In the Garden
Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 150 acres of glorious grounds at Hever Castle. Marvel at the Italian Garden; admire the Tudor Garden and inhale the fragrance in the Rose Garden and more.
Gardens To Visit
Garden Days Out To Remember
Seasons
The gardens at Hever Castle are home to an ever-changing display of wonderful plants and shrubs throughout the seasons. Whatever season you choose to visit you are guaranteed a breath-taking display.
Garden History
The gardens at Hever Castle were the brainchild of William Waldorf Astor and were laid out 1904 – 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son, turning marshland into the spectacular garden that you see today.
Nature & Wildlife
Nature and wildlife is abundant throughout the glorious grounds. There is a huge variety of small mammals, birds, water fowl, fish, amphibians and insects that call Hever Castle & Gardens home.
Garden Events
If that’s not enough, there are plenty of garden events taking place throughout the year to celebrate the Snowdrops, Daffodils, Tulips, Roses and Autumn Colour in the beautiful grounds.
Explore the Gardens at Hever Castle
Hever Castle is home to 125 acres of stunning gardens and grounds, offering something new to discover in every season. From the formal Italian Garden and romantic Rose Garden to the historic Tudor Garden and peaceful woodland walks, discover the beautiful landscapes and seasonal colours that make Hever Castle’s gardens a must-visit attraction in Kent.
Covering four acres, the Italian Garden features sweeping lawns, clipped yew hedges and stone walls. Discover the Pompeiian Wall, the shaded Pergola Walk and the tranquil Sunken Garden, before reaching the impressive Loggia overlooking the lake, with classical sculptures inspired by Rome’s Trevi Fountain.
The romantic English Rose Garden is home to over 5,000 roses, blooming from June to September in shades from soft pinks to deep crimson and purple. Featuring varieties such as Alba, Bourbon, Hybrid Tea and Flouribunda, the garden is filled with colour and fragrance throughout the summer.
Alongside the Yew Maze sits the Tudor Garden, a series of small, sheltered gardens inspired by how they might have been laid out in the time of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Discover the Tudor Herb Garden, the Fountain Garden and the Chess Garden with chess pieces cut from golden yew and an historic astrolabe.
The charming Blue Corner garden is filled with blue blooms throughout the seasons, including hydrangeas, ceanothus and blue seasonal perennials. In spring, discover blue bulbs such as scilla, grape hyacinth and the ‘King of the Blues’ hyacinth with its intoxicating scent.
Sunday Walk and Church Gill Walk offer a peaceful route through the gardens, following the meandering stream towards Hever Church. Created by William Waldorf Astor, the walk features shrubs, ferns, gunnera, rhododendrons and colourful streamside planting.
Diana’s Walk leads through a planted garden of grasses and perennials, including echinacea and agapanthus. Meandering pathways invite you to explore the planting close up, with glimpses of sculptures, the lake and the Loggia along the way.
The Long Border features hundreds of colourful perennials inspired by Gertrude Jeykll, with shades changing from cool to warm throughout the seasons. Nearby, discover the fragrant Rose Bank, vibrant dahlias and the moisture-loving plants around Two Sister’s Pool including astilbes, hydrangeas and blue iris.
Garden Stays
With so much to fit in there is the option to enjoy an overnight stay or short break in Hever Castle’s luxury accommodation. You can even explore the other local gardens of Kent, Sussex and Surrey.
Accommodation
The luxury accommodation incorporates 26 five star gold bedroom located in an Edwardian Wing.
Holiday Cottage
The Holiday Cottage, Medley Court, can accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 bedrooms.
Eden Restaurant
Eden is a small, intimate restaurant set at the heart of the Hever Castle Estate, named after the River Eden that runs through the grounds. Rooted in the surrounding landscape, the seasonal tasting menu showcases locally sourced ingredients, with plant-based elements sitting naturally alongside exceptional produce.
The setting reflects the food, combining understated elegance with natural textures, soft light and large windows overlooking Hever Castle and the orchard. Exclusively for accommodation guests and evening diners, Eden offers a refined dining experience that brings together exceptional food with the unique atmosphere of one of England’s most iconic historic settings.
Things To Do
FAQs
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 and Woodland Walk 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.
Hever Castle and Gardens is privately owned and we are not part of the National Trust or English Heritage.
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.