Celebrate the beauty of early spring at Hever Castle & Gardens in Kent as the grounds emerge back into life for First Signs of Spring, opening on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Take a refreshing walk through Hever’s award-winning gardens and enjoy 160,000 snowdrops planted across the grounds, carpeting the historic estate. Delicate crocuses and other early-flowering plants will create a beautiful start to the season. Discover the blossoms of camellia, quince, hellebores and early daffodils such as ‘Early Sensation’.
Follow a self-guided spring trail through areas including the Outer Moat, Sunday Walk, and Church Gill, where you’ll spot the first blooms of the year. Don’t miss the newly redesigned Winter Garden, filled with vibrant dogwoods, scented daphnes, and speciality snowdrops in shades of white and green.
Join Hever Castle gardener Felix Green for a 15 minute Winter Garden Talk at 11:30 on 16 – 18, 23 – 25 February, and discover more about this vibrant area of the gardens and how the team curates the garden’s seasonal displays.
Keep an eye on our ‘Spring Watch‘ page to see how the grounds are looking before your visit.
Included in admission
Self-guided First Signs of Spring Trail – Included in admission
Download the map and discover the early spring flowers at your own leisurely pace.
Times: Daily
Join Gardener, Felix Green for a 15 minute talk, offering expert insight into the planting and design of this vibrant area.
When: 16 – 18, 23 – 25 February at 11:30
Location: Meet at the Information Hut
Looking for fun February half term activities with the kids? Bugs, Boots and Backpacks at Hever Castle is a hands-on outdoor adventure designed to get families exploring nature together.
Throughout February half term, children can become mini nature experts as they build bug hotels, create clay creatures and splash through the mud, in wellies. From collecting natural treasures to discovering how insects help our environment, this family-friendly event combines creativity, learning and outdoor play in the beautiful grounds of Hever Castle.
Displayed in the grounds, the Earth Photo Exhibition features a curated selection of shortlisted images from the 2025 competition. Visitors can explore the exhibition at their own pace while enjoying the historic setting of Hever Castle and Gardens. The photographs share visually compelling stories that explore environmental change, human connection to the land and the global challenges facing our planet.
Join Lloyd of the Flies for a fun family AR bug hunt at Hever Castle this February! Scan marker boards around the gardens to unlock interactive scenes, pose with characters, take photos, and learn fascinating insect facts with help from the Royal Entomological Society. Included with admission.
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Always check the latest details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted on some dates, please check before booking.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
