October – perhaps the best time of year to see Hever Castle with the glowing autumn colour. The Boston ivy which adorns its walls goes through a dramatic and dazzling transformation this month as the leaves slowly turn a deep brooding red. Acers, oaks and ironwood trees light up the skies with magenta, yellow and fuschia leaves. The crisp autumn air will have you feeling totally immersed in the season, so have some fun, pop on your welly boots and kick up the fallen leaves!
With the nights drawing in, grab a pen and paper and start planning an autumn to remember, and with the festive season just around the corner – you can start planning an outing to Christmas at Hever Castle too.
Explore what’s on this October and over the upcoming months:
Go straight to Christmas at Hever Castle
As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside; pack your wellies and head to Hever Castle. Enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot and spectacular autumn hues.
The summer perennials may have faded, but the riot of colour in the grounds has only just started. Across the grounds, shades of orange, magenta, and yellow hypnotise at every turn. Be dazzled by the vibrant tones of acers, whilst the historic Chestnut Avenue will have you feeling fully absorbed by autumn’s beauty.
Messrs Watts, Moses and Cavendish invite you to join them in conducting ghostly but fun investigations into the spiritual dimension of Hever Castle. You are granted exclusive access to the most secret and well hidden areas of the Castle in order to transcend the limitations of the physical world to contact the spiritual realm.
Your eerie adventure starts at the Moat Restaurant, where you’ll meet your guide before venturing down Topiary Walk to the Castle Courtyard. Once inside, you’ll explore the Castle’s most iconic rooms, with an eerie and ghoulish twist, creating an unforgettable journey into the castle’s haunted past.
Treat your little ones to a spine-tingling visit this Half Term.
We’ve extended the Bones and Giggles Halloween Trail until 2 November to cover more school holiday dates. Please note: the trail runs until 2 November, while other Halloween activities finish on 26 October. Partner Offers will be accepted between 27 October and 2 November.
18 October – 2 November:
Follow the Bones and Giggles Trail through the grounds, spotting spooky skeletons in mischievous scenes to earn your reward.
18 – 26 October only:
Enjoy roaming characters, interactive storytelling, Halloween crafts and themed face painting (weather permitting).
Follow the yellow brick road on a magical journey with loved ones this Christmas – there’s no place like Hever!
Step into a world of holiday magic inside the Castle, be swept away to the colourful Land of Oz on the Trail, and meet some of your favourite characters. Enjoy a delightful mix of shopping, dining, and fun fair rides throughout your visit.
As evening approaches from 4pm, the grounds come alive with enchantment. Bundle up and wander through the illuminated Castle, gardens, and lake, all beautifully lit with sparkling festive lights.
Please note, there are limited Father Christmas tickets. However, there are still plenty of Castle & Garden tickets for Daytime and Twilight.
Enjoy a month of music, history, and live entertainment in the stunning open-air setting of Hever Castle.
The Blondie Story – Saturday 11 October, 7.30pm
An award-winning tribute from Night Owl Shows celebrating Blondie’s biggest hits with theatrical flair and energy.
Horrible Histories: Gorgeous Georgians & Vile Victorians – Sunday 12 October, 1pm & 3pm
A laugh-out-loud live show packed with gruesome facts and unforgettable characters — fun for the whole family!
Los Pacaminos featuring Paul Young – Friday 17 October, 7.30pm
Join Paul Young and his band for a lively night of Tex-Mex party tunes, celebrating over 30 years together.
Don’t miss these October favourites, book your tickets now at heverfestival.co.uk or call 07379 488477.
Looking for the perfect gift for history lovers or avid golfers this Christmas? Hever Castle’s online shop offers a wonderful range of presents to delight Tudor enthusiasts, golfers, and those who simply love this historic estate. Give a loved one the gift of Hever Castle with an annual membership or a visit voucher, and let them experience the magic of the castle, its stunning gardens, and 600 years of history.
For a luxurious touch, we also offer vouchers for Hever Castle’s award-winning Bed & Breakfast, where guests can unwind in Tudor-inspired elegance. And for golf enthusiasts, vouchers for Hever Castle Golf Club—located just a mile from the castle—give access to one of Kent’s most beautiful courses, making the perfect gift for those who enjoy the game in a picturesque setting.
Add some historical charm to your Christmas tree this year with Hever Castle and Tudor-themed decorations. Our online shop features a selection of unique ornaments, from traditional Tudor rose designs to miniature replicas of the castle itself, perfect for history buffs who want to bring a bit of Hever into their homes. Whether it’s for history lovers, golfers, or those seeking unique décor, our shop has something special for everyone.
For a larger selection of gift ideas please visit the Hever Shop, Courtyard Shop and Pro Shop on the estate.
Hever Castle Annual Members are invited to bring a friend for free from 5 – 20 November 2025. Wander freely in the gardens and around the lake to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours as the trees and plants take on their autumn shades.
The gardens are open Wednesday – Sunday throughout this period and members are each invited to bring a friend with them to enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Searching for the perfect place to celebrate Christmas this year? With a choice between two stunning dining rooms and a magical Christmas experience in the grounds, why not make Hever Castle your destination for Christmas 2025? Here, you’ll be greeted by roaring log fires, candlelight, and sparkling Christmas trees.
Hever Castle can host either a lunchtime or an evening celebration. The Tudor Suite Dining Room can accommodate up to 60 guests for a lunch or an evening dinner and the Castle Great Hall can accommodate up to 40 guests for an evening dinner.
Guests in 2025 will be transported into a magical winter wonderland, featuring the enchanting Land of Oz. As evening falls, the grounds will come to life with dazzling festive lights illuminating the gardens and lake. Enjoy traditional fairground rides, a Christmas trail with live characters, enchanting illuminations, and festive music, all leading up to a delightful holiday feast inside.
The Waterside Restaurant, Bar & Terrace based at Hever Castle Golf Club (one mile from the Castle & Gardens) is the perfect venue for your Christmas celebrations.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
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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.
