Hever Castle
The home of Anne Boleyn, lavishly remodelled for the Astor family.
Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Hearing loops
- Large font signs and leaflets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
Dating back to the 14th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I.
It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. Its panelled rooms house fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and an impressive collection of Tudor portraits. The Book of Hours Room beautifully illuminates two prayer books, one of which belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature.
Today, much of what you see is the result of the remarkable efforts of William Waldorf Astor, who used his fortune to restore and extend the Castle in the early 20th century. The Astor Suite is dedicated to its more recent history, showcasing pictures and memorabilia relating to the Astor family and the Edwardian period.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Hever Castle & Gardens offers various admission policies and discounts for different groups and events. Below is a detailed breakdown of the opening times, conditions, and offers:
RHS Members
Hever Castle & Gardens is an RHS partner garden. RHS members are entitled to free entry to the gardens under the following conditions:
- Free access is available Monday to Friday from 11 February 2026 to 19 November 2026.
- Exclusions: Weekends, Kent school holidays, bank holidays, group bookings, and the Christmas event from 21 November 2025 to 2 January 2026.
- Exceptions for weekend access during specific garden events:
- Dazzling Daffodils: 21 & 22 March 2026
- Celebration of Spring: 25 & 26 April 2026
- Hever in Bloom: 27 & 28 June 2026 and 4 & 5 July 2026
Tickets must be booked on arrival, subject to availability. RHS membership cards are required for validation.
Tesco Clubcard Vouchers
Visitors can exchange Tesco Clubcard vouchers for admission tickets. Conditions include:
- Tickets must be pre-booked online using the Reward Partner code.
- Codes are valid for individual tickets only and cannot be used for family tickets, guidebooks, or items from the gift shop.
- Not valid for special events, group bookings, or Christmas experiences from 21 November 2025 to 2 January 2026.
Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 Entry Cards
Holders of the Gardeners’ World 2-for-1 card can enjoy one free entry with one full-paying adult. Conditions include:
- Valid for Gardens Only or Castle & Gardens tickets.
- Not valid for online ticket prices or on specific event days (e.g., Bugs, Boots & Backpacks, Easter Family Fun, May Day Weekend, and others).
Tickets must be booked on arrival, and the card must be presented for validation.
Historic Houses Members
Historic Houses members receive free admission to the Castle and Gardens under the following conditions:
- Free access is available Monday to Friday from 11 February 2026 to 20 November 2026.
- Exclusions: Weekends, Kent school holidays, bank holidays, group bookings, and the Christmas event from 21 November 2025 to 2 January 2026.
Tickets must be booked on arrival, and membership cards are required for validation.
Armed Forces
Members of the Armed Forces and their families are eligible for a 20% discount on tickets. Conditions include:
- Discount applies to three ticket types: KSY Military Museum Only, Castle & Gardens, and Gardens Only.
- Not valid during school holidays, bank holidays, or special ticketed events such as Christmas experiences.
Tickets must be booked on arrival, and proof of service is required.
KSY Military Museum
The KSY Military Museum offers a "Friends of the Museum" program with benefits such as:
- 50% discount on tickets and annual memberships.
- News and updates on museum activities.
Tickets must be booked on arrival, and discounts are not valid during special ticketed events.
Things to Do
Attractions at Hever Castle & Gardens include play areas, mazes, miniature model houses, and the KSY Military Museum.
For regular admission prices and to buy tickets, see the castle’s website.
Free access to the Castle and Gardens for Historic Houses members only applies from Monday to Friday, between 12 Feb 2025 and 14 Nov 2025 (closed some Mondays and Tuesdays in November), and excludes weekends, Kent school holidays, bank holidays, group bookings and Christmas.
Free and discounted tickets are no longer available to book online. Please book on arrival, subject to availability and the T&Cs stated.
Whether you are a group travel organiser or member of the travel trade planning trips and tours in Kent, Hever Castle & Gardens has a selection of experiences and packages to suit the interests and needs of groups.
They have a dedicated member of staff who will assist you with your planning and will guide you every step of the way to ensure that your group visit is a memorable one.
Whatever type of group visit you are planning, large or small we look forward to helping you plan your perfect day out.
Tel: 01732 861 701 Email: [email protected]
A visit to Hever Castle & Gardens offers informative educational school trips for UK and overseas groups and provides a stimulating opportunity for learning outside the classroom. School and student groups must book their visits in advance. Their Group Visits Coordinator will be happy to talk through the best type of visit to suit your class learning objectives.
Tel: 01732 861 701 Email: [email protected]
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Hearing loops
- Large font signs and leaflets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Access statement available
Getting here
Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG
The main visitor entrance is at ///wedge.secret.loves. What does this mean?
Hever Castle is located 30 miles from central London, 3 miles southeast of Edenbridge off the B2026 between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead in the village of Hever.
Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) to Edenbridge Town Station, and then take a taxi for three miles to the castle.
Find the exact address on what3words:
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Much of what you see today is thanks to William Waldorf Astor, who was once the richest man in America and who purchased Hever Castle in 1903.
Upon the death of his father in early 1890, Astor inherited a personal fortune that made him the richest man in America. He grew increasingly disenchanted with America announcing that it was ‘no longer a fit place for a gentleman to live’ and in 1891 moved to England with a reputed $100 million.
Between 1903 and 1908 Astor set about the restoration of the Castle, construction of the Astor Wing and creation of the lake and gardens.
Why our members love visiting Hever Castle
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