Hever Castle has announced Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) as its Charity of the Year for 2026, pledging year-long support. When there is a critical medical emergency or accident, KSS bring the hospital to the patient’s side. Thier highly skilled and experienced doctors and paramedics perform life-saving procedures, directly at the scene.
“Treating patients in their homes, the road or a supermarket is a very different world to treating patients in the Emergency Department” said Dr Ruth Watson, KSS.
From the start of the 2026 season in February through to the end of the Castle’s Christmas celebrations in January 2027, the historic estate will be fundraising to help keep KSS helicopters flying and critical care teams delivering specialist treatment when it matters most.
Throughout the year, visitors will be invited to support the charity by adding a voluntary donation when booking tickets online, as well as through collection points located across the Castle and grounds.
Look out for KSS at many of our events throughout the year too; Plant Fair Roadshow, Cars at the Castle, Super Car Weekend and more, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet life saving crews themselves, as well as learn some life skills of your own.
Kerry Campbell from the Corporate Partnerships Team at KSS said:
“It costs £20.8m per year for us to be there for the thousands of severely injured and critically ill people among our shared community. 91% of our total income is raised through the incredible generosity of our supporters. It’s already been a wonderful start to the partnership, with many of Hever’s staff exited to meet our crew, demonstrating that having the support of such an iconic destination as Hever Castle, is going to make a huge impact.”
The announcement follows another successful year of charitable fundraising at Hever Castle. In 2025, visitors raised more than £20,300 for Cancer Research UK, demonstrating the generosity of guests and the Castle’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital causes.
Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is the local air ambulance service for the region, providing rapid response, advanced medical care to thousands of people each year who are seriously injured or critically ill. Funded almost entirely by public donations, KSS relies on community support to remain operational.
Hever Castle is proud to be supporting its local air ambulance charity, recognising that anyone could one day need its specialist, life-saving care. By choosing KSS as Charity of the Year, the Castle hopes to raise both vital funds and awareness, helping to ensure the service can continue to be there for those who need it most.
Set in the heart of the Kent countryside, Hever Castle has a long-standing tradition of supporting charities that make a meaningful difference to local communities. As one of the region’s most visited historic attractions, the Castle uses its platform to raise awareness of vital services and to encourage visitors to give back while enjoying a day out.
The decision to support Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex reflects Hever Castle’s strong local roots and its commitment to causes that impact families, residents and visitors across Kent, Surrey and Sussex. By dedicating its 2026 fundraising efforts to KSS, Hever Castle aims not only to raise essential funds, but also to highlight the critical role the charity plays in saving lives across our shared community.
To find out more about Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex, visit www.aakss.org.uk.
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.
