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.
General Opening Times
Hever Castle & Gardens is open daily throughout the year, with opening times varying by season.
11 February – 27 March
Grounds open 10:30, final entry 15:00, final exit 16:30
Castle open 12:00, final entry 15:30, final exit 16:15
28 March – 25 October
Grounds open 10:30, final entry 16:30, final exit 18:00
Castle open 12:00, final entry 17:00, final exit 17:45
26 October – 1 November
Grounds open 10:30, final entry 15:00, final exit 16:30
Castle open 12:00, final entry 15:30, final exit 16:15
4 November – 19 November
Wednesday to Sunday only (closed some Mondays and Tuesdays in November)
Grounds open 10:30, final entry 15:00, final exit 16:30
Castle open 12:00, final entry 15:30, final exit 16:15
Christmas Event
Hever Castle hosts a special Christmas event from 21 November 2025 – 2 January 2026, with the next event beginning 20 November 2026.
Specific Opening Times:
- 3–23 December: 11:30–20:30
- 24 December: 10:30–16:30
- 27–30 December: 11:30–20:30
- 31 December: 10:30–16:30
- 1–2 January: 10:30–18:30
Daytime Visits: Grounds entry time slots available every 15 minutes until 14:45 (14:15 on 24 December; 15:45 on 1 & 2 January), with last exit at 18:00 (16:30 on 24 December & 31 December; 18:30 on 1 & 2 January).
Twilight Visits: Grounds entry time slots available every 15 minutes from 16:00, with last exit at 20:30.
Christmas Lights & Illuminations are available from 16:00 daily when open during the Christmas event period. The event features a Father Christmas Grotto, boat trips, and fairground rides. Grotto entry times are later than grounds entry times.
Exhibitions & Special Events
Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn
Exhibition running from 11 February 2026 – 2 January 2027
Spring & Summer Events:
- Dazzling Daffodils: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March 2026
- Celebration of Spring 2026: 20 April – 1 May 2026 (RHS members welcome Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April)
- Falconry Experience: 22 April – 19 November 2026 (select dates only)
- Easter Family Fun: 28 March – 19 April 2026
- May Day Weekend: 2–4 May 2026
- May School Holidays Event: 22–31 May 2026
- Hever in Bloom: Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June 2026 and Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 July 2026
Autumn Events:
- Halloween Half Term Fun: 17 October – 1 November 2026
- Bugs, Boots & Backpacks: 14–22 February 2026
Hever in History: Date to be confirmed
Additional Information
The KSY Military Museum is included with Castle & Gardens and Gardens Only tickets during the main season. It is not available during school holidays, bank holidays, special ticketed experiences, or during the Christmas event period from 21 November 2025.
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 11 Feb and 20 Nov 2026 (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.
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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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