One of my favorite things is exploring England’s history. A few months ago, as summer faded, I took my family to Hever Castle in Kent, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home.

Just two hours southeast of London, the castle instantly impressed us with its moat, Tudor charm, and beautiful gardens.

Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to discover one of the most captivating castles in the UK!

A castle with rich history

Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle is steeped in history, most famously as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s ill-fated second wife and mother of Queen Elizabeth I.

Hever Castle stood witness to some of the most dramatic twists in Britain’s history, making every visit feel like stepping straight into the past.

The castle’s magnificent rooms are steeped in history, filled with fine furniture, rich tapestries, Tudor antiques, and even Anne Boleyn’s own signed prayer books, true treasures of the past.

This room is said to be where Henry VIII slept on several occasions during his courtship of Anne Boleyn. Standing here, you can’t help but feel a thrill in the air. Knowing that such a pivotal figure in history once walked these floors sent shivers down my spine!

Those boots are… enormous (even if the photo doesn’t do them justice)! They’re postilion’s boots, dating back to 1690. A postilion rode one of the horses pulling a coach, which was risky, so he wore a large leather and iron boot on that leg for protection. Smart and practical!

After the Boleyns, Hever Castle passed to another of Henry VIII’s wives, Anne of Cleves, and from 1557 onwards it belonged to families such as the Waldegraves, Humphreys, and Meade Waldos. Until William Waldorf Astor devoted time, money, and vision to restoring the castle to its former glory.

A stroll through spectacular gardens

Even under a gray, drizzly sky, the gardens’ beauty left us absolutely spellbound.

Between 1904 and 1908, Joseph Cheal and Son transformed marshland into the magnificent gardens we can admire today.

With a lake, Italian sculptures, cascades, grottoes, and a marvellous collection of trees and flowers, these award-winning gardens set within 125 acres of glorious grounds can delight some and inspire others!

Rose enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that Hever Castle boasts its very own ‘Hever Rose,’ launched in 2011 by the acclaimed British actress Dame Judi Dench.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stroll through the gardens and promised ourselves to return on a sunny day, when the colours would be at their most vibrant.

Unmissable fun for all ages!

With so much to see and do at Hever Castle, I highly recommend setting aside a full day, including lunch on site, to fully enjoy this remarkable place. Below, you’ll find details of the seasonal fun attractions you won’t want to miss.

Jousting:

One of the main reasons we chose to visit Hever Castle was the famed jousting tournaments held each summer. We were excited to witness the thrilling spectacle firsthand!

Each tournament kicks off with a lively procession, from the Castle forecourt to the Jousting Arena, led by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, with all kids invited to join in the fun!

Then the tournament begins! Spectators pick their favorite knights and cheer them on to glory. An exhilarating show full of action, stunts, tumbles, and swordplay as the brave competitors compete for the season’s champion. It’s a thrilling performance that delights visitors of all ages!

Archery
This is a fantastic way to experience the ancient sport of archery. Open during school holidays and weekends up to the autumn half term, it’s suitable for both adults and children. We didn’t have time to try it ourselves, there was just too much to explore at Hever Castle! But it’s definitely on our list for next time.

Shield Painting
Another fantastic activity at Hever Castle is decorating your very own shield or crown to take home as a keepsake from your visit. This creative fun is available every weekend and during school holidays from 30 March through the end of October.

Commando Series:
The Commando Series returns this weekend (Sat 9 & Sun 10 Nov)! This thrilling obstacle course, held annually across the Hever Castle Estate, is open to everyone aged 8+ (under 11s must be accompanied by an adult). With challenges ranging from the tough ‘Treat Me Like a Commando’ to the supportive ‘Just Get Me Round’ and ‘We Are Family,’ there’s a level for everyone. Are you tempted?

Amusing Maze

Just beyond the castle, you can explore the tricky Water Maze and the 100-year-old Yew Maze. Perfect for a playful adventure!

You’ll likely end up soaked, but beaming with joy! Adults are more than welcome to join in the fun too…

Twilight Christmas:
For a magical after-dark experience, you can book a ‘Twilight Christmas’ ticket online. Exploring Hever Castle and its gardens in this festive glow must be absolutely enchanting!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning a visit at Hever Castle, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

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To go further:
Hever Castle: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Website

See my other recommendations for England getaways here.

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