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Nestled within 150 acres of picturesque open space, Hever Castle offers a perfect blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience for the entire family.
This summer, embark on a journey through over 600 years of history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Dive into the captivating "Adventures in Time Travel," featuring a series of engaging hands-on activities and exciting challenges. On weekends, don't miss the exhilarating jousting tournaments brought to life by the Knights of Royal England.
With an array of amazing mazes, picturesque playgrounds, stunning gardens, and delightful walks, Hever Castle offers something for everyone.
Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Hever Castle this summer:
1. Knights of Hever Jousting – selected weekends: Experience the thrill of watching the Knights of Royal England as they engage in authentic combat displays and jousting tournaments.
2. Adventures in Time Travel – daily from 24 July to 3 September: Engage in a series of hands-on activities and challenges as part of the "Adventures in Time Travel" event. This immersive experience allows visitors to delve into different historical periods, learning about the past interactively and enjoyably.
3. Falconry Displays – selected days in July and August: Be mesmerised by twice-daily falconry displays presented by Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre. These stunning birds demonstrate their incredible flying skills, providing an awe-inspiring experience.
4. Supercar Weekend – 3 and 4 August: For car enthusiasts, the Supercar Weekend is a must-see. Marvel at a collection of stunning supercars, each with its unique story, showcased in the beautiful gardens of Hever Castle and organised by Challenge the Road.
5. Hever in History – 24 to 26 August: Immerse yourself in living history as Hever Castle hosts encampments spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. This event provides a unique opportunity to witness history come alive, with re-enactors portraying historical figures and demonstrating the lifestyles of various periods.
6. The Boleyn Apartment – now open (castle ticket required): Explore the recently refurbished Boleyn Apartment, the only surviving suite of rooms lived in by the Boleyn family. Remarkably, these rooms have remained largely structurally unaltered, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of history's most intriguing families.
7. Water Maze – daily (weather dependent): Test your navigation skills in the Water Maze, where the goal is to reach the centre without getting wet. This unique maze offers a fun and challenging experience for visitors, making it a popular attraction.
8. Play Areas – daily: Children will adore Tudor Towers, a 9-metre tall wooden play castle complete with its own moat, drawbridge, towers, and fireman’s poles. Younger visitors can also explore the natural play area, featuring a sandpit, willow tunnel, and slide.
9. Yew Maze – daily (weather dependent): Challenge yourself to find your way through the 100-year-old Yew Maze. This classic garden maze is a favourite among visitors.
10. Gardens The enchanting gardens of Hever Castle are a sight to behold. Stroll through the Rose Garden, where 5,000 roses bloom in a stunning display. Wander through Faith’s Garden, a riot of colour, and admire the Pompeiian Wall and classical statuary in the Italian Garden.
Whether you're planning a family day out, seeking kids' activities, or looking for a family stay in Kent, Hever Castle offers a delightful blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Make this summer unforgettable with a visit to Hever Castle. Your summer story awaits!