Kent


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15.jpg" alt="Hever Castle near Edenbridge in Kent is a historic tourist attraction, Anne Boleyn's childhood home, founded in the 13th century and updated in the 20th century." class="wp-image-103402" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-15-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Set in 150 acres of open space, <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hever Castle</a> has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained this summer. Experience over 600 years of history at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges, watch exhilarating jousting tournaments, take on the yew maze, blow off steam in the playgrounds, explore the gorgeous gardens and enjoy wonderful walks.</p>



<p>So drumroll please. In no particular order, here are our top 10 reasons to visit Hever Castle this summer&#8230;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-knights-of-hever-jousting-tournament">1. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/jousting-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Knights of Hever Jousting Tournament</a> </h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13.jpeg" alt="Mediaeval jousting returned to Hever Castle and Gardens in Kent this weekend following a number of cancelled events over the summer due to Coronavirus. Actors that make up ‘The Knights of Royal England’ are pictured entertaining the crowds with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. The joust returns for the Bank Holiday next weekend. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance. Hever Castle have commented due to Covid-19: “Normally a jousting day would attract as many as 4,500 visitors but Hever Castle is currently running at under 50% capacity on these days and our Jousting field is running at a lower capacity than this” About Hever Castle Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. The castle is also set within 125 acres of glorious grounds." class="wp-image-103404" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-13-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The annual Summer Jousting Tournaments are about to kick off at Hever Castle on weekends from <strong>Sat 13 July til Sun 1 Sep</strong>. Watch exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with a Royal Box. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat, the valiant knights will then compete for points to find this season’s ultimate champion.&nbsp;Join Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England in the procession to the Jousting arena. Bring a blanket or watch the joust in style from the medieval spectator stands (£2 per seat). Then choose which knight to support and cheer them to glory.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-adventures-in-time-travel">2. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/summer-holiday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventures in Time Travel</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-103447" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Take part in a series of hands-on activities and challenges as part of Adventures in Time Travel from <strong>Weds 24 July &#8211; Tues 3 Sep</strong>. Can you help the adventures find the lost key so they can travel home? Begins daily at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on the Winter Lawn and ends on the Castle Forecourt.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-falconry-displays">3. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/falconry-displays/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Falconry Displays</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-103409" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-8-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Be entertained by the falconry displays from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.willowsbirdofpreycentre.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre</a>. The displays will last about 20 mins and will happen twice a day at 11:30am and 3:45pm on selected dates. After the displays you’ll have a chance to see these wonderful birds of prey up close and personal.&nbsp;Falconry Displays are included in your admission ticket. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-supercar-weekend">4. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/supercar-weekend/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supercar Weekend</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-89176" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/07/hever-castle-supercar-sunday-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Head to Hever Castle on&nbsp;<strong>Sat 3 &#8211; Sun 4 Aug</strong>&nbsp;for Supercar Sunday, a car event organised by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctr.show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Challenge the Road</a>. A whole host of stunning super cars with their own individual stories will be on display in the gardens with the Castle as a stunning backdrop. Don&#8217;t forget to head to the Castle Forecourt for 12:30pm and a very special supercar will be revealed!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-hever-in-history">5. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/hever-in-history/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hever in History</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-103434" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-in-history-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Step back in time during the August bank holiday weekend, <strong>Sat 24 &#8211; Mon 26 Aug</strong>. Immerse yourself in different periods of history with encampments and re-enactments from the Middle Ages to as recent as 20th Century. Get up close to weaponry and suits of armour and try them on for size. Watch demonstrations in one of the arenas which include medieval cannons, muskets and guns. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-the-boleyn-apartment">6. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/news/boleyn-apartment-unveiled-june-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boleyn Apartment</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-103439" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/boleyn-apartment-hever-castle-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hever Castle have JUST unveiled the newly refurbished Boleyn Apartment. These are the only surviving suite of rooms lived in by the Boleyn family and incredibly they’re largely structurally unaltered. You’ll see that the display tells the story of the social climbing of Anne’s ruthlessly ambitious family, her winning the heart of Henry and the crown of England and her brush with death along the way when she caught the dreaded Sweating Sickness but recovered – all at Hever. So make sure you pop along to the wonderful Hever Castle this summer and walk in this famous family’s footsteps.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-water-maze">7. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/the-mazes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Water Maze</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="588" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-56503" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze-300x176.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze-720x423.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze-150x88.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/05/hever-castle-water-maze-768x452.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We love the&nbsp;Water Maze&nbsp;which is now open for the summer and the perfect spot to cool down (don’t forget your towel)! It’s a maze with a difference that consists of a series of concentric stepping stone walkways sitting over water, at intervals, the stones tilt when stood on and hidden water jets spring into action to soak the unwary visitor. The aim is to reach the stone grotto in the centre without getting wet but few are successful! Can you do it?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-play-areas">8. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/play-areas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Play Areas</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="999" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-103422" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-gardens-kent-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We especially love the elaborate play areas which include Acorn Dell, a natural playground for toddlers and children up to seven years old, or for older children there’s the brilliantly interactive fort, called Tudor Towers, an adventure playground aimed at children 7-14 years old. These are superb for getting their imagination going and inspiring interactive play.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-yew-maze">9. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-to-do/the-mazes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yew Maze</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-103421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/yew-tree-maze-hever-castle-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There&#8217;s also the fabulous 100 year old Yew Maze, find the eighty foot by eight foot maze next to the Castle Forecourt which remains as one of only a few traditionally designed mazes in the country. It was built in the Edwardian era by William Waldorf Astor, who along with a number of other wealthy people created mazes for their own enjoyment. There&#8217;s also almost a quarter of a mile of pathways inside to get lost in! Open all year round, weather permitting. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-award-winning-gardens">10. <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/gardens/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Award-winning Gardens</a></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7.jpg" alt="Sienna Marsh (9) and sister Scarlett (6) pictured with mum Lauren (36) from Tonbridge, admire the pathways of Diana’s Walk prairie garden, made up of colourful perennials and grasses at Hever Castle &amp; Gardens in Kent this morning as the mixed weather is set to continue for the rest of the week. About Hever Castle Dating back to the 13th century, Hever Castle was once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and Mother of Elizabeth I. It formed the unlikely backdrop to a sequence of tumultuous events that changed the course of Britain’s history, monarchy and religion. The castle is also set within 125 acres of glorious grounds." class="wp-image-103410" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/07/hever-castle-and-gardens-kent-7-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Now you&#8217;ll definitely won&#8217;t want to leave! Their award-winning gardens are a sight to behold which include Italian, Rose and Tudor gardens, topiary plus informal areas such as Sunday Walk and Anne Boleyn&#8217;s walk. Take in the sights and scents of 5,000 roses in the stunning Rose Garden, marvel at the Pompeiian Wall in the Italian Garden and take in the views at the Loggia, overlooking the 38-acre lake, before exploring the many cascades, and grottoes.</p>



<p><em>So whether you are looking for a family day out, kids activities or a family stay in Kent, Hever Castle offers family fun for everyone to enjoy.&nbsp;Your story awaits at Hever Castle this summer.</em></p>


Top 10 ways to discover the magic of Hever Castle this summer

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