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.
Opening Times
Winter Season: 11 February – 27 March
The grounds open daily at 10:30, with final entry at 15:00 and final exit at 16:30. The castle opens daily at 12:00, with final entry at 15:30 and final exit at 16:15.
Spring & Summer Season: 28 March – 25 October
The grounds open daily at 10:30, with final entry at 16:30 and final exit at 18:00. The castle opens daily at 12:00, with final entry at 17:00 and final exit at 17:45.
Autumn Season: 26 October – 1 November
The grounds open daily at 10:30, with final entry at 15:00 and final exit at 16:30. The castle opens daily at 12:00, with final entry at 15:30 and final exit at 16:15.
Late Autumn: 4 – 19 November
The grounds and castle are open Wednesday to Sunday only, with some closures on Mondays and Tuesdays in November. The grounds open at 10:30 (final entry 15:00, final exit 16:30), and the castle opens at 12:00 (final entry 15:30, final exit 16:15).
Christmas at Hever Castle
The Christmas event runs from 21 November 2025 – 2 January 2026. Standard membership offers (RHS, Historic Houses, Gardeners' World, and Tesco Clubcard) are not valid during this period.
Daytime Visits
- 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
Entry time slots are available every 15 minutes until 2:45pm (2:15pm on 24 December; 3:45pm on 1 & 2 January). Last exit is 6:00pm (4:30pm on 24 & 31 December; 6:30pm on 1 & 2 January).
Twilight Visits
Twilight visits are available during the Christmas event period, with entry time slots every 15 minutes from 4:00pm. Last exit is 8:30pm.
Christmas Lights & Illuminations
Christmas lights and illuminations are available from 4:00pm daily when open during the Christmas event period. Please note: displays contain flashing lights.
Special Events & Seasonal Activities
- Bugs, Boots & Backpacks: 14–22 February 2026
- Dazzling Daffodils: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 March 2026
- Easter Family Fun: 28 March – 19 April 2026
- Celebration of Spring: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April 2026 (group event package available)
- May Day Weekend: 2–4 May 2026
- May Half Term – Plant Hunters Tales & Trails: 23–31 May 2026
- Hever in Bloom 2026: 22 June – 5 July 2026 (RHS member weekend access on 27 & 28 June and 4 & 5 July; group event package available)
- Halloween Half Term Fun: 17 October – 1 November 2026
- Capturing a Queen: The Image of Anne Boleyn: 11 February – 2 January 2027
Membership & Discounts
RHS Members receive free garden entry Monday–Friday from 11 February – 19 November 2026 (closed some Mondays & Tuesdays in November). Weekend exceptions apply for Dazzling Daffodils (21 & 22 March), Celebration of Spring (25 & 26 April), and Hever in Bloom (27 & 28 June, 4 & 5 July). Not valid during the Christmas event.
Historic Houses Members receive free castle and garden entry Monday–Friday from 11 February – 20 November 2026 (closed some Mondays & Tuesdays in November). Not valid during the Christmas event.
Facilities & Attractions
Picnic areas, play areas, mazes, and miniature model houses are available during normal opening hours and during Christmas daytime visits. The KSY Military Museum is included in castle and garden tickets during normal opening and Christmas daytime visits (not available during school holidays, bank holidays, or special ticketed experiences for Armed Forces discount holders). Boat trips are available during the Christmas event period (not available to Armed Forces discount ticket holders). Archery is also available.
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.
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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