Hever Castle - England's Hidden Gem
Description
Apart from it's fascinating history, Hever is just a beautiful and intriguing place to spend time. As well as being at the heart of an event that changed English history for ever it was home to our first ever female MP and is in one of our most picturesque counties. Hever is not only a castle but a home, to both the Tudors and the American millionaire William Waldolf Astor, a man who know a thing or two about how to live well.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Dating from as far back as 1270 Hever is a gem of a castle that was once the family home to Anne Boleyn, second wife to Henry VIII and a place the King visited during their courtship. It was confiscated during the downfall and execution of poor Anne and over the centuries gradually descended to ruin until rescued and restored by William Waldorf Astor in 1903. This jewel is beautifully set in Kent, often called The Garden of England, amid fabulously kept grounds and protected from raiders by it’s moat, home to huge koy carp. Once we make it across the drawbridge we can roam it’s halls, galleries, bedrooms and corridors and enjoy experience it as it was both in Tudor times and also as lived in by the Astors, who lived here in a manner befitting the millionaire hotelier who was married to Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit in the House of Commons. The grounds themselves are an attraction and often host amazing events such as jousting, (see photos) falconry, music, drama and craft fairs.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
I will pick you up from the steps of your hotel in a top of the range Mercedes S Class
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
Mark was absolutely an amazing tour guide on the ride and at Hever castle. He was very knowledgeable and we loved this experience.
Mark was a wonderful tour guide. We had a wonderful day. I have been wanting to go see Hever Castle for 15 years and this tour and Mark fulfilled every expectation. Mark was friendly and informative and I would recommend him highly.
Amazing experience! Gareth was super kind, a great conversationalist, and was able to give information about everything we passed by, not just the castle and had a great time. He was extremely gracious about taking pictures and encouraged me to ask him! Really appreciated him helping make memories and photos to send a loved ones.
Unbelievable experience! Hever castle was on my bucket list due to its history with the Boleyn family. It did not disappoint! The area and grounds are like stepping into a postcard—absolutely beautiful. Mark made the experience so much better with his knowledge and expertise (not just in the Tudor period—across history). The tour felt more than a tour with wonderful discussions and interesting topics covered. Our 4-year old son was along for the tour and enjoyed it greatly with a great affinity to Mark 😊 This tour was even more amazing than I could’ve imagined—I can’t recommend it (and Mark especially) highly enough!
Mark took us on a wonderful day exploring Anne Boleyn's ancestral home! Mark was an enthusiastic and great guide and we really enjoyed learning about the restoration of the Castle and building of the gorgeous gardens, exploring the Tudor remnants (see Henry's lock in the pictures attached), and even going to lunch in a historic local pub. Highly recommend the tour operator and the excursion.
I tried contacting a few other companies for car service for 1 day, no response. But when I reached out to Mark he responded quickly and had several helpful suggestions for planning our day (like advance ticket purchase). We were picked up from Heathrow Sofitel promptly in a very nice car and the 4 of us went to Hever Castle. It was nice talking with him about life and history as we drove along. We had been there before and Mark was very flexible about timing and letting us visit our favorite spots again. We were able to stay longer that day and as an added bonus, Mark very generously offered to bring 2 of our party to their hotel near St. Pancras Station. This was a huge relief since they would have had to transport on their own in the evening. Would totally recommend and have him saved as a contact :)
Hi Krista, I was very glad to aid your return to the wonderful Hever Castle. You were all great company and I was happy to drop the girls off on my way home. Going the extra mile is what we are all about :) I look forward to your next trip over with anticipation
This tour was incredible. Mark was our guide, and he was the absolute best. He took all of our considerations and catered the tour to our preferences. I enjoy ghost stories, and this castle has a lot. Mark knew so many fun and fabulous things. On top of all of it there was a jousting tournament on the property and that just blew our minds. We were able to take pictures, Mark shared his knowledge about the history, and we would not change this experience for the world. This tour was a 10 out of 10.
It was such a pleasure to take you :) Those jousting guys really go at it don't they!? History photography and people are my passion and so as I think I may have said, I have the best job in the world.
