Hever Castle & Gardens Review

Inside: Hever Castle & Gardens review. Press tickets.

When I was a little girl I’d go with my family to Hever Castle all the time. It features heavily in my happy memories from my childhood. I hadn’t been back since those childhood days though and so wanted to go back with my own family to show them how wonderful it is.

Hever Castle was the home of Anne Boleyn, the 2nd wife of Henry Viii. The castle and gardens are open to the public – allowing you to have an insight into the past. With mazes, seasonal events and of course the castle itself, it is a must visit for families!

We were very kindly given tickets to the castle and gardens in return for reviewing our day out. I can tell you now, it is just as wonderful as my memory had told me it would be.

Hever Castle

Hever Castle is best known for being the home of Anne Boleyn, the second of Henry Viii’s wives. He took ownership of the property once Anne’s father died and eventually gave it to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleaves, when they divorced.

As a result, the property is full of history and charm – a great day out for anyone that loves an insight into the past or just for a great family day out.

You don’t have to visit the castle itself of course but I do recommend doing it at least once as it is just such a great experience.

Something that I was really impressed with was the audio tour provided as you walk through the front door. There is a child’s tour option that my three were absolutely captivated by as they walked around.

I listened to the adult tour and loved having a little more insight into each room as I explored the castle.

The castle itself is quite small, more like a manor house really, and that means you won’t end up with tired children after having explored each floor. Just the right size to keep them interested.

Note: There is no lift access (understandably) so if you are less abled you can only explore the lower level. If you have a child in a pram/ pushchair then you will have to carry them / put them in a sling.

The Castle Gardens

One of my happiest memories of Hever Castle is running around the Yew Maze with my cousins. My children now have those same happy memories and enjoyed running in and out and around – so much fun for little ones.

There is also a water maze which is situated a little further away from the castle and we had great fun avoiding the ‘trigger stones’ that would get us soaked!

The gardens are wonderful, with topiary bushes dotted around in the shape of an octopus, a rabbit, a tortoise and so many more wonderful creations.

There is a walk you can do that takes you around the lake (which is completely man made – can you imagine digging that out by hand?!). This was one of the highlights of the day for me, strolling along in the autumn sunshine collecting fallen leaves in every colour.

We spent quite a bit of time sitting by the lake – such a calm and peaceful place. If we lived nearer I would be there every other week!

You can buy tickets for the garden alone and I would definitely make use of that – or better still become a member.

Food & Drink

There are a couple of restaurants on site although one was closed while we were there due to a wedding the following day. Which weirdly, I found out was of a friend of a friend! Small world. If I’d known they did weddings I would have got married there myself 11 years ago!

There was also a little donut van parked up outside the castle. We treated ourselves to a selection with dipping sauce and sprinkles – so good! Lovely people that own it too so definitely check it out if it is there.

For lunch we had a BBQ (part of the restaurant by the shop I think) and that was yummy. They serve hotdogs or burgers (or a veggie option) with onions if you like them.

You can of course take your own food (I had actually packed a picnic but one look at the BBQ and my husband told me we should save the picnic for the journey home!). There are plenty of picnic benches scattered around so you can set up and enjoy the scenery. We saw one family who’d set up their table with a table cloth and proper plates and cups – love it!

The Shop & Dolls House Museum

There is a gift shop on site with all of the usual things you’d expect. They also sell craft ales which had my husband hooked and treating himself to a few local ones.

At the back of the shop is a lovely Dolls House Museum which shows the style of houses through the ages. They are so detailed I always love that sort of thing.

Adventure Playground

I don’t think I have ever been so impressed by a playground but wowee what a place!

They have build a play house that is bigger than my entire house. Honestly. It is, of course, a castle and is brilliant! With slides, tunnels, bridges, hidey holes and secret passageways you could quite easily spend an hour or so playing there. It is full-sized too so adults can go in with the kids to play (you’d want to with little ones as it is so vast).

As well as the castle there is also the usual play equipment you’d expect with a zip wire and climbing frames to keep them busy. Not just for bigger kids but a smaller frame is provided for the little ones too.

Overnight stays

We didn’t stay over but I just wanted to mention that it is an option if you fancy a treat or are coming from further afield and want a bed for the night. It is definitely something I want to do in the future as I have always longed to go explore the little ‘village’ that sits just behind the castle.

You can find out more on their bed & breakfast section of the site.

Final thoughts

What a fab day out! We truly didn’t want to leave. We sat down to watch the sun start to set and I felt so at home there. I said to my husband that the vibe of the place felt like we were in a small village sitting on the village green with the local residents.