The Festival Theatre brings leading historians, bestselling authors and family-friendly experiences to one of Britain’s most historic settings.
From Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th August, The Festival Theatre invites audiences to The 2026 History Festival at Hever Castle. This year’s programme features an exceptional line-up of leading historical voices. On Wednesday 5th Aug, bestselling historian and novelist Alison Weir returns to discuss her captivating new novel The Boleyn Secret.
The Tudor story continues on Thursday 6th Aug, when historian Amy Licence uncovers the remarkable life of Honor Lisle, one of the sixteenth century’s most fascinating yet overlooked women. Later that day, award-winning historian Anthony Delaney shines a light on the hidden lives of queer people in Georgian Britain. He reveals stories of love, resilience and community that have long been overlooked.
On Friday 7th Aug, historians and Hever Castle Deputy Curators, Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey explore how Anne Boleyn’s image has been created, recreated and reimagined across five centuries. Next, ticket holders are invited to view the exhibition with the historians who created it inside Hever Castle. Afterwards, bestselling historian Helen Carr brings the drama of fourteenth-century England vividly to life. The day concludes with an evening event featuring acclaimed author and broadcaster Tracy Borman. She examines the dramatic rise and fall of the Boleyn family through the story of Hever Castle itself.
The History Festival reaches its finale on Saturday 8th Aug with a thought-provoking discussion between Jackson van Uden and Owen Emmerson. They will explore parallels between Henry VIII and Donald Trump. Afterwards follows an examination of Anne Boleyn’s final days and enduring legacy with Alfred Hawkins and Owen Emmerson. Finally, the festival closes with historian and broadcaster Kate Williams. Her sweeping new history of royal women re-examines the lives of queens, empresses and princesses who shaped the course of history.
Tickets are on sale now, with early booking strongly recommended. Audiences can attend any number of the events each day and discounted tickets are available for multiple purchases.
For full programme details, visit www.thefestivaltheatre.org or call the box office on 07379 488477.
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.
