hever castle guided tours

Visiting Anne Boleyn’s Hever Castle, The Complete Guide

Looking for a guide to visiting the fairytale Hever Castle? Look no further!

If you’re a Tudor enthusiast, the castle is a must visit attraction in England. Hever is a petite double-moated castle with a craggy romantic visage that’s largely unaltered by time.

It’s famously linked to the ill-fated royal couple, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Their story is a fascinating one, one of the most dramatic in English history.

Hever was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry’s second wife. It’s also linked to Henry’s fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, who was installed there after Henry divorced her.

On a visit to Hever Castle, you can walk in the footsteps of these famous Tudor monarchs. And you can admire the castle’s medieval keep and gatehouse, Tudor rooms, original portraits, and exquisite gardens. 

Alas, while the castle is the real deal, the interior isn’t authentic. The furnishings, period gardens, and Tudor village were added, quite imaginatively, by William Waldorf Astor in the 20th century.

History Of Hever Castle And Its Famous Tudor Occupants

No guide to Hever Castle would be complete without a brief history of the castle.

The history of Hever stretches back 700 years. It first pops up as a fortified manor home owned by the Norman de Hever family. They secured themselves against small scale attacks by adding a moat and drawbridge.

In the 1300s, Sir John de Cobham took over. By that time, the property had crenellated curtain walls, battlements, and a gatehouse.

All the crenellation was meant to threaten. Hever Castle was never involved in any serious medieval warfare. But the family needed protection from marauding bands of vagabonds.

In 1462, Sir Geoffrey Bullen purchased Hever Castle. He was a forerunner of the Boleyn family and the great-great-great grandfather of Queen Elizabeth I.

He constructed the huge three story gatehouse you still see today and created a comfortable Tudor home for his family.

Thomas Boleyn

The Bullen family began to climb the social and political ranks of the era. Geoffrey’s grandson, Thomas, was an ambitious knight. He married the aristocratic Lady Elizabeth Howard and changed the family name to Boleyn.

Thomas was blessed with two exceptional daughters, Mary and Anne. Mary was the first to catch the roving eye of a womanizing Henry VIII.

Mary Boleyn

At the time of his infatuation, the king was married to Catherine of Aragon. But after 20 years of marriage, the Spanish queen had failed to give Henry the thing he most craved: a male heir. The marriage soured.

Mary became a lady in waiting to the queen. This made it much easier to conduct their illicit affair. He wooed Mary at Hever Castle as well.

If Mary’s father Thomas had qualms about the unconventional arrangement, Henry quelled them by heaping property and honorifics on Thomas, including the prestigious Order of the Garter.

Anne Boleyn

Meanwhile, Thomas’s other daughter, Anne, spent her adolescence in France in the cultured court of Queen Claude. When she returned to England in 1521 or 1522, she was popular at court, dazzling everyone with her wit, sophistication, charm, and musical abilities.

Henry was perhaps the most smitten of the lot. But Anne didn’t plan on being a pawn in Henry’s amorous adventures.

A cat-and-mouse game began, with a randy Henry bombarding Anne with passionate love letters, many sent to Hever Castle. Anne refused to give in to his advances and would settle for nothing short of marriage.

The problem? Henry was Catholic and couldn’t divorce Catherine.

Nonetheless, Henry was determined to have Anne no matter the cost. He began the “Great Matter” of extricating himself from Catherine.

It would last several years, during which time Henry courted Anne at Hever. The castle became one of the most gossiped about addresses in England.

Desperate to marry Anne, Henry first had the influential Cardinal Wolsey try to procure an annulment from the Catholic Church in Rome . This plan failed. Pope Clement VII sided with Catherine, a devout Catholic from a devoutly Catholic country.

Enraged, Henry took the drastic step of breaking away from the Catholic church and founding the Church of England, his most lasting legacy. In 1533, Henry divorced Catherine and married Anne after 7 long years of waiting.

Rome ex-communicated Henry. But he didn’t care. It only made Henry richer when he dissolved the monasteries and seized their land and treasures.

Anne gave Henry a daughter in 1533, who would eventually become  Elizabeth I , the Virgin Queen. They were both disappointed.

When Anne miscarried a son in 1536, Henry had had enough, after just 3 short years of marriage. Anne, like Catherine before her, had failed to deliver the goods.

Plus, Henry’s passion had waned, with the thrill of the chase gone. Henry was already interested in another woman who would become wife #3, Jane Seymour.

To get rid of Anne, Henry arrested her on trumped up charges of treason and adultery. Anne was executed on the Tower of London green in 1536. Today, a memorial marks the spot.

Henry married Jane 11 days later. They were only married 18 months. She died in childbirth after giving birth to a son, Arthur, who only lived to 15.

If the Boleyn family shot to fame because of a besotted suitor, they fell from grace with breathtaking speed after Anne’s execution. When Thomas died two years later, a heartless Henry promptly confiscated Anne’s childhood home.

Hever Castle would come in handy as a bargaining chip when Henry opted to get rid of his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, who Henry dubbed the “Flanders Mare.”

When Henry divorced Anne, he gave her the castle as part of the divorce settlement and she went quietly. Given Henry’s ruthlessness, she was lucky to keep her head.

When Anne died in 1557, her stepdaughter Mary Tudor gifted the castle to Sir Edward Walgrave. By the turn of the century, the castle had faded from the limelight.

In 1903, William Waldorf Astor, the richest man in America, bought Hever Castle. He immediately embarked on lavish full scale renovations lasting 5 years.

He renovated the interior and added some Tudor cottages, the beautiful gardens, and a lake. A stickler for detail, he used the same materials and tools as Tudor era craftsman. So, while it’s not exactly as Anne and Henry saw it, it has an authentic feel.

Waldorf’s son John inherited the castle upon his father’s death in 1919.

In 1963, John’s son Gavin opened the castle and gardens to the public for the first time. The castle was then sold to the Broadland Properties and the Guthrie family in 1983.

They took over the running of the castle and built up the portrait collection. The purchase price wasn’t disclosed, but the castle was valued at $24 million.

Legend holds that the ghost of Anne haunts the castle grounds on May 19, the anniversary of her death. She’s also been spotted during Christmas-time under an oak tree where she and Henry used to tryst.

Hever Castle is not only a favorite of travelers to England but is also a favorite of filmmakers. It’s been a filming location for the movies The Great , The Princess Bride , Inkheart , and Anne of a Thousand Days.

Guide To Hever Castle: What To See

You enter Hever Castle across a drawbridge over a 15 yard wide moat. Astor restored the bridge.

The portcullis (the latticed grill that slides down across the entrance) is one of the oldest working portcullises in Britain.

Inside, you’ll find cozy and inviting Tudor rooms — massive wooden beams, ornate columns, wood paneling and carvings, and rich colors. There aren’t really a lot of exhibits. The highlight for me was the Tudor portraits.

1. Morning Room

In Tudor times, the Morning Room was originally a private retiring room. You’ll find stunning paneling, furnishings, and a mahogany fire pole dating from the 17th century.

The lovely library overlooks the Anne Boleyn Orchard in the gardens. It houses 2,500 leather books marked with the Astor coat of arms and printed on private presses. The ceiling was copied from Hampton Court Palace .

3. Drawing Room

This room once contained domestic offices during the Tudor period. Astor transformed it into a drawing room in 1905. You’ll see beautiful oak paneling and an ornate plaster ceiling.

4. Henry VIII’s Bedroom

Historians believe that Henry stayed in the castle when courting Anne. The room is the largest bedroom in the castle, so may have been where Henry stayed. It’s an Astor recreation with Tudor period elements.

The 16th century carved walnut frieze above the fireplace was originally the front of a chest. The coffered ceiling is original and one of the oldest in the castle, dating from 1462.

5. Tudor Portraits In The Long Gallery

Built by the Boleyns in the 16th century, the 98 feet long Long Gallery extends across the entire width of the Castle. This was my favorite space.

Henry VIII once held court here. The gallery was also used for entertaining guests, taking exercise, and displaying art collections.

The ornate plaster ceiling is an early 20th century reconstruction in the Tudor style, which was added by Nathaniel Hitch.

The Long Gallery is now home to 18 portraits hung in dynastic order that tell the saga of the Tudor dynasty, starting from Henry VI and ending with Henry VIII. 

It’s a permanent exhibition curated by David Starkey. The portrait collection is one of the most famous in Britain, second in quality only to Britain’s National Portrait Gallery.

The gallery contains the only known portrait of Henry’s older brother Arthur, Catherine of Aragon’s first husband. There’s also a rare portrait of Mary Queen of Scots and another rare portrait of Richard III. The latter was never displayed in public before being installed in the Long Gallery in 2019.

The coats of arms in the Long Gallery’s stained glass commemorate the different residents of Hever Castle, including Anne of Cleves, William de Hever, Anne Boleyn, and Sir John Fastolf. 

6. Anne Boleyn’s Bedroom

Anne Boleyn was born in 1501 and spent her childhood at Hever Castle. A spiral staircase leads up to what is believed to have been her bedroom.

It has a carved Tudor bed, a 15th century half domed ceiling, and a portrait of Anne in her “B necklace.” You can even buy your own B necklace in the castle shop.

7. Anne Boleyn’s Prayer Books

The Room of Hours has some of the only remaining Anne Boleyn memorabilia. Henry VIII destroyed almost everything associated with her after her execution.

You’ll see an exhibition of two of Anne’s illustrated prayer books, one of which is signed. The queen most likely used it for her daily prayer services.

In one book, she wrote asking readers to pray for her, saying: “Remember me when you do pray, that hope doth lead from day to day.”

Digital consoles let visitors to “turn the pages” and see the different illustrations and autographs.

In the same room, you’ll see a large tapestry. It depicts the marriage of Henry’s sister, Princess Mary Rose, to Louis XII of France.

8. Great Hall

In the time of the Boleyns, the dining room was known as the Great Hall. This is where the Boleyns would have entertained Henry VIII.

One of the doors has his personal gilt lock. Henry was always worried about assassination, so traveled with his personal locksmith to keep him safe. He may also have used the lock to prevent any interruptions during his late night rendezvous.

The fireplace is made of ornately carved stone and topped with the Boleyn coat of arms. The massive dining table dates form the 16th century and the 24 chairs are from the 17th century.

This room is rented out for parties and weddings.

9. Queen’s Chamber

In the Queen’s Chamber, you’ll see five portraits Henry VIII’s wives. (The portrait of Henry’s other wife, Catherine of Aragon, is on display in the Long Gallery.)

There’s an ornate carved wooden bed. Astor bought it believing it was Anne Boleyn’s bed due to the inscription of her name.

You’ll also see mannequins of Anne Boleyn, her sister Mary, and Henry VIII in the room. There’s also a fairly newly-acquired portrait of Henry VIII that depicts him as the vigorous young king who courted Anne.

10. Staircase Gallery

The Staircase Gallery was created by Thomas Bullen in 1506 over the Entrance Hall.

It was meant to give access between the two wings of the house. In this gallery, you’ll find a rare portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, probably from the studio of French artist Francois Clouet.

11. Waldegrave Room

This room is named after the Waldegrave family, who lived at Hever in the late Tudor and Stuart dynasties. They were favorites of Queen “Bloody Mary” and moved in after Anne of Cleves died.

Inside the room, there’s a beautiful carved four poster bed dating from the late 15th century.

Hidden behind paneling, you can also see a small chapel with stained glass windows. This was where the Waldegraves secretly practiced Catholicism after Mary died.

12. Gatehouse

Your tour ends in the oldest part of the castle, the 13th century Medieval Council Chamber in the gatehouse. It has a Gothic fireplace with impressive tracery.

13. Special Exhibitons

The castle puts on special exhibitions from time to time.

Right now, to mark the 500th anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s arrival at the royal court, Hever Castle is hosting an exhibition exploring her early life and the culture in which she grew up.

The exhibition will run until November 2022. It’s included in your ticket.

14. Gardens

Your next stop on this guide to Hever Castle are the magnificent gardens.

If you’re a horticulture love, it’s worth a trip to Hever Castle just to see the heavenly gardens. The award-winning gardens are set over 125 acres.

The peerless Italian Garden is the highlight of the castle gardens. It’s the setting for a collection of classical statuary from Rome to Renaissance times.

There’s a loggia overlooking the lake where you can relax, which was modeled after the Trevi Fountain in Rome . You’ll see Apollo standing on a Corinthian column and walk through beautiful rotundas.

The 5,000 rose bushes put on a stunning display in the Rose Garden. A delicate light pink variety is named after Anne Boleyn, but it’s actually a modern creation.

There’s even a topiary chess set. You can also take the Ann Boleyn Walk through her orchard or walk in the footsteps of Princess Diana on the Diana Walk.

Aside from the myriad gardens, you may see butterflies, robins, and swans on the lake.

The gardens are for some family fun in a place teeming with history, much like Warwick Castle .

You can row boats on the 38 acre lake, wander through yew and water mazes, sniff roses, or try your hand at archery. There’s even an open water swimming course.

The popular yew maze is over 100 years old. The hedge is eight feet high and so dense you can’t see through it, making it a challenge to navigate.

The water maze consists of concentric stepping stones over the lake. When you step on the stones, hidden jets spray water up at random soaking maze-goers. Your goal is to reach the stone cave in the center without getting wet, which isn’t an easy task.

15. Tudor Village

The Tudor Village or “Astor Wing” was added on by Astor. It’s connected to the main castle by a charming covered bridge.

The houses are picture perfect images of thatched Tudor cottages with brown and white facades.

Parts of them house a 28 room boutique hotel that you can stay in, called Hever Castle Luxury Bed and Breakfast .

I didn’t stay overnight, so can’t comment on them myself. I imagine it’s quite posh.

16. Jousting & Falconry

Would you like to see some knights in shining armor? For the romantically-inclined, Hever Castle hosts an annual Summer Jousting Tournament in July.

The Royal Knights of England don costumes and entertain visitors with one-on-one combat and action packed displays. You can sit in the medieval stands for a small fee or bring your own blanket.

On selected summer days, there are also falconry displays.

Practical Guide & Tips For Visiting Hever Castle

Hever Edenbridge Kent TN8 7NG

2. How To Get To Hever Castle

Hever Castle is just 30 miles from London and makes the perfect half or full day trip. The easiest way to get there is by car. The drive takes about 1:15. There’s a free parking lot onsite.

You can also to get to Hever Castle by train. Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge Stations to Edenbridge Town Station.

From there, you take a taxi for 3 miles to the castle. You should book a taxi in advance for both legs of the trip.

Alternatively, you can take the train from Victorian Station bound for East Grimstead, disembark in Oxted, transfer to the Uckfield-bound train, and exit at Hever Station. From there, it’s a one mile walk to the castle.

From Heathrow Airport:

It’s about a 40 minute drive from the airport.

By Guided Tour:

If you’d rather someone else handle the transportation and tickets, you can book one of several different guided day tours from London:

• a full day guided Tudor tour of Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace
• a private half day tour to Hever Castle
• or a 6-8 tour of Hever Castle and Gardens

Click here to check out the different ticket prices. You can purchase a garden only ticket or a castle + garden ticket.

From the end of March until mid November, the castle is open daily until 6:30 pm in summer and 5:00 pm in winter. The gardens open at 10:30 am and the castle no later than noon.

The castle is also open during a short Christmas season from the end of November through Christmas Eve. Click here to see opening hours.

5. When To Visit Hever Castle

The gardens are beautiful year round.

In the spring, tulips, daffodils, and azaleas bloom. In the summer, the roses are brilliant. In the autumn, the orchard is full of fiery color and there is a dahlia border.

6. Places To Visit Near Hever Castle

Looking for some places to visit near Hever Castle? Since Hever doesn’t open until noon, there are some other delightful places that could be combined on visit or full day trip.

Harewood House

The Harewood House is a Grade 1 historic English manor home, just 25 minutes from Hever Castle. Harewood House presents the lifestyle of the British aristocracy in all its glory.

The first Baron of Harewood, Edwin Lascelles, commissioned the house in mid-18th century. The house remained with the family and the 8th Earl of Harewood, David Lascelles, currently lives there with his family.

Harewood House has interiors by Robert Adam, wall and ceiling paintings by Angela Kaufman, Chippendale furniture, and a garden by Capability Brown.

As befits a noble family, there are family portraits by notable English artists Joshua Reynolds, John Hoppner, and Thomas Lawrence. You’ll also find a fine art collection, with Renaissance masterpieces by Titian and Tintoretto.

Harewood House made an appearance in the Downton Abbey movie, where it was used to host a grand ball.

Address : Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle  is one of Britain’s finest and oldest castles. It has a picturesque setting on a lake in the wooded countryside of Kent. It’s often called England’s most beautiful castle.

The castle was a royal residence until Tudor times. It was a favorite home of Henry VIII, who shuttled his ex-wife Catherine to live there after their divorce. 

In 1926, the castle was bought by American heiress Olive Lady Baillie. She saved it from centuries of neglect and restored it to perfection. She later bequeathed the castle to Britain.

You can  pre-book your castle ticket online . Leeds is just 45 minutes from Hever Castle.

Address : Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL

Chartwell House

Just 15 minutes from Hever castle Winston Churchill digs, Chartwell House .

It was the country seat of Churchill for over four decades. Chartwell House isn’t a grand home.

Though Churchill could ill afford it, he did try to gussy up the place. Churchill almost lost the house twice because he was broke. 

His friends bought the house and presented it to the UK’s National Trust. Upon Churchill’s death, it opened to the public as a museum.

You can see five rooms where Churchill lived — the dining room, the library, the drawing room, his wife Clementine’s bedroom, and Winston’s study. Three other rooms are filled with Churchill memorabilia. You can also check out his painting studio.

Address : Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS

Sissinghurst Castle

Just 40+ minutes from Hever, Sissinghurst Castle is a National Trust property and major highlight for garden lovers. Laid out in the 1930s, the castle boasts one of the world’s greatest romantic gardens.

Former owner and writer Vita Sackville-West designed the gardens to look like rooms of a house. Each one has its own color scheme and theme.

Address: Biddenden Rd, Cranbrook TN17 2AB

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Hever castle. You may enjoy these other London travel guides and resources:

• 3 Day Itinerary for London
• 5 Day Itinerary for London
• Hidden Gems in London
• 30 Day Trips From London
• Tourist Traps To Avoid in London
• Best Museums in London
• Harry Potter Places in London
• Guide to the Tower of London
• Guide to the Churchill War Rooms
• Guide to Westminster Abbey
• Guide to St. Paul’s Cathedral
• One Day in Stratford-upon-Avon
• One Day In Canterbury

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Last Updated on August 8, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

Anne Boleyn's Hever Castle: The Complete Guide

Hever Castle & Gardens

Hever Castle, 30 miles southeast of London, was the home of two of Henry VIII's queens—one tragic and one lucky—and the pet project and home of America's richest man in the late 19th century. Visit it today to explore its early medieval keep, its Tudor rooms, and its 125 acres of exquisite gardens. If you plan well ahead, you may even get to spend the night. Here's what you need to know to plan your visit.

Hever Castle's Tudor History

Hever was built as a small fortified castle in around 1270. The gatehouse and the walled bailey of this first house remain. In the 15th century, Geoffrey Bullen, great grandfather of Anne Boleyn, acquired Hever. During the 14th and 16th centuries, the Boleyn family-owned Hever. They built the Tudor family home within its outer walls.

It was Anne Boleyn's girlhood home, where Henry VIII courted her (as well as her older sister Mary who was his mistress first). Poor Anne, Henry's second wife, lost her head in 1536. She was charged with treason, but the probable reason was her failure to produce a male heir. Still, somewhere in the afterlife, she probably had the last laugh because her daughter became one of England's greatest monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I.

When Anne's father, Thomas Boleyn, died in 1539, the house reverted to the Crown—Henry VIII. He then gave it to his fourth ex-wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of their separation settlement.

She was the lucky one. She and Henry were married less than a year, and she managed to keep her head. Henry was just not attracted to her. And given that by, the time they married, he was obese and gouty with a festering—and probably smelly—leg ulcer, she perhaps wasn't enchanted with him either. The marriage was never consummated and was ultimately annulled. But she was so witty and amusing that they remained friends.

Hever Castle's American Connection

During the next few centuries, Hever Castle passed through several owners. By the late 19th century, the land was a tenanted Kentish farm estate, but the castle itself was falling into ruin. Enter American-born William Waldorf Astor. Astor had moved to England after a failed political career in America and various family squabbles. When his father, John Jacob Astor III, died in 1890, he became the richest man in American. It's said he brought $100 million (almost $27 billion today) with him when he settled in England.

He used some of that money to buy Hever Castle and, between 1903 and 1908, he indulged his interest in history in restoring and refurbishing the castle, creating its various gardens, and building its lake. He also created a "Tudor village" beside the castle, parts of which are now a 28-room boutique hotel.

Astor's heirs continued to use Hever as one of their family homes until the 1970s when it was sold to a Yorkshire family who maintains it as part of their private property group.

Things to Do at Hever

There's more than enough to do at Hever Castle, both inside and out, to fill at least a day and maybe more. Much of what you see when touring the house is a recreation, dating from William Waldorf Astor's reconstruction of Hever, but there are many real Tudor treasures to be found.

Tour the Castle

Multi-media tour guides can be rented near the entrance, and guidebooks are available for self-guided tours. A downloadable Tudor History Trail is aimed at families with children. Private guided tours can also be booked in advance.

• Enter the castle across a drawbridge restored by Astor. The portcullis—the latticed wood and metal grille that comes down across the entrance to the inner courtyard—is believed to be one of the oldest working examples in Britain.
• Visit the Tudor rooms, including Anne Boleyn's bedroom, with a carved Tudor bed.
• Henry VIII's bedchamber (the King was believed to have stayed at the castle while wooing Anne) is a recreation but has many period elements. The carved walnut frieze above the fireplace in this room was originally the front of a chest, circa 1505. The coffered ceiling is one of the oldest in the castle, dating from 1462 when the Boleyns first owned it.
• See the Tudor portraits This collection of original paintings is considered to be the best outside of Britain's National Portrait Gallery.
• Read Anne Boleyn's own words One of the upstairs rooms is reserved for an exhibition of two rare books of hours - heavily illustrated prayer books - that belonged to Anne Boleyn and that she probably used for her daily prayer services. She annotated one with a message in her own hand, asking readers to pray for her. Digital consoles, besides each of the books, enable visitors to "turn the pages" and see different illustrations and autographs.

Explore the Gardens

Hever Castle's gardens look like they were established hundreds of years ago but most were created by Astor and his gardeners, Joseph Cheal and Son, over the four or five year period during which he restored the estate. Among the highlights:

• The Italian Garden, a four-acre garden of lawns, yew hedges, and walls of local stone, was created to showcase Astor's collection of antiquities. The statues, urns, and nymphs that are artfully arranged throughout this garden are not mere garden ornaments but are the real deal—some as old as 2,000 years. At the end of the Italian Garden, a loggia and colonnade finish in steps leading down to a 38-acre human-made lake.
• The Rose Garden blooms from June through September with 4,000 different varieties of roses.
• The Tudor Garden is one of a series of small gardens near the castle that, because it is next to a maze and surrounded by tall hedges, is easy to miss. There is a Tudor herb garden and a topiary chess set.
• Landscaped walks are dotted throughout the estate, demonstrating different styles of planting, showcasing different kinds of plants, or providing quiet corners to escape. One of these, the long border of the Two Sisters Lawn, was designed by Gertrude Jekyll, one of the 19th and early 20th century's most influential garden designers.

Have Some Fun

• Get lost in the Yew Maze. Don't worry, compared to some of England's major mazes, like the ones at Leeds Castle and Longleat, this one is a doddle. It's easy but fun for small children and not too scary for dogs (except for the Castle interiors, Hever is very dog-friendly.)
• Get wet in the Water Maze , a maze path laid out on the ground with intermittent and unpredictable water jets. The challenge is to get through the maze without getting wet—not easy. This one is for children and warm weather.
• Take a boat out on the lake. Rowboats and pedaloes are available to rent from a boathouse next to the loggia. A Japanese tea house, added in 2013, is best seen from a boat on the lake.
• See a show at the Hever Festival Theater . Throughout the summer season, evening performances are scheduled in an open-air theater—these range from concerts to theatrical productions, from amateur and community groups to professional artists.
• Visit the miniature model houses , a collection of 1/12 scale models includes homes from the Medieval, Stuart, Georgian and Victorian periods as well as Restoration interiors.
• Join in the special events. Hever Castle has a full schedule of events from late spring to early autumn. Sit in a "Royal" box to watch weekend jousting tournaments, take part in archery and shield painting. Keep track of What's On to see what will be happening when you visit. Some of the special activities have to be booked in advance.

Stay at Hever Castle

Besides the castle attractions, Hever has a 28-room luxury bed and breakfast inn within the Tudor style village and an Edwardian wing added by William Waldorf Astor. The feature rooms have to be booked six months or more in advance but are relatively moderately priced for the quality of the attraction. A separate self-catering cottage that sleeps eight can be rented as well.

Essential Info

The castle and grounds are open throughout the year, daily between the end of March and the end of October, during a short Christmas season from the end of November through Christmas Eve. At other times of year, the house and gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday. The ground open at 10:30 a.m. and the castle opens at noon. Closing times are seasonal, so check the website.

Hever is 30 miles southeast of London, 3 miles southeast of the village of Edenbridge. It is signposted from Junctions 5 and 6 of the M25 or junction 10 of the M23. Set satellite navigation devices for postcode TN8 7NG. The nearest train station is Hever, a one-mile walk down country lanes and cross country paths. Taxis are available from Edenbridge Town station, one stop closer to London, but should be booked in advance.

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Hever Castle & Gardens

Top ways to experience Hever Castle & Gardens and nearby attractions

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Hever Castle & Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hever Castle & Hampton Court Henry VIII

An extraordinary journey through time and history.

This captivating expedition invites you to explore the charm of Hever Castle, a 13th-century country house that once graced the Boleyn family, and to relive the royal splendour of Hampton Court Palace, famously linked to Henry VIII and his many wives. With our expert chauffeur at the helm, you'll be guided through the enchanting landscapes of Kent and the regal allure of Hampton Court, all in the lap of luxury. Book now to create unforgettable memories steeped in English heritage, culture, and elegance. Join us for a Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace tour – where history comes alive and the past becomes your present! Important information: Your preferred drop off and collection point will be agreed with your driver prior to the tour start date .

Tour includes

Price from: £595.00 per day

Tour vehicle

Private chauffeur guide

Free bottled water

Hever Castle

Hampton court palace, discover the historic wonders of england .

Join us for a Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace tour and let the magic of England’s past sweep you off your feet.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of English history and culture as our expert chauffeur guides you through the enchanting landscapes of Kent and the regal allure of Hampton Court. Book your unforgettable journey now!

Historical Elegance Begin your adventure at Hever Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the charming village of Hever, Kent, just 30 miles south east of London. Built in the 13th century, it exudes an aura of timeless beauty. Boleyn Family Legacy From 1462 to 1539, Hever Castle was the cherished seat of the Boleyn family. Walk in the footsteps of Anne Boleyn and explore the history and intrigue of this fascinating era. Stunning Landscapes Journey through the picturesque countryside of Kent, offering breath-taking vistas and a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Royal Romance Uncover the secrets of Hampton Court Palace, the famous seat of Henry VIII and his many wives. Marvel at the grandeur and elegance of this palace, which underwent exquisite Stuart-era modernization. Time-Traveling Experience Step into history as you wander through the opulent corridors and magnificent gardens of Hampton Court Palace. Feel the presence of the past in every corner. Expert Chauffeur Guide Enjoy a seamless and informative tour with our expert chauffeur, who will narrate the stories and legends surrounding Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace. Tailored Luxury Experience the tour in unparalleled comfort as you travel in style and luxury with our chauffeur service, leaving all the planning and logistics to us.

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Immerse yourself in the stories shared by our experienced guides, who will transform your trip into an unforgettable saga of discovery. We would love to hear from you regarding your tour requirements. If you cannot find the perfect tour on our site we can create a custom itinerary for you.

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Hever Castle

Hever Castle, Kent. © British Tours Ltd.

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Hever Castle is a best known as the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry Vlll, and the setting for the King's courtship of Anne. It is surrounded by beautiful grounds that include a yew maze, a water maze, a walled Rose garden, Italian Garden and topiary. Inside you will find antique furniture, Anne Boleyn's prayer books, armour, instruments of torture and execution, tapestries and 16th century Tudor portraits.

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Thank you for the flexibility you and Rod offered us on our Airbase tour. We spent a wonderful day in North Pickenham learning about the lives of those pilots - my dad included - during the war. Rod was the perfect guide for us - he has a vast and voracious knowledge about the military experience

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Hever Castle

Quite aside from its fascinating history, Hever is just a beautiful and intriguing place to spend time. This gorgeous moated house was home to Anne Boleyn, a woman at the heart of an event that changed English history forever.

Not only a castle, Hever was a home to the Tudors and to other great English families, all the way through history to the American millionaire William Waldolf Astor in the 1920s. Astor spent a good deal of his fortune restoring the ancient building to a luxury home and was the father-in-law of lady Astor, Britain’s first ever female MP. it sits in the heart of Kent, known as the Garden of England and one of our most picturesque counties in the land.

Home to many events, including a splendid jousting display, the castle sits in extensive grounds and is also the site of a tasteful luxury hotel. A short drive (approximately 50 mins) from central London, Hever is a wonderful day out.

Trip Details

Pick-up time – 09.30

Drop-off time – 16.30

Drive Time total – 2hr 40mins

Steps (approximate) – 8-10K

Ticket Link – https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

Hever Castle Tour

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TAKE A PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF HEVER CASTLE, AN EXQUISITE MOATED CASTLE DATING FROM THE 13TH CENTURY.

From 1462 Hever Castle was home to the Boleyn family – and at the heart of one of the most tempestuous and tragic stories in English history.

Let your expert local guide show you where Anne Boleyn, second queen of King Henry VIII, spent her youth. Follow her story through the furnishings and artworks at Hever.  See Anne’s prayer book, a deeply personal item she turned to in her dark hours.

Discover how the castle came into the ownership of King Henry’s estranged fourth wife, Anne of Cleves – the woman he cruelly dubbed the “Flanders Mare”. Follow the story of the castle’s life under the ownership of the wealthy Astor family, after their arrival from America. Walk through the majestic formal Italian Garden and artfully-pruned topiary, to the gentle meanderings of the lakeside, the delightfully damp Water Maze and then lose yourself in the Yew Maze. A fantastic private tour of a wonderful castle.

If you require a guide with a private car to conduct your tour please tick above. This will send your request to one of our driver guides who are UK licensed, registered and insured.

If you like this tour, you may also like:

Arundel castle tour, garden tour, brighton tour.

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16th - 20th May 2024

Fully escorted tours, small groups as standard, financial failure protection cover on all tour bookings, all breakfasts and dinners included, access to eminent historians , this tour is now sold out., this email address is being protected from spambots. you need javascript enabled to view it. document.getelementbyid('cloak7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8').innerhtml = ''; var prefix = 'ma' + 'il' + 'to'; var path = 'hr' + 'ef' + '='; var addy7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8 = 'office' + '@'; addy7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8 = addy7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8 + 'britishhistorytours' + '.' + 'comsubject=the%20anne%20boleyn%20tour%2c%20may%202025&body=please%20put%20my%20name%20on%20the%20waiting%20list%20for%20%5bplease%20insert%20number%5d%20of%20places%20on%20this%20tour' + '.' + ''; var addy_text7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8 = 'click here to get on the waiting list';document.getelementbyid('cloak7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8').innerhtml += ' '+addy_text7aea9a5cf6c51dd629f9f7dcbf909ea8+' '; for 'the anne boleyn tour' 16th - 20th may 2025., tour details.

Our most popular tour is running again in 2024! This tour sells out quickly so if this is the one for you, don't delay, click the 'Book Now' button, below.

Stay at Anne Boleyn's childhood home of Hever Castle for 4 nights of history and luxury on 'The Anne Boleyn Tour', run by British History Tours.

As part of a small group, you will explore the life and death of Anne Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII and mother to Elizabeth I. We explore places key to her story and are joined along the way by eminent historians and expert guides.

Gareth Russell, best-selling author accompanies Philippa, your dedicated Tour Manager, as resident historian and co-host. 

Our itinerary includes a visit to Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London where we are taken around by expert guides. During our time at Hever Castle you will have the opportunity to dress as Tudor Royalty before getting 'behind the ropes' during our after-hours 'Hidden Hever' tour, followed by a 3-course banquet in Hever Castle's Great Hall! 

Enjoy exclusive access to the Astor Wing including the music room, billiard room, lawns, tennis court and outdoor swimming pool!

You will arrive everywhere in comfort and style in our luxury air-conditioned coach, included for the duration of the tour.

Tour Highlights

Co-hosted by best-selling author and historian gareth russell, visit the tower of london on the anniversary of anne boleyn's execution, 19th may, talks from tracy borman, kate mccaffrey and gareth russell, banquet in the great hall of hever castle, hidden hever, after-hours tour of hever castle, expert guided tours of hampton court palace and tower of london, private use of the astor wing of hever castle including our own private lawn next to the moat, tennis court, billiards room and outdoor heated pool., opportunity to dress as tudor royalty at hever castle (optional extra).

The Itinerary

Welcome reception. gareth russell.

Meet at the designated, convenient pick-up point in London where you will board our private coach, bound for Hever Castle. On arrival at Hever you will be shown to your beautiful room and you can begin to explore your home for the next few days.

You will have exclusive access to the entire Astor Wing of Hever Castle where you can take advantage of our own private heated swimming pool, tennis court, billiards room and lawn next to the moat.

Enjoy a welcome drinks reception on our private lawn before a talk from historian and suthor, Greath Russell.

We will then sit down to a 3-course evening meal in our private dining room.

Hever Castle. Kate McCaffrey

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before spending the day exploring Hever Castle and its grounds. You can choose to take the short walk to St Peter's Church where the Boleyn family worshipped and see Thomas Boleyn's tomb.

Dress as Tudor Royalty for the Day! (Optional Extra) After being dressed you can wear your outfit for the day, take as many photos as you want with Hever as a backdrop! 

Our evening begins with a talk from historian, and assistant curator at Hever Castel, Kate McCaffrey about her groundbreaking work into Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours.

Following Kate's talk, and after the Castle is closed to the public, we have an exclusive 'behind-the-ropes' tour of 'Hidden Hever'.

The evening is topped off by a banquet in the Great Hall of Hever Castle.

Hampton Court Palace. Tracy Borman

On arrival to Hampton Court Palace, we will be met by historian and Chief Joint Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Tracy Borman, who will give us a talk followed by a book signing and opportunty to get a photo with her.

After a breif break, we will be met by the fantastically knowledgeable Sarah Slater for a guided tour of the Palace.

Our tour historian, Gareth Russell, has written a book about the history of Hampton Court Palace through stories of the people who lived there called 'The Palace', published in September 2023.

Following our tour the group have free time to explore the remaining parts of the Palace and its grounds.

We return to Hever for a 3-course meal with wine, in our private dining suite at Hever Castle.

The Tower of London - Anniversary of Anne Boleyn's Execution

We pay our respects to Anne Boleyn at the site of her final imprisonment, execution and resting place, the Tower of London on the date of her execution.

Following a morning private guided tour with William Mitchell, there will be free time to explore other parts of the Tower and the waterfront. You then have the option to take a walk up to the Tower Hill execution site, where the men who fell victim to the events of 1536 were beheaded, with Gareth and Philippa.

We return to Hever Castle for our final evening and a relaxed BBQ on our private lawn at Hever Castle, next to the moat and a private concert from Jay Britton, The Tudor Songbook performing music from the Tudor Court.

Wake up for one final time in the magical Hever Castle.

After a leisurely breakfast we board our private coach which will take us back to London where we say our final farewells.

What's Included

5* Luxury Accommodation at Hever Castle for 4 nights

All dinners and breakfasts, expert history talks from eminent historians, resident historian for the tour - gareth russell, exclusive access to the astor wing of hever castle including our own private lawn next to the moat, tennis court, billiards room and outdoor heated pool., dedicated tour manager, luxury coach travel from pick up to drop off, all admissions as stated in the itinerary, after hours 'hidden hever' tour, private guided tours at tower of london and hampton court palace, option to dress as a tudor for the day, an experience of a lifetime, historian talks.

Gareth Russell

Tracy Borman

Kate McCaffrey

Upgrade to a superior room, we apologise for any disappointent but all of our upgraded rooms are sold on this tour..

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Optional Extras

Room upgrades £360, tudor dress hire £190.

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Photo gallery.

Hever Castle

Gareth Russell - Resident Historian providing talks throughout the tour

Dress as Tudor Royalty

Private BBQ at Hever Castle

Luxury Coach

Expert Guide at Hampton Court Palace

Expert Guide at Tower of London

Dinner in the Astor Wing

Breakfast Table at Hever Castle

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In accordance with the UK Package Travel & Linked Travel Regulations 2018 all passengers booking with History Holidays Ltd t/a British History Tours are fully protected for the initial deposit and subsequently the balance of all monies received by us, including repatriation costs and arrangements, arising from cancellation or curtailment of your travel arrangements due to the insolvency of History Holidays Ltd t/a British History Tours .

There is no requirement for Financial Protection of day trips or single elements, and none is provided. 

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Churchill's home, Chartwell and Hever Castle

Nestled down an old country lane is Hever Castle and Garden , a small romantic castle surrounded by spectacular award-winning Italian style gardens, once home to Queen Anne Boleyn. Churchill's beloved home, Chartwell , offers the visitor spectacular views and fascinating interiors with exhibits detailing Churchill's life and times. 

Kent, the garden of England , and the county of Sussex are now renowned wine regions. Wine merchants and critics particularly respect the sparkling variety. Take the opportunity to taste English wine and have lunch at a local vineyard.

Our expertly designed full-day tour itineraries include entrance tickets and professional driver-guide with a luxury vehicle. This day tour from London is fully flexible on the day and customisable. Let us help you make the adjustments to match your pace of travel, personal interests and lunch requirements.

Two famous historic homes in the garden of England

Two very different historic country homes..

Start your day at Hever Castle , and discover the story of one of Henry VIII's most famous wives. Anne Boleyn, the woman Henry VIII moved heaven and earth. Did she have six fingers, was she guilty of the charges of adultery, incest and treason? She lost her head for in May 1536.

Hever is Anne's childhood home and is full of treasures from the time of the Tudors. See Anne's illuminated prayer books, which she has made notes in and signed. In the 20th century the famous American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor renovated the entire estate and turned it into a place of entertainment.

• Childhood home of Anne Boleyn
• Award winning gardens
• English wine tasting option

The National Trust is the organisation that runs Chartwell, they offer good quality locally sourced food in the Chartwell eatery. If preferred you can head out into the countryside with your driver-guide and stop at a local inn. Alternatively, enjoy lunch at a local vineyard and taste English sparkling wine . Fine out more about England's Wine Country . 

 'A day away from Chartwell is a day wasted' Sir Winston Churchill.

Sir Winston Churchill is more than a Prime Minister; he is a national treasure and celebrated hero. Chartwell, his family home, provides an intimate portrait of a man away from his public life. Furnished as if the 1930's, when he lived there, there is 'frozen in time' quality to the place, and some, 140 of Churchill's paintings adorn the walls of the house and art studio. The gardens are a joy and the views from the house are were much loved by Churchill. 

Overnight option; Please consider staying overnight in the region and explore in more detail. Hever Castle has a delightful bed and breakfast style accommodation for your information, and South Lodge Hotel in Sussex has a spectacular spa. Our suggested Great Gardens of the South itinerary can be customised to match your interests and pace of travel.

Chartwell and Hever Castle gallery

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Our UK office based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.

Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family or a corporate incentive group, our team’s collective resources will be brought together to build the experience that’s right for you.

We will require your arrival and departure dates, details of your personal preferences and places that you would like to visit as well as the events you would like to experience.

We will then prepare a draft itinerary and send it to you by email for your approval. Once agreed, we will send you a Booking Confirmation with Personalised Itinerary and Information Pack via email.

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Bath and Stonehenge

Private driver-guided tour to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the City of Bath and world-famous place of Stonehenge. Come and discover 2,000 years of history, in the golden-stoned spa town of Bath and the world-famous Stonehenge.

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Hever Castle: All You Need To Know In 5 Minutes

Published: July 8, 2019

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Kenneth Long

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Since 1271, Hever Castle has stood proud within the tiny English village of Hever in Kent. The grand castle is saturated in rich history and its stories and secrets permeate throughout its walls. Originally built as a country house, the castle later became the seat of the Boleyn family between 1462 and 1539. Today, Hever Castle is open to the public. For any history enthusiasts who want to see a personal side of the Tudor period, visiting Hever Castle is an opportunity not to be missed. Read below for everything you need to know about Hever Castle.

Hever Castle Main Attractions

© Photo by Hever Castle

Enjoy the challenge of finding the best way out of the sculpted hedges of the 100-year old Yew Maze . The eighty-foot by eighty-foot puzzle provides huge amounts of entertainment and fun to all visitors, young and old. As one of only a few traditionally designed mazes in the United Kingdom, the Yew Maze is certainly a feature that one has to experience when visiting Hever Castle.

Splash about the water maze to be found deep within the grounds of Hever Castle. The Water Maze is a conundrum with a difference! The maze is comprised of stepping stone walkways sitting over a peaceful pool of water. At intervals, the stones tilt and hidden water jets spurt out streams of water to soak the unwitting visitor. The goal of the game is to get to the middle without getting wet. Although there have only been a lucky few to achieve this, the maze provides endless amounts of entertainment and laughter to visitors of all ages. Make sure you don’t fall in!

Soak in the beauty and serenity of the peaceful lake that is situated within Hever Castle. Rent a canoe, rowing boat or pedalo from the Edwardian boathouse and glide serenely along the lake and take in the stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. 

How to Get To Hever Castle

For visitors travelling by car, the castle’s postcode is TN8 7NG. Hever Castle is located in the village of Hever, 30 miles from Central London, 3 miles southeaster of Edenbridge off the B2026 between Sevenoaks and East Grinstead.

Trains run from London Victoria and London Bridge (via Oxted or East Croydon) to Edenbridge Town Station. Take a taxi from the station for three miles to the castle. Hever Station is the next stop on the train route. However, due to no taxi facilities at the station, it is a one-mile rural walk to the castle with guided signposts directing the route.

Hever Castle Opening Hours

The grounds of Hever Castle open from 10:30am and the castle itself opens at 12:00 noon. The last entry to the castle and grounds during the main season (31st March – 26th October) is at 16:30 with the final exit of visitors scheduled to be approximately 18:00.

During the winter season (27th October – 22nd November), last entry to Hever Castle is 15:00 with the last exit at 16:30. During the Christmas season (23rd November to 23rd December), doors close at 16:30 with the last exit scheduled to take place approximately at 18:00.

This is with the exception of 24th December and 27th December to the 1st January, where doors close at 15:00 and last exit at 16:30.

Hever Castle Tickets & Guided Tours

Ticket prices.

There are four separate categories of ticket types when visiting Hever Castle. Visitors may choose to visit the castle and gardens or the gardens only. However, ticket prices differ when either buying tickets on entry to the castle on the day or pre-ordering online. 

Any serving members, veterans and their families of the Armed Forces may be able to receive special discounts at certain times throughout the year.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are also available. For a private guided tour across the castle and garden, a single ticket is £30.90. A Head Gardener ticket costs £19.05 each. For the Sensory Garden Tour, tickets are £19.05 each and tickets for the ‘classic’ Garden Tour are £17.00 each. Tickets for the The Garden History Tour is also £17.00 each. Lastly, the Hidden Hever Tour is £65.00 each. The Hidden Hever Tour is only available for groups up to 15 people.

Hever Castle Dining Options

Moat restaurant.

Whether if you’re wanting to treat yourself to a quick cup of Joe or a full-fledged meal, the Moat Restaurant is the best place to dine and drink with all the family in tow. With a diverse menu of hot food, sandwiches and cake, there is something for everyone.

Take in the stunning sights of the grounds of Hever Castle and munch on a slice of pizza while you’re at it. Offering a range of topping choices on deliciously authentic, freshly made wood-fired pizzas, Hever’s Pizza Van is nestled cosily within the grounds of Hever Castle, readily available for any history enthusiasts with a weakness for the Italian food.

Accommodation At Hever Castle

Hever castle b&b.

There is no need to book a hotel when you can stay within the grounds that Anne Boleyn herself once called home. The Hever Castle B&B offers 28 luxury bedrooms in the Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing. Both Edwardian wings decorated in the traditional Tudor fashion, the rooms offer guests to enjoy a luxury overnight experience with a difference. With a Billiards Room and a beautiful panelled lounge in the Astor Wing and a stunning spacious Breakfast Room with natural light located in the Anne Boleyn Wing, the Hever Castle B&B provides guests with the opportunity to stay within the gorgeous surroundings of Hever Castle and enjoy the amenities and views that the castle and its grounds has to offer.

Tourist Attractions Near Hever Castle

Hever castle golf club.

Enjoy the other reason why Hever Castle is so popular: the golfing! As one of the best golf clubs in Kent and only one mile away from the castle entrance, The Hever Castle Golf Club offers a 27-hole golf course for all golf enthusiasts of all abilities. Whilst putting and playing, golfers can also enjoy the stunning sights of the lush greenery and placid lakes that the Hever Castle Golf Club offers.

KSY Military Museum

If you happen to be a collector of military knowledge, then the KSY Military Museum is an opportunity not to be missed. Located on the grounds of Hever Castle, visitors can learn about the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry through interactive displays that allows the stories of soldiers from 1794 to the present day truly come to life. Visitors can also spectate at the detailed reconstruction of a World War I trench equipped with sound effects and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. For authenticity, the museum is designed to resemble a military operations tent, so that visitors feel as if they have been transported through time to observe the true military experience of the past and present of the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry.

Final Thoughts on Hever Castle

For any history buffs with a specific interest in the Tudor period, Hever Castle is an inimitable opportunity to spectate and observe a different and more personal facet to the period. The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to learn interesting facts and acquire detailed knowledge about the Tudor era, Anne Boleyn and her relationship with Henry VIII. Hever Castle is located within grounds that are not only rich in history, but also a gorgeous spectacle to admire and appreciate.

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Gren Tours is ‘Blue Badge’ qualified tourist guide Glen Portch.  Glen was born just outside London and has lived, worked and played in and around London for most of his life. However, he realised how little he knew about his native city and country when friends, visiting from overseas, asked questions.  Eager not to embarrass himself again, he took the  Institute of Tourist Guiding ‘s “Blue Badge Guide” course and he gained his qualification in 2004.

Glen offers private tours of London and Great Britain for individuals, small or large groups. He has experience of guiding families, groups of school children, A (and B!) – list celebrities and the presidents of multi-national companies. The emphasis is on fun, tailor-made tours and this website is designed to give you some ideas. Once you have browsed this site and are interested in booking a tour or would like more information, please contact Glen via the  contact page .

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Leeds Castle and Hever Castle - 9 hour tour

From central London to Leeds Castle takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Set in 500 acres of parkland and gardens, the oldest part of Leeds Castle is 900 years and was used by successive Queens of England. King Henry VIII did stay here at one time. It became used less and less by monarchs and the castle was last occupied by a woman known as Lady Baillie in the early 20th Century. The castle surround by the moat and gardens is a beautiful setting. There remain some medieval style rooms reflecting a little Tudor history but most rooms are decorated to Lady Baillie's tastes in the early 20th Century.

Lunch en-route from Leeds Castle, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to Hever Castle.

Hever castle was the ancestral home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife. The castle is not huge on the scale of the Tower of London or Windsor but a fortified house with a moat. In the early 20th Century the house was purchased by the Astor family and it was decorated to their tastes retaining much of the Tudor style. Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to explore the house and beautiful gardens.

About 1 hour 30 minutes back to central London.

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