July Events
Summer, summer, summertime! At Hever you can unwind – or explore to your heart’s content! Find out what’s on in July at Hever Castle.
With the blissful sunshine memories of June, the promise of a warm summer is on the horizon. Get your diary out and pencil in our upcoming events for a summertime to remember.
Our famous jousting contest is back and the battle is as fierce as ever. Don’t forget to get your pooch included in the fun this summer! Castle Canines is all for the love of dogs, treat them to a day out. We’re very excited to announce that our new Adventure Playground will be unveiled in August, time for the kids to be King and Queen of their own Castle.
And when you’ve got a breather to think about yourself, consider an RHS Course. Hone your horticulture skills and relax in our garden at Hever.
Dare we say it… Christmas? Parties?! Get dressed up to the nines this festive season and be treated like royalty at Hever Castle for a Christmas party to remember.
If you’re keen to get on the greens but want an easy introduction, try out the Express Golf Course; a short course with super-sized holes – perfect for beginners and experts wanting a gentle game.
Jousting at Hever Castle
Tudor Tales & Jousting
Castle Canines
New Adventure Playground
RHS Courses
Shared Christmas Parties
Express Golf Course
summer of Jousting
The Knights of Royal England return to battle it out at the annual Hever Castle Jousting Tournament. Spectators will be treated to a thrilling show as the brave knights compete for points to find this season’s champion. Witness spectacular displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box.
Jousting is taking place on the following dates:
15 & 16 July
22 & 23 July
29 & 30 July
12 & 13 August
19 & 20 August
25 – 28 August
To find out more about the summer jousting tournament, follow the links above.
Tudor Tales & Jousting – July 22 & 23
Discover what life was like when English swordsmen ruled the battlefield, and cheer as men at arms battle it out in the arena, competing to prove their prowess.
Wander among the tents and immerse yourself in medieval times as re-enactors demonstrate authentic Tudor crafts, armour making, cookery and games as well as play music on traditional instruments.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to learn fun facts about medieval arms and 15th century equipment, dress up in fancy costumes as worn by the Yeomanry, and discover how to put on a suit of armour.
Battling it out in the Castle grounds, men-at-arms re-enactors will demonstrate combat and the various weapons they would have used.
The Summer Jousting Tournament will be in full swing, so don’t miss the procession from the Castle forecourt as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn lead visitors to the Jousting Arena.
Spectators will be treated to a thrilling display as the brave knights compete for points riding the quintain, spearing heads, and lancing rings followed by foot combat with weapons of their choice.
See full event details at the Tudor Tales & Jousting page.
Castle Canines – August 5 & 6
We have the paw-fect weekend planned for all dog lovers with stalls, entertainments and prizes for the best pooches.
Castle Canines is a weekend dedicated to our four legged friends – whether you own your own dog or just love them, there is something for everyone.
Enjoy displays and entertainment from a variety of dogs including guide dog puppies, Pets as Therapy dogs and huskies from the Siberian Husky Welfare Association. Newfoundland Dogs in Action will also be doing a water display on the lake.
Parade your pooch as part of the Hever Castle dog show with rosettes for the most Dashing Dog, Beautiful Bitch, Super Senior, Perfect Pup or Ravishing Rescue.
You can also enter your much loved hound into musical sit, pick up tips and advice on caring for your doggy and there will be stalls to browse so that you can spoil them even more.
Hever Castle & Gardens is very proud to welcome dogs on leads and the 125 acre grounds at all times of the year. Lake Walk is particularly popular for owners both at Castle Canines or all year around.
See full event detail for Castle Canines.
Playground – summer 2017
We’re very excited to announce that this summer we will be unveiling a new adventure playground, complete with a nine-metre tall castle that is sure to delight young visitors.
‘Tudor Towers’ is set to be bigger than a four bedroom house with its own moat, drawbridge and three turrets.The giant structure will feature three slides and two poles and lots of interactive elements split into three houses: Hawk (Astor), Bull (Boleyn) and Squirrel (Waldegrave).
Children will be able to experience a castle under siege with one side left incomplete as if is under attack! With a cargo net to climb, cries of archers, a drawbridge and ten model knights to battle past there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied.
There will also be a Dining Hall with room for Henry VIII and his six wives complete with the homely sounds of a crackling fire. Tudor Towers will feature multiple different entrances and exits including a hidden Priest Hole.
As well as instruments to play, a roof maze to solve and hidden boxes to find, it will be sure to entertain everyone from the younger child to the teenager.
The new adventure playground will open at the end of August 2017, see the teaser video below:
RHS LEVEL 2 COURSES
Hever Castle has partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society once again as an Approved Centre to host three RHS Level 2 courses starting in September.
Whether you’re looking to develop your skills or take the first steps into a career in horticulture, these courses are the perfect pairing to a love of gardening.
Click the links below to see further information on course content, schedule, dates, costs and how to apply:
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF PLANT GROWTH, PROPAGATION AND DEVELOPMENT
This theory-based qualification provides knowledge of the scientific principles which underpin horticultural practices:
1. Plant classification, structure and function
2. Plant nutrition and the properties and management of soils and growing media
3. Maintaining plant health through understanding pest, disease and weed lifecycles
4. Principles and practices of plant propagation in horticulture
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF GARDEN PLANNING, ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE
This theory-based course provides a firm foundation of knowledge to anyone interested in horticulture as well as providing a route to employment in professional horticulture and supporting career development for those already working in the profession:
1. Understanding garden features, plant selection and planning
2. Understanding the choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns
3. Understanding the production of outdoor vegetables and fruit
4. Understanding protected environments and their use in plant cultivation
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN PRACTICAL HORTICULTURE
A practical-based qualification to develop the essential skills needed to work in horticulture or to further develop your interest. The qualification consists of 6 mandatory units and 1 optional unit. Credits for a unit will be awarded to a candidate once the candidate has reached the level of competency for all the specified tasks. Each unit will be assessed by means of a range of practical activities timetabled and assessed within the approved centre. They will cover all learning outcomes specified in the unit.
shared Christmas parties
Candlelight, twinkling Christmas trees and seasonal catering await your arrival at Hever Castle over the festive season.
As dusk falls, the gardens and grounds are spectacularly transformed into an illuminated winter wonderland. The Guthrie Pavilion will be adorned with traditional Christmas decorations. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a welcome drink before being seated for a sumptuous Christmas dinner. After dinner it’s time to dance the night away, enjoy the music and bar before departing at 1am.
Groups of any size are welcome and groups will be seated together. Tables seat up to a maximum of ten guests per table and there is a possibility, dependent on number of tickets sold, that smaller groups will share tables.
See shared Christmas parties tariffs.
Dates available: Thursday 7th December and Thursday 14th December.
Contact Kate Rowbottom for further details on krowbottom@hevercastle.co.uk or 01732 861744.
Alternative Christmas party options are also available at Hever Castle Golf Club.
Express COURSE GREEN FEES
Located alongside the Princes Course, the Express 9 hole features oversized holes and a shorter course of 769 yards, perfect for those who are just starting out or looking for a quick round of golf with friends. Each hole is around three times the diameter of a regular hole making it easier to putt the ball.
The Express Course provides newcomers to the game with an early introduction to the golf course as opposed to just spending time on a driving range. It is hoped that the new course will attract a wide variety of potential golfers of mixed abilities by making the first step into golf more fun and less intimidating.
However, the course isn’t just for newcomers and even experienced golfers can enjoy the shorter course as it provides a nice option for those with a love of the game but very little time to play.
£6 per person inclusive of equipment.
£20 for 4 players.
Bookings are taken 1 week in advance.
Scroll to the top of ‘What’s on in July at Hever Castle‘ to see all of our July events and plan for the summer.