Hever Castle & Gardens will once again be opening in support of the National Garden Scheme – this year on Tuesday 15 March.
Daffodil numbers have been supercharged at Hever Castle & Gardens in readiness for Dazzling Daffodils 2022, a floral festival celebrating the favoured narcissus flower.
Head Gardener Neil Miller is a self-confessed daffodil-obsessive, he says: “As gardeners, we love sharing Dazzling Daffodils at the Castle with visitors – the narcissus are one of the first perennials to bloom after the frost, and are considered a symbol of positivity, resilience and the promise of what’s to come.”
Daffodils come in all sizes from 5-inch blooms on 2-foot stems to half-inch flowers on 2-inch stems, and unlike other bulbs, that can often dwindle and die after a few years, some daffodils have outlived their owners. Indeed, at Hever it’s thought that many of the bulbs in Anne Boleyn’s Orchard are over a century old, and some have links to the first daffodils brought to these shores in the 17th century.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,600 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake.
Neil says: “Gardeners really enjoy the National Garden Scheme open days – there’s nothing better than mooching around gardens that are only open once or twice a year, it’s a special programme.”
Please note that entrance to the gardens is not free on the National Garden Scheme open day. Usual admission prices apply.
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.