Opening Times

Gardens open at 10:30am
Castle opens at 12:00pm

Visitor Information

On arrival you will receive a map with opening times for all attractions and amenities.

Some rooms of the castle will be closed 7 Feb – 25 Jun– learn more.

About 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.

Verdure Tapestry

Conservation of the Castle

Hever Castle’s curatorial team work closely with specialists in conservation to ensure the precious collections in the Castle are preserved for future generations.

History

Spanning more than 600 years, the history of Hever Castle is rich and varied. The original medieval defensive castle, with its gatehouse and walled bailey, was built in 1383.

Discover More

An Evening with Lord Astor

Owners

Uncover more about the twelve different families that have owned Hever Castle from 1383 to the present day.

Rooms

Head inside the Castle and discover wood panelled rooms, roaring fireplaces and a vast collection of paintings.

Anne Boleyn

Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and her siblings, Mary and George. Learn more about Anne here.