Hever Castle was named among the winners at the renowned School Travel Awards 2025.
It was voted Best Historic Attraction or Venue for Schools, seeing off competition from six other high-profile finalists in this category.
The annual School Travel Awards recognise the most inspiring companies, venues and attractions which arrange or host memorable school trips throughout the year.
The awards also celebrate exceptional learning experiences outside the classroom, and help to raise the profile and importance of school visits.
The 2025 winners were announced during a ceremony on Friday 21st November at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, with prizes presented by this year’s host, comedian Rory Bremner.
In topping the category for Best Historic Attraction or Venue for Schools, Hever saw off competition from other iconic names including Bletchley Park, HMS Belfast, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Roman Baths, Westminster Abbey and Windsor Castle.
Duncan Leslie, Hever Castle’s Chief Executive, said he was delighted with this national recognition. “Our award highlights the very essence of a school visit to Hever, namely education, discovery and inspiration,” he said.
“Our staff are devoted to providing enriching, fun experiences for the school groups who come through our gates. We strive to inform and entertain the younger generations – our future writers, educators, historians, leaders – and we aim to inspire a love of learning in students of all ages, including from overseas. In my view, we could not have received a better accolade.”
It is the fifth year in a row that Hever Castle has been among the Finalists in the School Travel Awards. Its range of educational programmes are designed to align with the National Curriculum, ensuring that students gain valuable insights into Tudor, Medieval, Roman and Second World War history. Hever provides hands-on activities, guided tours and specialised workshops for visiting schools.
Its extensive gardens, intriguing mazes and fun play areas also provide the perfect backdrop for encouraging learning outside the classroom.
In presenting the awards, Rory Bremner entertained guests with some his famous impressions and spoke about the importance of engaging young people with learning.
The awards ceremony also provided the ideal opportunity for networking between teachers, school trip providers and major visitor attractions, such as Hever Castle.
The full results for the School Travel Awards 2025 can be viewed via the link.
The awards, organised by School Travel Organiser magazine, are decided by teachers and educational visit co-ordinators who vote for the best companies, venues and attractions providing school trips.
Keeley Rodgers, editor of School Travel Organiser, said: “We know the incredible impact that learning beyond the classroom has on both students and teachers. These experiences are often transformative and can create life-long memories. The School Travel Awards are unique in celebrating the people and organisations that make that possible.”
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.
