Visitors to Hever’s Home Front event this year will be able to hear first-hand accounts of the time by speaking to several war veterans who served both during and after World War II.
The veteran soldiers, pilots and sailors are being brought to the Castle on Saturday 22 June by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, made up of 125 licensed London taxi drivers who regularly volunteer to drive war veterans in and around the capital, the home counties and to the battlefields of Europe.
Have the chance to ask the war veterans questions about their experiences during the war and join them for a singalong.
As well as the war veterans visit, Hever’s Home Front (22 and 23 June) gives visitors the chance to discover life in wartime Britain. Meet reenactors who portray Home Guard soldiers, Royal Air Force pilots and crew, Royal Navy Beach Head Commandoes and Auxilary Fire Service personnel.
Learn about the role of the Air Raid Wardens and Women’s Voluntary Service. Take in the sights and smells of the time with authentic cooking on the ration, classic cars and vintage prams.
After finding out more from the war veterans, take part in a dance class in the tea tent, tap your toes to music from vocalist Miss Annie, join in with a sing a long or browse stalls selling vintage wares and refreshments. See the displays of period model boats on the moat or take a selfie with a life-size model Spitfire.
War veterans from the United States will also be part of the action. Meet the US Airborne reenactors, Airborne Resistance, the US Navy Shore Patrol and the US Coastguard. See (and hear!) Harley Davidson WLA reconnaissance motorcycles used by the Parachute Infantry Regiments along with original jeeps and trucks that made up a huge part of the war effort.
Meet Prime Minister Winston Churchill, listen to his speech and hear the Air Cadets Band playing the music that helped win the war.
Alongside the chance to meet the war veterans, visitors can arrive in period costume for a chance to win prizes for the best dressed visitors hosted by Viv the Spiv. Finish off your look with a trip to the Pretty Me Vintage hair salon.
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.
