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 first May bank holiday (4th – 6th 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.
The Merry Men Players will enthral you with their rendition of King Arthur – Legend of the Sword. They are missing some of the main characters – can you help them tell their story?
Watch the demonstrations of maypole dancing and have a go yourself.
Look out for Robin Hood, Maid Marion, the Sheriff of Nottingham and Little John as you wander through the grounds and hear their tales.
Finish your day off with a themed face paint (additional charge of £5).
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 Gardens.
Explore further afield with a wander around Lake Walk or immerse yourself in the historic castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
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 for the award-winning restaurants 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.
