What’s on in June at Hever Castle
JUNE EVENTS AT HEVER CASTLE
Summer has just begun, it’s time to get out and explore!
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history and horticulture which has seen monarchs, trials, tribulations and celebrations. Be inspired by the stunning surrounds and enrich yourself with an RHS or a writing course.
Dad’s favourite day of the year, Father’s Day, is just a couple of weeks away. This year we’ve got a fantastic display of super cars as well as a number of food offerings which are guaranteed to tickle his fancy.
And arguably the best time of year to see the gardens is upon us. Hever in Bloom takes centre stage at the end of June. Not only is it considered our rose week – the best time to see the beautiful blooms; but a riot of colour runs through the grounds, making it the perfect time of year to visit for garden lovers and wanderlusters alike.
With summer so close, why not start to plan your family days out. This month we’re hosting Hever’s Home Front. Go back to the wartime era with a replica full size Hurricane, second world war vehicles, dancing and vintage stalls. The jousting seasons is also just round the corner, see full details and dates on the jousting pages.
What’s on in June:
- Hever’s Home Front
- Father’s Day
- Hever in Bloom
- Afternoon Tea
- RHS courses
- Weddings at Hever Castle
- Twilight Golf
FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND
Say thank you to dad this Father’s Day with a memorable Super Car themed day out at Hever Castle & Gardens.
Presented in partnership with the Henry Surtees Foundation, in memory of British racing Legend John Surtees, there will be classic cars on display as well as fun activities for the kids.
Children’s activities:
- Colour and decorate a card for their dad in a free craft workshop.
- Test out the kart simulator for a race around Buckmore Park with an extra incentive of a prize for the fastest lap* (*small donation required).
On Saturday (17 June) they can get a snap of their dad in a Ferrari* (*small donation required) and admire over 50 Alfa Romeos from the Alfa Romeo Owners Club.
On Sunday (18 June) appreciate a spectacular collection of Ferraris from the Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain and peruse cars and bikes from the late John Surtees’ collection along with prints, clothing and other merchandise to support the work of the Henry Surtees Foundation.
Afternoon Tea at Hever Castle
Enjoy a delicious Afternoon Tea made in the Castle Kitchen.
Served in the Anne Boleyn Wing in a room flooded with natural daylight with views through leaded windows across the orchard to the Castle.
Afternoon Teas must be pre-booked. Booking closes at Midday two days before booking day and is only available on selected dates. Please read the Important Information before booking.
£19.50 per person (Admission fees to the Castle & Gardens apply)
EXTRAS
£5.50 Glass of Prosecco per person
£7.50 Glass of Champagne per person
£30.00 Bottle of Prosecco per party
£40.00 Bottle of Champagne per party
HEVER’S HOME FRONT
Step back in time and experience a taste of wartime Britain at Hever’s Home Front in this 1940s event.
To mark Armed Forces Day, re-enactors will be demonstrating what it would have been like to live and work in the countryside during the 1940s.
Experience unique living history from the Home Front in a classic double decker bus containing reconstructions of a 1940s living room, shop, bombed out street and air raid shelter replicating the sights and sounds of the time.
Move 1940s style with a swing dance in the tea dance tent, listen to the Sweetheart Swing duet or visit the stalls selling vintage wares and refreshments.
Get into the nostalgic spirit by dressing up in period costume with prizes for the best dressed visitors. Finish off your outfit with a trip to our 1940s salon for a fitting do.
Meet Winston Churchill and enjoy displays of period model boats on the Moat. Have a selfie with a grounded life-size model Hurricane or a ¾ size model Spitfire.
RHS COURSES
Hever Castle has partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society once again as an Approved Centre to host two 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.
RHS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN THE PRINCIPLES OF PLANT GROWTH, PROPAGATION AND DEVELOPMENT
This 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 course provides a firm foundation of knowledge to anyone interested in horticulture. It also provides a route to employment in professional horticulture and supporting career development:
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
This course is 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:
6 Mandatory units:
- Soil testing (1 credit)
- Sowing seeds and vegetative propagation techniques (2 credits)
- Practical skills in ground preparation for seeding and planting (2 credits)
- Practical skills in establishing seeds and plants in soil (2 credits)
- Care and pruning of plants (3 credits)
- Identification of a range of common garden plants, weeds, pests, diseases and disorders and beneficial organisms (3 credits)
Optional units:
- Sustainable garden practice (2 credits)
- Safe operation of powered garden machinery (2 credits)
- Establishing, repairing and maintaining a lawn (2 credits)
- Practical skills in vegetable growing (2 credits)
- Practical skills in the maintenance of established soft fruit (2 credits)
- Working skills in the maintenance of established top fruit (2 credits)
Find out more about education at Hever Castle.
hever in bloom
Hever Castle’s annual garden event showcases the glorious award winning gardens at the height of their summer beauty. Enjoy one of the finest displays of more than 4,000 roses in Kent, the Garden of England.
Explore the gardens in a free guided tour daily (approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour) led by one of the knowledgeable Hever Castle gardening team. Learn about many of the plants grown throughout the grounds and learn the fascinating history of the gardens.
Then head inside the Castle to see stunning English floral displays themed around Hever Castle’s literary connection, as we celebrate the Year of Literary Heroes with Visit England.
FLORISTRY WORKSHOPS
If you’ve ever been tempted to try your hand at floristry, the daily workshops during Hever in Bloom are just the place to start. Workshops take approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour. Create a circular table arrangement, designed by one of the Hever Castle Gardeners, to take home. Our floristry trained gardener will guide you through creating your arrangement, whilst providing tips and giving advice (all materials provided, book online in advance).
GARDENING TALKS
Enjoy this series of easy to understand talks and demonstrations given by local gardening experts on topics such as gardening for wildlife, poisons and potions, plants for free, vegetative propagation, climbing plants and shady gardening. Talks take place at 12:30, 13:00 and 15:00 and vary daily.
Weddings
Create a day to treasure forever with a Hever Castle wedding.
Wedding season is once again upon us at Hever Castle. If you’ve always dreamed of getting married in the beautiful surrounds of Hever Castle and you’re planning for 2018, get in touch! Wedding show rounds are available most weekends and one of our experienced wedding coordinators would love to help create your special day.
Experience the history and grandeur of the Castle where both the sumptuous Inner Hall and breath-taking Dining Hall are available to hire.
The Tudor Suite in the Astor Wing offers gorgeous oak panelling, a perfect setting for an intimate ceremony with scenic views overlooking the Castle and formal lawns.
Or take your vows amidst the elegant stone colonnades of the Italian Garden Loggia, where the mesmerising Lake provides a picture-perfect backdrop.
If you’re thinking less about the future and more about now, then why not book a luxury stay in our 5* bed and breakfast.
Twilight Golf Offers
Play after work with our twilight rates – with sunlight till 9pm play as much golf as you can for a reduced rate green fee. See full green fees.
Special offer: Call us and quote “Castle Buggy Offer” to add a buggy to your twilight round for only £10.*
*Offers are subject to availability and only available with pre-booked offers until the end of June 2017.
Discover more of what’s on in June at the Golf Club.
Call 01732 700771 opt 1 to add a buggy.
Jump to the top of ‘What’s on in June at Hever Castle’ to see full details on all of our June events and goings on.