Learn about inventors, discover ancient artefacts and find out more about physics and archaeology in three different shows as part of Hever Castle’s new May half term event: Discovery Week.
Booking Tickets – Our booking system has technical issues so online tickets have been temporarily suspended. If you are visiting this weekend and have not pre-booked, please book Garden tickets at the gates. Visitors that have not already pre-booked a Castle & Gardens ticket may get the chance to upgrade to a Castle ticket, but this cannot be guaranteed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are trying to contact us, we are experiencing a high volume of calls and we ask for your patience during this time.
Hever Castle & Gardens is closed to visitors on 3, 4 & 7 June 2021
Information for Castle & Gardens visitors 29 May – 10 June is available here
Before booking, we advise that you read the Know Before you Go information that provides full details of what will be open and closed.
We also recommend that you download the Map before your visit.
Come and meet Victorian and Edwardian scientific explorers as they debunk myths and explore inventions from history – what happens when science goes wrong? Find out more about entertaining tricks and the scientific reasons they work.
Get your hands dirty with an archaeological dig* (*suitable for ages 5+) – what will you find buried in the sand and mud? Search for Saxon, Medieval, and Tudor artefacts.
Discover more about inventions and discoveries with a fun, family quiz.
Visit the Castle to find out more about objects you might not have seen before.
Archaeology / Palaeontology / Entomology
(11:00 run time 45 minutes)
Our Scientific Explorers have been around the world and collected various rare and legendary artefacts, which all have a tale. On their journeys, they have encountered several large beasties, many of which you would not wish to find in your bed!
Physics & Trickery
(13:00 run time 45 minutes)
A variety of entertaining tricks and the scientific reasons they work.
Inventions and Discoveries
(15:00 run time 45 minutes)
A fun family quiz to enlighten the inquisitive.
Hever Castle & Gardens is closed to visitors on 3, 4 & 7 June 2021
Information for Castle & Gardens visitors 29 May – 10 June is available here
We are closed to visitors on 3 & 4 June due to filming that is taking place in the grounds. This was originally scheduled to take place in January but had to be rescheduled due to Covid-19.
During half term 2021 there will be a revised one way system in place and there will be no access to the Loggia or the Lake end of the Italian Garden and only a viewpoint for a photo opportunity of the lake at the end of Diana’s Walk.
Boating will only be available 29 – 31 May and will not be available for the period 1 – 6 June.
There will be some equipment visible on site but all other areas and attractions in the grounds will be accessible.
The decision to close part of the grounds to visitors was not taken lightly. The timing of this filming is not of our choosing and was necessary due to contractual obligations as a result of unexpected Covid-19 related delays to filming that was originally scheduled for earlier in the year.
Whilst at the time of writing the weather is currently on our side and we are looking forward to warmer weather and the gradual increase of visitors, Hever Castle has recorded significant losses in 2020 and to date in 2021. Additional guaranteed revenue from filming is a welcome relief at a time when we have suffered as the result of bad weather and not being able to achieve our full capacity due to restrictions that are in place, and as a result of the lack of inbound tourism and slow return of the coach groups. This vital revenue has helped to secure the future of Hever Castle and enabled essential conservation work to continue as planned.
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Always check details before traveling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets, and activities, and to change or cancel any events. Please note that the use of partner offers may be restricted or not valid on event days.
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.
