Hever Castle & Gardens

About

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 what is regarded by some as ‘one of the best collections of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery’. Also, two prayer books which belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature are on display to visitors in the Castle. 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. Discover magnificent award-winning gardens set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. Marvel at the Pompeiian Wall and classical statuary in the Italian Garden.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours