insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 17

IN ASSOCIATION WITH
KENTSTAYCATION
KENT’S CASTLES & GARDENS CONT.
HEVER CASTLE
Hever Castle in Edenbridge, is believed to have been built in 1270 by the
castle's namesake William de Hever, and was restored in 1903 by William Waldorf
Astor. The castle includes some gorgeous grounds, stunning accommodation,
a golf course, and 700 years of history. The childhood home of Anne Boleyn,
this is a castle intricately woven into British history that houses the best
collections of Tudor portraits, second only to the National Gallery. Not only is
the castle home to some magnificent works of art, but you might also see the
ghost of Henry VIII’s second wife. Spend a night in the castle and see if you can
spot any ghostly figures floating through the halls, or maybe even feel a sinister
shiver down your spine!
If you're not into ghoulish ghosts and scary stories, you will be happy to
know that the award-winning accommodation in Hever Castle is an upscale,
luxury masterpiece of comfort. These include a luxury bed and breakfast in the
Astor and the Anne Boleyn Wings that are attached to Hever Castle, or the
five star holiday cottage; Medley Court. The bed and breakfast is a high-end
experience that will make any visitor feel like royalty. Four poster beds to sink
into after a long day exploring the secrets of the castle and rustic decorations
that make you ponder which century you have been transported back to. The
Medley Court Cottage boasts sumptuous curtains, warm chestnut coloured wood
lines the walls and rich fabrics upholster the furniture; making every second
inside the cottage a delightfully luxurious experience; a rural retreat you won’t
be forgetting in a hurry.
As well as incredible accommodation, and the stunning castle itself, there are
plenty of experiences to enjoy with the family within the grounds. Test how
accurate your eye is with an archery session, and let the kids bust some creative
moves with some shield and crown painting; both are available during school
holidays, and on the weekends right up to, and including the autumn half term,
all carefully managed with social distancing queues and sanitising stations to
make sure youngsters come away with a memento of their trip. The fun doesn’t
stop there, throughout the summer months there are weekly jousting competitions
that visitors can buy tickets to and enjoy with the family. There is even a royal
box available so the whole family can feel like medieval royalty while watching
men on horses heroically battle it out for the winners title.
The gardens of Hever Castle are set
in 125 acres of lush green land, and
Hever lake stretches out to a whopping
38 acres. Flower meadows and 4,000
glorious rose bushes in the English
Rose Garden make this an incredible
place to enjoy walking your furry
friend, while taking in the spectacular
views and sensual smells. If walking
isn’t your style, hire a boat and head
out onto the sparkling crystal lake for
a relaxing afternoon treat. If the
mere mention of bobbing up and
down on a boat is making you feel a
little sea-sick, fear not because Hever
Castle has re-opened their very own
lush green golf course. Anyone up for
a round?
And if that wasn’t enough, Hever
Castle is also committed to
maintaining as many of their popular
events as possible, maintaining guest
safety of course, including the return
of Craft in Focus’ Craft & Design Fair.
The popular event, where guests can
purchase direct from around 160 of
the very best makers in the UK,
returns to the castle between 10-13
September.
After a whole day of exploring the
cracks and crevices of the castle and
its grounds tummies will definitely be
rumbling, so to avoid any spontaneous
‘hangry’ outbursts, head to one of the
many restaurants, cafes and other food
kiosks dotted around the gardens,
including an outdoor BBQ, and a
pizza van. Fancy something a little
more classy? Head to the Tudor Suite
dining room for an incredible
afternoon tea. Enjoy scones, finger
sandwiches and mini cakes galore,
with tea or champagne to wash the
deliciousness down nicely. Or enjoy
lunch and a large glass of wine while
soaking up the last few months of
glorious English sunshine at The
Waterside Bar, Restaurant and
Terrace. The lunch menu includes
hot and cold sandwiches, while the
dinner menu boasts juicy steaks, and
rich risotto. Some food outlets are
weather, and season dependent, so
keep an eye on Hever Castle’s website
when planning your trip!
Make the most of every second we
have left in the summer sun this
September by visiting these castles
and gardens. They have played an
astounding role in shaping English
history. Let that history live on past
their hallowed halls in ourselves and
our children. These are perfect days
out for families, couples, and friends,
plus they offer such a range of activities
that there really is something for
everyone to enjoy.
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