Top reasons to visit Hever Castle this summer 2023.
Set in 150 acres of open space, Hever Castle has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained for the entire day.
Experience over 600 years of history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. This summer, cast spells with sorcerers and defend the castle from dragon attack! On weekends, join the Knights of Royal England for exhilarating jousting tournaments and combat displays. Enjoy amazing mazes, picturesque playgrounds, gorgeous gardens, wonderful walks and brilliant boating!
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 20 reasons to visit Hever Castle this summer. All but two are included in your admission price!
1. Water Maze – daily (weather dependent)
Do you have what it takes to get to the middle without getting wet? This is a maze with a difference!
2. Centuries of History – daily from 12*
Discover over 600 years of history with a visit to the double moated Castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
3. 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 escape via, children will love discovering what’s around each turn.
4. Jousting – selected weekends in July and August
Watch The Knights of Royal England as they battle it out in an authentic arena.
5. Acorn Dell Playground – daily
Younger visitors can explore the natural play area including sandpit, willow tunnel and slide.
6. Heroes & Villains School – daily 22 July – 3 September
Take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges as part of Heroes and Villains School this summer at Hever Castle.
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. Swings – daily
Try out the swings in the play area that includes a zip wire, climbing frames and a slide.
9. Woodland Obstacle Course – daily (currently closed due to wind damage)
Tackle wooden obstacles, balance and climb over logs and stepping stones or build a den in the Woodland, just off Lake Walk.
10. Falconry Displays – selected days in July and August
Be entertained by the twice daily falconry displays from Birds of Prey Willow Centre.
11. Rose Garden – daily
Take in the sights and scents of 5,000 roses in the stunning Rose Garden.
12. Supercar Sunday – 6 August
Experience a whole host of stunning cars with their own individual stories on display in the gardens with the Castle as a stunning backdrop. Organised by Challenge the Road.
13. Yew Maze – daily (weather dependent)
Enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the 100 year old Yew Maze.
13. Hever in History – 26 – 28 August
Immerse yourselves in living history encampments from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
14. 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.
15. Miniature Model Houses – daily
Marvel at a miniature world of dollhouses from Medieval Times to the Victorians.
16. Military Museum – daily
Learn about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry from 1794 to the present day.
17. Archery – daily during the school
Try out the ancient sport of archery (extra charge – cash only).
18. Boating – daily during school holidays 11am – 4pm
Discover the serenity of the Lake in a rowing boat or a pedalo and take in the stunning views (extra charge).
19. Bring a picnic to enjoy food with a Castle view or sample some of the delicious dishes in Hever Castle’s Restaurants before finishing your day out with an ice cream.
20. Find out more about Anne Boleyn as part of the Catherine & Anne: Queen’s, Rivals, Mothers exhibition in the Castle* (until 10 November).
Best picnic spots
Take your pick of a Castle view on Horse Shoe Lawn or Half Moon Lawn. Venture further afield to Two Sisters’ Lawn surrounded by delightful flower beds and ornamental trees. Or choose a secluded spot overlooking the Lake.
With so much on offer at Hever Castle in the summer holidays, 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 onwards and priority booking for Christmas tickets, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a year of fun.
* Castle admission required.
Always check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities, and to change or cancel and events. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted or not valid on event days.
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.
