Hever Castle & Gardens is the perfect setting for a great day out if you fancy getting out of London as its just 45 minutes on the train to Edenbridge Town Station.

This castle and gardens in Kent is a great place for history lovers and horticultural lovers alike plus you can take boat rides or even try your hand at archery, paint a shield or watch a jousting event!

Hever Castle dates back to the 13th century and was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I and formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion.

Its splendid panelled rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques and an important collection of Tudor portraits. Two beautifully illuminated prayer books on display in the Book of Hours Room belonged to Anne Boleyn and bear her inscriptions and signature. One is believed to be the prayer book Anne took with her to her execution at the Tower.

The charming castle at Hever has a rich and varied history. Today much of what you see is the result of the remarkable efforts of a wealthy American, William Waldorf Astor, who used his fortune to restore and extend the Castle in the early 20th century.

Despite its splendour, Hever Castle is what everyone wants a castle to be: moated, haunted, with lots of armour and gruesome torture devices. A permanent exhibition in the Long Gallery brings the 16th century to life with costumed figures illustrating key events in Anne’s life at the Castle.

The gardens of Hever Castle are magnificent and award winning, set in 125 acres of glorious grounds. The Loggia, overlooking the 38-acre lake, is the perfect spot to relax before exploring the many cascades, grottos and fountains. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the Water maze and the 100 year old Yew Maze.

The 38 acre lake at Hever Castle, provides a tranquil location, away from the castle and gardens. The magical lakeside locations of the Italian Loggia and Japanese Tea House Folly not only provide wonderful points from which to view the lake but are stunning vistas from the Lake itself. Families and nature lovers will enjoy the nature trail on Lake Walk and boating provides fun for all ages.

Within the grounds of the Hever Castle estate there are two opportunities for you to spend the night. One is as a guest in the five star luxury Bed and Breakfast, located in the Aster Wing and the Anne Boleyn Wing. The other is the five star gold rated holiday cottage, Medley Court, which is attached to the Astor Wing.

Hever Castle has also played host to many important events and celebrations for over 700 years. Today the Astor Wing together with the Guthrie Pavilion in the Italian Garden and areas of the Castle itself are available for corporate and private events.

Hever Castle offers something for everyone plus peace, privacy and seclusion in one of the most historic and beautiful settings in England.

For more information on Hever Castle and what's on, check the website for details.