, being voted for by the teaching community, it reassures us that we continue to provide affordable educational options for school groups of all ages, abilities and interests.”
Craig Gallivan who stars as Olaf in Frozen, the West End musical also treated guests to a performance during the awards ceremony.
It was the first ‘in person’ awards since 2019 with Katharine presenting online last year.
The awards are decided by teachers and educational visit co-ordinators who vote for the best companies, venues and attractions providing school trips.
School Travel Organiser publisher, Rob Yandell who co-hosted the event, said: “We enjoyed creating the virtual ceremony last year but nothing beats coming together to celebrate and network. It was a special occasion and I’d like to thank everyone who attended, and to the Awards Partners for supporting the whole initiative.”
School groups can opt for a self guided visit or opt for a guided tour when they come to Hever Castle.
Find out what the cure for nausea was in medieval times as well as some of the weird practices which people went through every day.
Specialist workshops or tailored tours are on offer for schools, both at primary and secondary level and work sheets and other resources can be downloaded from the Hever Castle website to assist with extra learning.
School Travel Organiser, which organises the annual School Travel Awards, points out the following Castle highlights to look out for during a school visit to Hever Castle:
• Two prayer books which belong to Anne Boleyn are on display.
• Original timbers can be seen in the early doorway of the Entrance Hall, placed by Thomas Boleyn
• The portcullis is said to be one of the oldest working portcullises in the country
Organise your own school trip to Hever Castle here.
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.
