Hever Castle Kent

Hever Castle: Heavenly Hever - A compelling castle nestled in the Kentish Weald

Daniel Allen

Hever Castle, Kent, UK. — Hever Castle, Kent, UK

Dating back to the 13th century and located just 30 miles (50 km) southeast of London, moated Hever Castle is one of England's prettiest and most popular castles.

Its proximity to the capital makes it perfectly placed for a day trip - especially for history buffs and nature lovers - and it can be combined with other nearby attractions, such as Chartwell (the former home of the Winston Churchill), and Penshurst Place (a historic manor house and gardens that once belonged to Henry VIII).

History

Hever Castle's foremost claim to fame is that it was once the childhood residence of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. As such it witnessed a number of dramatic events that helped to define Britain's history, monarchy and religion.

The oldest part of Hever is the medieval council chamber in the gatehouse, which dates all the way back to the 13th century.

Timber-framed Tudor additions were made in the 15th and 16th centuries by the Boleyn family, and can still be viewed on castle tours.

Interior

Hever's labyrinthine network of panelled rooms boast exquisite furnishings, tapestries and antiques, as well as one of the finest collections of Tudor portraits in the whole of Britain.

The Book of Hours Room presents two prayer books which once belonged to Anne Boleyn, and which still bear her writing and signature, as well as a newly acquired wooden heraldic panel belonging to Anne of Cleves (the fourth wife of Henry VIII).

Hever's Astor Suite showcases the castle's more recent history, presenting pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian period (1901-1910).

Indeed, much of what can be viewed at Hever today is the work of wealthy American William Waldorf Astor, who renovated and enlarged the castle during this time (and also created the lake and gardens).

Astor was a great stickler for detail, insisting that his craftsmen used (as much as possible) the same materials and tools as in Tudor and Elizabethan times.

Visitors will discover display boards in all of Hever's rooms, providing information on how each room was used and its contents. The castle also offers multimedia guides, private guided tours and guide books, all of which can be purchased from the ticket office, information centre or inside the castle.

Gardens

While its buildings are undoubtedly majestic, Hever is far more than just a castle.

The 125 acres of stunning gardens include a lovely Italian garden, housing statuary and sculpture dating from Roman times. As well, there is a Tudor herb garden and walled rose garden containing over 3,000 plants. There is also a 38-acre lake (complete with ducks and other birds), a topiary and yew maze.

The village of Hever is quite small, but has a well-regarded pub, the King Henry VIII, and a church.

Access - Getting to Hever Castle

Hever Castle (www.hevercastle.co.uk)
Hever Rd
Hever
Edenbridge
Kent TN8 7NG
Tel: 01732 865224
Sat nav: Post Code TN8 7NG

Situated about 3 miles (5 km) to the west is the small town of Edenbridge, with a wide range of shops and train access to London. The nearest large town is Royal Tunbridge Wells, about 10 miles (16 km) to the east.

The castle is off Hever Road. It is also close to Penshurst Place, a country house with gardens.

Trains from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) run to Edenbridge Town Station. From here taxis are available. From the next station Hever Station, the castle is a 1 mile rural walk.

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