Hever Castle

With its imposing stone brick towers, double moat and elaborately sculpted greenery, there’s no doubt that Hever Castle is a home fit for royalty, or at least future royalty. The castle’s most famous former resident was Anne Boleyn, arguably the most notorious of all King Henry VIII’s wives, and the future queen was born and raised on the magnificent estate. 
Today, the remarkably restored 13th-century castle is a popular tourist attraction, with the grand paneled rooms decorated with antique furnishings, dazzling tapestries and a fine collection of Tudor portraits. Highlights include two of Anne Boleyn’s own books, an exhibition of her life at the castle and an impressive selection of armoury and weapons. The 125-acre Castle Gardens are also a big draw, including a formal Italian garden, an English Rose Garden, an enormous boating lake, tree and water mazes, an adventure playground and the tree-lined Anne Boleyn Walk.

Practical Info

Hever Castle is located in Kent, South East England, approximately 55 km from London and is open daily during high season and from Wednesday to Sunday in low season, with the Gardens open from 10pm and the Castle from midday. Adult entrance tickets start at £10.65.