We has the most fantastic day at Hever castle and Gardens and we are here to share all the details with you.
Throughout the year they run many fantastic events or themed days and this time we went to check out “Spellbound Summer”. Activities were running across the castle grounds including a training session from a resident sorcerer on how to fly broomsticks, create spells and even learn about magical creatures. There was also a mystical hunt around the castle too!
Do check the events calender to see what else they have coming up - https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/
We also happened to visit the day of a Falconry show which was very entertaining and gave a great up close encounter of owls, falcons and eagles too. We spotted them in front of the castle too and they were very happy to pose for more photos!
The castle itself is an incredible sight. Once home to Anne Boleyn and spanning more than 700 years, William Waldorf Astor restored the castle and grounds to the beautiful standard you see today. We took an audio tour inside the castle and learnt many fascinating facts whilst taking in the sights of the rooms, artefacts and portraits as we went. The audio tour even has a family version which was great for the children to listen too.
The grounds themselves are just breathtaking! Spread out over 125 acres, you’ll see a huge variety of plants, flowers, (inc over 4000 roses), trees, a topiary chess set, and a lake - where you can even hire rowing boats and pedalos. They also have 2 fun mazes - a Yew maze and a Water maze. Watch out in the water maze, you are likely to get wet!
They also have a very impressive play area for the children. It is spread across 3 zones. Acorn Dell is set within a giant sandpit, with climbing frames, slide and a willow structure to hide in. Tudor Towers is a 9 metre tall wooden castle for the kids to explore 3 levels with fireman poles, netted tunnels, a secret dungeon and even climb through a hidden tunnel to emerge from a well outside. And lastly the playground itself has everything any child would need from slides, swings, zip line, climbing frames and more!
They do have a few dining locations to choose from. A kiosk, restaurant, cafe, bbqs …. Such good food and choice! Or of course you can take your own picnic too!
The whole day is so varied and a great blend of being outdoors, educational, family fun and exploring! We absolutely loved it and will return very soon!
For more information, do check their site https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/
and of course, please do ask us any questions you may have :-)
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