Hever Castle History
The most famous castle in Kent, Hever was built in 1270 and in the early 1500s was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn (second wife of Henry VIII) who was beheaded in 1536 on a trumped-up charge of incest with her half-brother.
The Tudor Long Gallery features 25 costumed figures from Anne Boleyn’s day and castle guides will explain who was accused of sleeping with whom and who was beheaded.
In 1903 William Astor bought the estate and his family restored the castle and created an estate of beautiful lakes and gardens.
“That Anne Boleyn sure was a bedhopper,” one loud American tourist remarked after the lecture.
There’s a maze next to the castle, where I managed to get lost. To my chagrin, I was rescued by a six-year-old boy.
Hever Castle – Visitor information
Admission is Pound 4.40 ($10.50) for adults and half price for children but the castle closes from mid-November to mid-March.
Group Guided Tours are available for a minimum of 15 persons and must be booked in advance. You can use this phone number: (01732) 86170.
For updated information about opening hours and ticket prices visit the official website.
Hever Castle Location
Hever Castle is near Edenbridge, about 30 minutes drive off the new M25 motorway which circles London.
Get help with directions using the map provided below: