Explore Hever Castle

Dating back to the 14th 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 20th 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 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. The Castle is usually busiest in the morning and early afternoon.