Hever Castle

The basics

Hever Castle offers a multitude of visiting options. Castle and gardens tickets provide access to the castle interior and the grounds, though activities such as boating, archery, and shield painting come at an extra cost. Visitors can also purchase a “gardens only” ticket, which includes all-day access to the grounds. Some—though not all—seasonal events are included in the ticket price.

Many travelers visit the castle as part of day trips from London, Brighton, or Dover cruise port. Some tours combine a visit to Hever Castle with other historical attractions in Kent, such as Chartwell, the former home of Sir Winston Churchill, and Leeds Castle, a magnificent medieval landmark.

Things to know before you go

• Hever Castle is a must for Tudor history buffs and families, with an adventure playground, mazes, and other kid-friendly attractions. 
• Information boards can be found inside the castle’s rooms but for a more in-depth explanation of its history, purchase a multimedia guide.
• Restaurants, cafés, and seasonal food and drink kiosks are dotted around the estate. 
• There is free parking at the site, as well as overnight accommodation at the castle’s bed-and-breakfast. 

How to get there

Hever Castle is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from central London. Trains run from London to Edenbridge, about 3 miles (5 kilometers) away, and from London to Hever station, about 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) away. Taxis are available from Edenbridge, though not from Hever station. If you arrive at the latter, you’ll have to walk to the castle. 

When to get there

The castle is open daily between late March and late October, as well as during select vacation and holiday periods. At other times, it opens Wednesday–Sunday only. Summer weekends and school vacations are the castle’s busiest time; weekday visits are quieter. 

The Mazes at Hever Castle

The grounds of Hever Castle are home to two mazes. Test your sense of direction in the hedged passageways in the Yew Maze, and attempt to complete the Water Maze, which consists of a series of stepping stone walkways set over water. The goal is to reach the stone grotto in the center without getting wet, though unsteady stones and surprise jets make it quite the challenge. The Water Maze is open from April through October, and is weather dependent while the Yew Maze is open year round.