If you’re pondering what there is to do during the two May bank holidays, Hever Castle offers a feast for the eyes in the gardens and a memorable day out for the whole family.
During the early May bank holiday (3 – 5 May) visitors will be able to dance around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons intertwined and take part in an interactive traditional May Day play on the Castle forecourt during May Day Weekend.
Step into the magic of the Green Man Play, a joyful celebration of nature and the turning of the seasons. Then rally your strength for a lively tug of war, as we cheer for the Summer King to claim his crown!
Watch the demonstrations of maypole dancing and have a go yourself.
On the spring bank holiday in late May we will be celebrating all things artistic as children can have a go at painting or photography for creative fun during Art Week.
Get creative this bank holiday! Join our free art challenge, explore inspiring sculptures in the Italian Garden, and meet actors who’ll help you make your own masterpiece. Pose with props, share your art with #heverartweek, and enjoy face painting at weekends.
During both May bank holidays the award winning gardens and grounds are a feast for the eyes, with delicate blossom of pear, apple and cherry trees to lift the spirits. Stroll through the Pergola Walk where the walls are bedecked with an array of Wisteria and admire the colourful bedding plants in the Italian Garden. You can discover what is currently in bloom on our Spring Watch page.
Explore further afield with a wander around Lake Walk or immerse yourself in the historic castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and discover The Costumes of Wolf Hall on display .
Visitors aged 7-14 can explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets and those under 7 can enjoy Acorn Dell, natural play area with its 2 metre high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a mound with tunnels to clamber in and a climbing frame.
With the days getting warmer, adventurous children can risk a soaking as they navigate the Water Maze while more fun awaits in the Yew Maze – how long will it take you to find your way out? Boats are also available for hire* from the Edwardian boathouse. To round off the day, head to one of our catering outlets where delicious lunches will be served. Or bring a picnic to eat in the designated picnic spots – the perfect way to celebrate the coming of summer.
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.
