As the rain continues across the UK we share our top tips of things to do during a rainy day visit to Hever Castle.
The Castle:
The Castle is the perfect way to spend an hour during a rainy day visit.
Interactive audio guides are now included as part of Castle entry with a special children’s version with games and things to spot in the rooms.
Miniature Model Houses:
Warm up and stay snug during a rainy day visit by discovering the fabulous Miniature Model Houses, which can be accessed via the Hever Shop. This unique collection of 1/12 scale model houses, was commissioned by the current owners of Hever Castle, the Guthrie family from the master English miniaturist furniture maker, John J. Hodgson.
The models are set in a permanent display and each house was designed to faithfully reflect architectural features and every aspect of the period. The models are set within a permanent 12th scale exhibition to illustrate the development of English country houses through the ages, from Tudor to Victorian times.
Allow 1/2 hour.
Military Museum:
Learn about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry through interactive, imaginative displays that bring to life the stories of their soldiers from 1794 to the present day – a perfect rainy day visit activity.
Attractions in the museum include reconstructions of a World War I trench, with sound effects, and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret.
Four touch screens tell fascinating life stories of people who served in the regiment through the ages, with video clips and quizzes. Exhibits include original artefacts such as photographs, diaries, uniforms and equipment dating back to 1797, as well as guidons (flags), and medals. You can also research ancestors who may have served in the regiments.
Allow 1/2 hour for the museum.
The Garden Exhibition:
Astor’s Garden Legacy brings the rich heritage of the Hever Castle gardens to life (and is indoors!) Tracing the restoration and development of the gardens from Tudor times to the present day, this interactive garden exhibition fuses archive imagery and informative display panels with modern technology.
The exhibition is housed in a refurbished 19th century potting shed located next to the Courtyard Shop – a perfect rainy day visit to Hever Castle activity (allow 1/2 hour).
Shopping:
Do a spot of shopping to stay dry during a rainy day visit. The Hever Shop stocks a wide range of gifts and local produce.
The courtyard shop* has a gorgeous selection of kitchen and garden gifts.
Walking:
If you’re in your wellies and waterproofs the Loggia, the bandstand near the Long Border and the Japanese Tea House offer some shelter from the rain as well as good vantage points to enjoy the stunning 125 acre gardens during a rainy day visit.
Cafes:
Dry off with some warming soup, try one of our delicious sausage rolls or flatbreads or be tempted by one of the hot daily specials in our cafes.
*seasonal opening.
Photo credit: Hot Pink Wellingtons
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.