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The summer holidays have begun and parents will be looking for ways to entertain the kids… Fortunately, Hever Castle & Gardens, nestled in the glorious Kent countryside, has plenty of fun activities the whole family will enjoy.
Hever Castle & Gardens has a rich and varied history, spanning more than 600 years, to fully immerse yourself in. The original castle was built in 1383 and centuries later became the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
The castle’s medieval roots are celebrated with a regular line-up of events – from exhilarating jousting tournaments to falconry and combat displays. There are also mazes, playgrounds, walks and boating experiences to discover – not to mention the award-winning gardens themselves, set in 125 acres of magnificent grounds, which are breathtaking all year round.
Here are the top reasons to visit Hever Castle this summer 2023…
Kids can travel back in time to the Tudor period and explore the Tudor Towers adventure playground, anine-metre-tall wooden play castle, complete with its own moat, drawbridge and turrets. With three towers to climb and two fireman’s poles to escape via, children will love discovering what’s around each twist and turn! There are instruments to play and a roof maze to solve, as well as hidden boxes to find and clues to crack their codes, plus much more.
Available on selected weekends in July and August, with entrance included in the Gardens Only or Castle & Gardens admission ticket, Jousting at Hever Castle & Gardens gives visitors the opportunity to watch the Knights of Royal England as they battle it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat to find this season’s ultimate champion. Experience exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. You can bring a blanket or cheer on your knight to glory from the medieval spectator stands.
Hever Castle & Gardens’ Water Maze is a maze with a difference, offering many twists, turns and surprises. This is a great family activity, which will test your sense of direction and memory as you find your way to the centre. But do you have what it takes to get to the middle without getting wet?
Taking place during the August bank holiday weekend (26 - 28 August)Hever in History is one of Hever Castle & Gardens’ most popular annual events. It takes visitors on ajourney through different historical periods, with encampments, re-enactments, crafts, cooking and battle displays from the Middle Ages right up to the 20th century. Children can get up close to weaponry and suits of armour and even try them on for size! And if that’s not enough, you can watch demonstrations in one of the arenas, which include medieval cannons, muskets and guns, and attend a falconry display or a jousting tournament from the Knights of Royal England.
The Heroes & Villains School runs daily from 22 July to 3 September, making it a perfect day out during the summer holidays. Sporting their best capped crusader costumes, kids can take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges – discovering secret signs and calls, and testingtheir skills to become the hero and defeat the villains!
Looking to entertain younger members of the family this summer? Check out the Acorn Dell Playground at Hever Castle & Gardens – a space for toddlers and children up to seven years old. The natural play area allows them to freely explore and use their imagination. Features include a two-metre-high living willow structure, a giant sandpit, a grassy mound with three tunnels to clamber in and a slide and a climbing frame.
Hever Castle & Gardens provides not only an enjoyable, exciting family day out, but an educational one too. Daily from 12pm, visitors can find out all about the history of Hever Castle with a castle audio guide, free with every Castle ticket. Move through the Castle and learn what each room was used for and its contents, and download trails to follow with youngsters, which will certainly spark imagination and encourage discussion.
On selected days in July and August, visitors can be entertained by awe-inspiring falconry displays from Birds of Prey Willow Centre.The displays last around 20 minutes and take place twice a day at 11.30am and 3:45pm. After the displays, you’ll have a chance to see these wonderful birds of prey up close!
Until William Waldorf Astor bought Hever Castle in 1903, only a modest garden existed around the castle walls. Today, thanks to his remarkable efforts and those of the gardening team, the award-winning gardens offer many magnificent areas that are a pleasure to visit at any time of the year.This summer, explore the beauty of the Italian Garden, Rose Garden, Tudor Garden, Blue Corner, Sunday Walk and Church Gill Walk, Diana’s Walk and Faith’s Garden.
On 6 August, Hever Castle & Gardens will host Supercar Sunday, organised by Challenge the Road, welcoming a host of stunning cars to the grounds. As Lamborghini celebrates its 60th birthday, there will be up to 60 Lamborghinis on display, plus a very rare, special super car! You will even have the chance to get up close to the F1 racing car driven by World Drivers Champion Nelson Piquet, whereas keen racing drivers can have a go on one of the simulators for an incredible driving experience!
Hever Castle & Gardens boasts two fantastic mazes – the Water Maze and the Yew Maze.Enjoy the challenge of finding your way through the 100-year-old Yew Maze, which is hugely popular with visitors of all ages. One of only a few traditionally designed mazes in the country, it was built in the Edwardian era by William Waldorf Astor. The hedges reach eight feet in height and there is almost a quarter of a mile of pathways inside to get lost in.
At the Military Museum, you can learn about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry through interactive, imaginative displays that bring to life the stories of their soldiers from 1794 to the present day. Explore a range of attractions, such as reconstructions of a World War I trench and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. Exhibits include original artefacts such as photographs, diaries, uniforms and equipment dating back to 1797, as well as guidons (flags), and medals. You can also research ancestors who may have served in the regiments.
Archery and Boating at Hever Castle & Grounds are both available daily. Adults and kids alike can try out the ancient sport of archery during the school holidays at weekends until and including the autumn half term. Learn the best techniques from the masters, grab a bow and let your arrow fly to the bullseye! You can also head out onto the Lake in a rowing boat or pedalo to take in the serenity and phenomenal views – an ideal activity on a warm summer’s day!
To find out more about Hever Castle & Gardens and to book your visit, head to www.hevercastle.co.uk.
