Top 15 reasons to visit Hever Castle in Autumn

October 01 2023 | Attractions Castle Garden

Top reasons to visit Hever Castle this autumn 2023.

Set in 150 acres of open space, Hever Castle has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained for the entire day.

Autumn is the season when Hever’s striking trees come to the fore. The Dahlia Border provides dazzling displays in the early autumn and late roses can usually be seen. The Italian Garden maintains interest with its magnificent statuary and visitors strolling through the grounds may be lucky enough to catch the mouth-watering smell of the Katsura tree with its toffee-like aroma.

Experience over 600 years of history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. This autumn, crunch leaves underfoot and take in the spectacular autumn tints on a self-guided trail or treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit to Hever Castle over the Half Term break. Enjoy amazing mazes, picturesque playgrounds, gorgeous gardens, wonderful walks and of course the captivating castle!

Nestled in the glorious Kent countryside but situated on the borders of both Surrey and Sussex, less than one hour from London, Hever Castle has good links to the UK motorway network and a choice of rail stations nearby.

In no particular order, here are our top 15 reasons to visit Hever Castle this autumn.

1. Water Maze – daily until the end of October (weather dependent). Do you have what it takes to get to the middle without getting wet? This is a maze with a difference!

2. Discover centuries of history with a visit to the double moated Castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

3. Self-Guided Garden Tour. Collect a map on arrival and take in the beauty of the autumn colour in the gardens at your pace.

4. Tudor Towers – daily. Kids rule in this 9m tall wooden play castle complete with its own moat, drawbridge, three towers to climb and two fireman’s poles to

5. Acorn Dell Playground – daily. Younger visitors can explore the natural play area including sandpit, willow tunnel and slide.

6. Garden Tours. Join Hever Castle’s gardeners in a series of garden tours during Autumn Colour.

7. Castle Audio Guides – daily from 12* Find out even more about the history of Hever Castle, home to two of King Henry VIII’s wives, with a castle audio guide – included free with every Castle ticket.

8. Halloween Half Term activities. Take part in trails and workshops during Oct half term.

9. Swings – daily. Try out the swings in the play area that includes a zip wire, climbing frames and a slide.

10. Woodland Obstacle Course – daily. Tackle wooden obstacles, balance and climb over logs and stepping stones or build a den in the Woodland, just off Lake Walk.

11. Yew Maze – daily (weather dependent). Enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the 100 year old Yew Maze.

12. Diana’s Walk – daily. Weave along the pathways of this prairie garden with its riot of colour, touching the perennials and grasses and smelling their perfume.

13. Miniature Model Houses – daily. Marvel at a miniature world of dollhouses from Medieval Times to the Victorians.

14. Military Museum – daily. Learn about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry from 1794 to the present day.

15. Archery – daily during the school holidays. Try out the ancient sport of archery (extra charge – cash only).

With so much on offer at Hever Castle in the autumn, the whole family can enjoy a great day out. Or why not make a year of it and treat yourselves to an annual membership – with savings from your fourth visit, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a year of fun.