FAQs

Below are a few questions that we get asked regularly that may help you to plan your day out.

FAQs regarding our accommodation can be found here: Luxury Bed and Breakfast FAQs and Medley Court FAQs.

Do you have an access guide?

Yes, this access guide does not contain personal opinions as to our suitability for those with access needs, but aims to accurately describe the facilities and services that we offer all our visitors. Further information and the current accessibility statement can be found here.

Do you allow dogs in the grounds?

We welcome dogs in the grounds as long as they’re kept on a lead at all times and in all areas of the grounds including Lake Walk, Woodland Walk, the jousting field and even on the Rowing Boats. With the exception of assistance dogs, dogs or other animals are not allowed inside the cafés, restaurants, shops, Castle, mazes, play areas or Festival Theatre.  There are water bowls provided for them at both our Moat Café and at the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant where there is also outside seating. There is a stand where dogs can be tied and left in the Castle Courtyard if you wish to visit the castle, but this is not supervised and they are left at your own risk. We request that you do not leave dogs in your car whilst visiting on warm days. Dogs are not permitted in the Luxury Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Please clear up after your dog.

Do you allow picnics in the grounds?

We do allow picnics. You are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas in the grounds. Horse Shoe Lawn provides a perfect setting with sun and shade and a picturesque castle view. Half Moon Lawn is another popular choice with views of the pond, fountain and pretty bridges across the moat. Venture further afield and you will discover Two Sisters’ Lawn adjacent to the Theatre which is surrounded by delightful flower beds and an abundance of ornamental trees. Or follow signs for Lake Walk and choose a secluded spot.

Do you allow bikes and scooters in the grounds?

No, for health and safety reasons and because the gardens are Grade I listed we do not allow bikes or scooters in the grounds. Bike racks are available at the main entrance for cyclists.

Are you members of the National Trust or English Heritage?

Hever Castle and Gardens is privately owned and we are not part of the National Trust or English Heritage.

Are you members of the Historic Houses Association?

Hever Castle & Gardens is a Historic Houses Member. Please read more about terms and conditions here.

Do you have wheelchairs available and how to book one?

We have 4 manual wheelchairs available for hire for a refundable deposit of £25.00 per wheelchair. It is essential to book these prior to a visit (not the same day). These can be booked by calling the Shop (10am-3pm) on  +44 (0)1732 861718 and selecting option 2. For your own safety, we advise wheelchair and mobility scooters keep to the hard surfaced shingle paths.

Wheelchairs will be cleaned before reuse.

Can we take photographs inside the Castle and Gardens?

Photography is allowed for personal and non-commercial use within the Gardens, Castle and surrounding buildings. To protect paintings and objects, copyright of loans, individual privacy and the overall visitor experience we ask visitors to refrain from using tripods, selfie sticks and flash photography in the Castle.

Hever Castle & Gardens offers an extensive range of filming and photography locations for film, TV, fashion shoots, commercial shoots and wedding shoots. Find out more about filming and photography.

Can we visit the restaurant without paying entry?

If you make a reservation for the Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant you must also purchase at least a Gardens Only ticket, this is because the restaurant is located well within our gardens and grounds.

What kind of food does the café(s) serve?

The Moat Café serves a wide range of hot and cold meals. The food is seasonal and so changes often but you can expect to find a selection of fresh baguettes and sandwiches, light bites such as quiche and soup and full meals such as lasagne or fish and chips. Children’s portions are also available. If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know. Find out more about our Eateries.

How do I book a table at the restaurant?

At the Castle & Gardens, you can only book for Mother’s Day Weekend and select dates at Christmas.

Located one mile from the Castle & Gardens at Hever Castle Golf & Wellbeing is The Waterside Bar, Restaurant & Terrace. Discover more here.

Do I get a discount for using a reusable cup?

Yes! You will receive a 10% discount on hot drinks when using a reusable cup in the Moat Café, Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant and other onsite catering outlets. Annual Members receive 10% off hot drinks then an additional 10% off the subtotal if using a reusable cup.

How to get a replacement annual membership card?

If you lose your Annual Membership card we can replace it for you, simply ask on entry or at the Information Hut. If you need your details to make a booking, please contact the Estate Office on 01732 865224.

Can I buy tickets/annual membership from overseas?

We can now accept payments from outside of the UK. Diners cards are not accepted.

What are the benefits of being an annual member?

Please find all the benefits of annual membership here.

Any discount for carers/special needs?

Standard charges apply to visitors with accessible/special needs, carers are free of charge and should select/request a Carer Ticket at the time of booking. To help our disabled visitors have a more memorable experience, we provide carer tickets free of charge on a 1:1 ratio.

Proof of disability will be requested on arrival, which may include a Blue Badge, statement of special educational needs from LEA or NHS, a letter from a medical professional on NHS headed paper, a DLA or PIP letter from the Department of Work & Pensions, Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or National DID Card. We do not accept carer cards. If you arrive without this information payment in full will be requested on arrival.

Please use the option for a Carer ticket when pre-booking for either Garden Only or Castle & Garden tickets.

What are considered to be ‘event days’ for the Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 offer?

We consider the following to be events days for the Gardener’s World 2-for-1 offer is not valid on these days:

Eco Week – 10 – 18 February 2024
Easter Family Fun – 29 March – 14 April 2024
May Day Weekend – 4 – 6 May 2024
Spring Craft Fair – 16 – 19 May 2024
Art Week – 25 May – 2 June 2024
Father’s Day Weekend – 15 & 16 June 2024
Hever’s Home Front – 22 & 23 June 2024
Jousting – 13 & 14, 20 & 21, 27 & 28 July 2024 and 10 & 11, 17 & 19, 23 – 26 & 31 August 2024 and 1 September 2024
Super Cars – 3 & 4 August 2024
Hever in History – 24 – 26 August 2024
Autumn Craft Fair – 12 – 15 September 2024
Hever Castle Triathlon – 28 & 29 September 2024
Halloween Half Term Fun – 26 October – 3 November 2024
Christmas Fair – 7 November 2024
Christmas at Hever Castle – 22 November 2024 – 1 January 2025

How/when can I use my Tesco Vouchers/RHS Membership Card/Gardeners’ World 2-for-1?

Please read more about terms and conditions here:

Tesco Clubcard
RHS Member
Gardeners’ World 2 for 1 Card

Can I use my Historic Houses Membership at Christmas?

No – Hever Castle & Gardens is not free to Historic Houses Membership card holders over the Christmas period between 22 Nov 2024 – 1 Jan 2025 due to special Christmas events taking place. See Historic Houses website.

Which dates do you consider to be school holidays?

Hever Castle follows the Kent County Council school holidays:

February half term: 10 – 18 February 2024
Easter holidays: 29 March – 14 April 2024
May half term: 25 May – 2 June 2024
Summer holidays: 24 July – 1 September 2024
Autumn half term: 26 October – 3 November 2024
Christmas holidays: 21 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

Lost property procedure

Within reason, Hever Castle aims to collect, store and return items of property that are deemed to be genuinely lost by visitors and guests in the castle and grounds and likely to be sought by the original owner. Please read our full lost property policy and procedure.

Do you allow drones?

The use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) or drones is not permitted on or over Hever Castle & Gardens without prior approval. If use is approved by Hever Castle & Gardens then the conditions will apply. These conditions and details for how to apply for approval can be found here.

Can I use my Blue Light Card?

No – Hever Castle & Gardens does not currently offer a Blue Light Card discount. Any websites that suggest that we do are not legitimate.

Do you allow smoking in the grounds?

We do not allow smoking or vaping in any of the indoor buildings, including the restaurants, Hever Shop and Castle. We also ask that you do not smoke in the playground area. Please be mindful of other visitors if you do smoke or vape in the gardens.