Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion.

Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and what is regarded by some as ‘one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery’. The Book of Hours Room beautifully illuminates two prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature. 

Today, much of what you see is the result of the remarkable efforts of William Waldorf Astor, who used his fortune to restore and extend the Castle in the early 20^th century. The Astor Suite is dedicated to its more recent history, showcasing pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian period.

Hever Castle is what every child wants a castle to be: crenellated, moated and haunted. The new permanent exhibition in the Long Gallery depicts the saga from the Wars of the Roses to the Reformation through its art collection.

When visiting the Castle we recommend you allow at least an hour to enjoy it. View opening times for final entry and final exit.

N.B. The Castle is currently closed. Face coverings must be worn inside (exemptions apply). 

During peak times, on average it takes 1 hour to queue for the Castle. Entry to the Castle is on a first come first served basis.

Visitors may get the chance to upgrade to a Castle ticket at the Castle Entrance. This is because we are limiting numbers in rooms and cannot guarantee Castle entry for everyone. Audio Guides will be available to all Castle visitors. However, where necessary use of Audio Guides will be limited to the Castle Courtyard to provide entertainment whilst queuing and enable more visitors to experience the Castle. We encourage visitors to bring their own headphones (standard 3.5mm jack required).