Hever Castle
Kent, England
Key facts
- Operator
- Hever Castle Ltd (Guthrie family)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Hever, 0.9 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
Pinpoint
Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Telephone 01732 865224
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, restored at the turn of the 20th century by the Astor family, who added the lakeside gardens and the Tudor-style Astor Wing that now runs as a B&B. It's less a single visit than a full day out - moated castle, extensive gardens, mazes, and play areas - and reviewers who've stayed overnight rate the B&B breakfast as highly as the castle tour itself.
Who to know
Anne Boleyn · the castle was her childhood home
Worth the trip
The gardens - Italian, rose, and lakeside, added by the Astors and consistently the thing repeat visitors say keeps improving year on year.
Before you go
Book the Astor Wing B&B directly with the estate if you want to stay on-site, and set aside a full day - the grounds alone (mazes, play areas, water gardens) can easily take as long as the castle.
Recent reviewers were all highly positive about Hever, repeatedly praising the beautifully maintained gardens (especially the Italian Garden), the well-run castle tour and audio guide, and its Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII history. Several also highlighted good food options and, for those staying overnight, a comfortable B&B experience. No notable complaints appear in this review set.
B&B in Astor Wing
“A beautiful setting with history spanning several centuries. The gardens were unexpected and welcoming. Although we didn't visit with children, there were several well equipped play areas that would keep them…”- Warren Larkins, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “They offer an audio guide as well, which made the visit even more convenient and informative.” - Rifa Adelisa
- How long to allow
- “It was such a peaceful walk that we didn’t even realise it would take us around 1 to 1.45 hour to explore the grounds.” - Rifa Adelisa
- Facilities
- “Ice cream and cafe dots are placed in each corner which is very handy, as well as toilets.” - Dorota Trapl
Plan your visit
- Combine this with
- Chiddingstone Castle is only 1.2 miles away - worth pairing into the same day. See Chiddingstone Castle →
- Tickets & opening times
- Check current prices and hours on the operator's own site before travelling - details change more often than any directory can track: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/
- Data checked
- Ratings, review counts and the visitor-note quotes above were drawn from publicly available Google reviews. Castles change hands and adjust hours faster than any directory can track in real time.
For your stay
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gear
Knights and Castles Colouring and Activity Book
Colouring and puzzles built around knights and castles, reading age 7-10 - light enough to carry into the grounds for a picnic-table activity. A sensible extra for a family day out at Hever Castle.
Find it on Amazon
gear
Columbia Men's Crestwood Low Rise Trekking And Hiking Shoes
More tread than a trainer without a boot's weight - useful on the grassy banks and gravel paths around a ruin's outer walls. Solid underfoot for a wander through the gardens.
Find it on Amazon
gear
Mountain Warehouse Pace 20L Rucksack
A packaway rain cover is tucked into the base - worth having on a site with no cover between the car park and the gatehouse. Keeps things to hand during a full day exploring the castle.
Find it on Amazon
gear
Thermos Stainless King Duck Egg Travel Flask (1.2L)
1.2 litres is enough tea or coffee for two on a cold ruin visit, and the built-in cup means no fumbling for mugs on a windswept battlement. Keeps you going during a walk round the grounds.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Hever Castle
Where is Hever Castle?
Hever Castle is in Kent, England, at Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG.
Do you need a ticket to visit Hever Castle?
Yes - Hever Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Hever Castle Ltd (Guthrie family). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Hever Castle?
Yes - Hever Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Hever Castle?
The gardens - Italian, rose, and lakeside, added by the Astors and consistently the thing repeat visitors say keeps improving year on year.
Is Hever Castle a ruin or still intact?
Hever Castle is largely intact - B&B in Astor Wing.
