The History Festival at Hever Castle returns next week (from Friday 19 September) with its biggest and most exciting programme to date of eminent historical speakers.
To ensure that as many people as possible can come along and enjoy the fantastic talks, the Festival has now announced a Flash Sale!
This excellent opportunity takes place between Thursday 11 and Monday 15 September. There will be a special price for all remaining tickets, which is just £17 for adults and FREE for students.
Availability is limited and so secure your place today, either online or by phone.
The offer will close sooner than Monday 15 September if tickets sell out.
Ailsa Molyneux, Festival Theatre Director, said: “Curated by Dr Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey, from the Hever Castle curatorial team, our History Festival promises a rich and diverse range of events. There will be a huge amount to discover and to enjoy. History belongs to everyone: come and be part of it!”
With twice the number of events scheduled, this year’s festival promises to offer even more for history lovers to enjoy.
The History Festival at Hever Castle 2025 invites visitors to embark on a captivating journey through one of the most dramatic and transformative periods in British history.
This year’s focus is on the Tudor and Stuart eras, spanning the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.
Audiences can look forward to an inspiring line-up of celebrated historians and authors delivering engaging talks, Q&As and book signings.
Each event at the Festival is a double-bill, with two talks delivered by two or more experts in a relaxed open-air theatre setting.
Festival-goers are welcome to look around the award-winning castle gardens between sessions, or to purchase a joint gardens and theatre ticket to make the most of their day. Castle entry is also available to purchase on the day.
Speaker Line-Up:
Friday 19 September, 1.30pm
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty – Prof Tracy Borman OBE
Motherland: A Journey through 500,000 Years of African Culture and Identity – Luke Pepera
Friday 19 September, 7.30pm
Interpretations and Perceptions of the Tower of London: The Making of England’s Most Famous Fortress – Alfred Hawkins
Keepers of the Royal Wardrobe: Connecting Lives through Objects across 500 Years – Dr Eleri Lynn
Saturday 20 September, 2.00pm
Women Who Ruled the World: 5000 Years of Female Monarchy – Dr Elizabeth Norton
Thomas More: Man, Myth and Mystery – Dr Joanne Paul in conversation with Dr Owen Emmerson
Saturday 20 September, 7.30pm
Hidden Hever: Uncovering the Past, Inspiring the Future – Dr Owen Emmerson & Kate McCaffrey
Son of Prophecy: The Origins of the Tudor Dynasty – Nathen Amin
Sunday 21 September, 11.00am
Anne Boleyn and the French: An Important Part of Her Story? – Dr Estelle Paranque
1000 Tudor People: A Fascinating Insight into the Life and Times of the Tudor Era – Melita Thomas
Sunday 21 September, 3.00pm
Queen James: The Politics of Favour and the Power of Love at the Heart of the Monarchy – Gareth Russell
The Other Queen of Scots: The Extraordinary Life of Margaret Tudor – Dr Linda Porter
The full details for each talk and speaker can be viewed here.
You can learn more about the Festival Theatre at 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.
