Hever Castle & Gardens has been named Best Family Attraction in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023.
The annual awards which celebrate small independent lifestyle businesses across the county are decided on a public vote with Hever Castle beating off competition from attractions including Wingham Wildlife Park and Alpaca Annie.
A total of 25,000 votes were cast in the final to decide the winners which took place as Muddy Stilettos celebrated its 10th birthday.
All the winners were invited to an evening of celebration at Yotes Court on Wednesday 28 June.
Each regional winner was also put forward for the National Muddy Awards to find the ‘best of the best’ across all 28 Muddy counties and Hever Castle has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Best Family Attraction nationally.
The national winners will be announced on Wednesday 26 July.
The full list of winners in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2023 are:
Best Art Gallery
Under the Rainbow Events
Best Bar
Porto Wine Bar
Best Beauty Salon
Beauty Lounge
Best Bookshop
The Classroom Children’s Bookshop
Best Boutique Stay
The Marquis of Granby
Best Bridal Store
Vicki’s Bridal Boutique
Best Café
Leo & Sage
Best Children’s Business
Kent Academy of Musical Theatre
Best Day Spa
Sheldon Spa
Best Destination Pub
The Samuel Palmer
Best Family Attraction
Hever Castle & Gardens
Best Farmshop/Deli
Groombridge Farm Shop
Best Fitness Instructor
Holly Finch, One Life Health & Fitness
Best Florist
The Cove
Best Hair Salon
Blond-E Hair Salon
Best Hotel/Inn
The Cave Hotel
Best Lifestyle Store
Rock Paper Scissors
Best Jeweller
Fitzgerald Jewellers
Best Local Food/Drink Producer
Turners Cider
Best New Lifestyle Start Up
Raffman & Huckster
Best Restaurant
The Old Bank
Best Sustainable Lifestyle Business
Gaia Homeware
Best Theatre/Arts Venue
E M Forster Theatre
Best Wedding Photographer
Victoria Green Photography
Best Wedding Venues
The Orangery
Best Women’s Fashion
Tamarisk
Best Yoga/Pilates Studio
MyTime Pilates
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.
