Hever Castle has been named as a Finalist in two categories in Tourism South East’s 2025 Beautiful South Tourism Awards, which celebrate excellence in the sector.
In results revealed on Monday 27 October, Hever has been nominated for the overall top prize for Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year and also for Wedding Venue Of The Year.
This news means that Hever Castle is guaranteed either a Gold, Silver or Bronze trophy in each category at the awards ceremony, which takes place at The Grand Brighton on 9 December and will be hosted by Heart FM’s Toby Anstis.
These awards celebrate excellence across the region’s visitor economy, with judges reviewing an exceptional range of entries from tourism and hospitality businesses throughout South East England.
Hever Castle’s Chief Executive, Duncan Leslie, said the news was a wonderful reflection on all that the Castle and Gardens had to offer, both as a leading visitor attraction and an award-winning wedding venue. “At Hever we like to create wonderful experiences and lasting memories, offering everything from magnificent gardens, fun days out for the whole family and the chance to step back into history,” he said.
“For weddings, we have unrivalled settings for that perfect day within our 125 acre estate, including the stately grandeur of the Castle, the country house atmosphere of the Astor Wing and the lakeside location of the Italian Garden.”
Fran Downton, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, said of this year’s Finalists: “Their dedication to quality, innovation and brilliant customer service continues to raise the bar for our region’s tourism offer.”
For the accolade of Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year, Hever’s fellow Finalists are Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes; Chichester Cathedral; and Drusillas Park, Alfriston.
The Finalists for Wedding Venue Of The Year include Chapel House Estate, Ramsgate; De Vere Wokefield Estate, Reading; and East Afton Farmhouse, Freshwater.
Some of the winners will also be eligible to represent the South East at the Visit England Awards for Excellence next year.
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.
