hevercastle.co.uk
Step into our Garden...
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For more information visit our website hevercastle.co.uk GROUP & TRAVEL TRADE or call +44 (0)1732 861701 or email [email protected] INFORMATION Hever, Near Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 © 2014 Hever Castle Ltd. Designed by Jo Mew Creative - jomewcreative.com 2014 The childhood home of Anne Boleyn hevercastle.co.uk
“Romantic Hever “Hever Castle now Monty Don officially Castle is one of my has one of the best opened our Japanese favourite British collections of Tudor Tea House Folly in landmarks.” portraits after the June 2013. Dame Judi Dench National Portrait Gallery.” David Starkey
Welcome to 2014 Hever Castle and Gardens information guide for the travel trade and group organisers
A NEW permanent exhibition looking at Attractions the life of Anne Boleyn and the connection The Castle 04 to her childhood home, Hever Castle will The Gardens 07 be opened during 2014. The exhibition in Admission rates 10 the Castle’s Long Gallery brings 16th century Hever Castle vividly to life with Opening times 10 costumed figures illustrating three key How to book and pay 11 events in Anne’s life at the Castle. Special packages 12 Groups can enjoy a unique and memorable Conference, banqueting and B&B 13 experience exploring 700 years of history Events calendar 14 at this unique double-moated 13th century Guided tours 16 Castle and fascinating Tudor House which Audio tours was once the childhood home of Anne 17 Boleyn, the ill-fated second wife of Henry Disabled visitor information 17 VIII and mother of Elizabeth I. Food and drink 18 Other facilities 18 All the essential information needed to arrange a visit to beautiful Hever Castle and How to get to Hever Castle 19 Gardens can be found in the following pages.
We look forward to welcoming your group in 2014.
More than just a castle... Award Winning Gardens • Events • Mazes • Miniature Model Houses • Open Air Theatre • Boating Lake • Shops • Adventure Playground • Portraits • Restaurants Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk ATTRACTIONS
THE CASTLE
The oldest part of Hever Castle was built around 1270 and consisted of a massive gatehouse and enclosure, surrounded by a moat and approached by a wooden drawbridge
In the 15th century the Bullen family added Hever Castle then passed through the hands the Tudor house inside the protective wall, of several families until it was bought in 1903 and it was this home that Thomas Bullen, by the wealthy American, William Waldorf father of Anne Boleyn, inherited in 1505. Astor, who restored the Castle and created Thomas and his wife Elizabeth had three the Italian Gardens. In 1983 the Astor family children. Their younger daughter, Anne, sold Hever Castle and its estate to Broadland became the ill-fated second wife of Henry Properties, a Yorkshire-based company owned VIII and was beheaded by the sword in 1536. by the Guthrie family. When Thomas Bullen died in 1538, Henry acquired the Castle from his deceased wife’s The gatehouse and curtain walls were family and in 1540 he gave it to Anne of constructed in 1270, with a Tudor manor Cleves as part of his divorce settlement. house being added within the castle walls by the Boleyn family.
Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk ATTRACTIONS
With a double moat and drawbridge, STEP INTO THE AWARD- the 13th century castle has splendid WINNING GARDENS ALL panelled rooms containing fine YEAR ROUND…. furniture, tapestries, an important collection of Tudor portraits and The beautiful gardens, which are a perfect a new exhibition about Anne example of Edwardian design, were laid out Boleyn’s childhood. between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal & Son
The existing marshland was turned into a spectacular mixture of classical and natural Items of interest in the Castle: landscapes which include the Italian Gardens, topiary, the yew maze, the rose and Tudor Gardens, a 38-acre lake, cascades, grottoes and fountains. June 2013 saw Monty Silver-plated clock, a replica of Henry Don officially open our Japanese Tea House Folly, built on the edge of the lake on the VIII’s wedding gift to Anne Boleyn peninsula of Sixteen Acre Island.
Henry VIII’s elaborate locks on the Dining Hall doors
Enormous Postillions’ Boots in SPRING the Entrance Hall
Locally produced Tunbridge Ware depicting Hever Castle in the Library
Anne Boleyn’s prayer books and headpiece in the Book of Hours Room
The Oratory Chapel Spectacular swathes of spring bulbs and Panel detail over the fireplace in Henry colourful border plants VIII’s bedroom commemorating Henry The story of the Tudors and particularly the make spring a wonderful VIII, Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves reign of Henry VIII can be viewed through the time to view the gardens comprehensive collection of portraits which at Hever. Hever Castle has acquired over recent years.
Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk
SUMMER WINTER
In June a diverse selection of aromatic The gardens at Hever are ever changing. As the colder months approach winter flowering shrubs roses can be found in the gardens, includes begin to bloom, and the malus and quince-like medlar fruits stand out against the beautiful stone over 4,000 bush and climbing varieties walls of the Italian Gardens. The dark green yew topiary becomes especially striking against the planted in the quintessentially English winter sun when tinged with dew or a light dusting of frost. rose garden. During the later summer months hot-coloured Mediterranean plants The mazes* Boating on the lake burst into life on the Pompeiian Wall, and The Water Maze, the Tower Maze and the Boats are available for hire from the hundreds of perennials in the Gertrude 100-year old Yew Maze offer a challenge Edwardian boathouse. Please check for Jekyll style long border are at their best. to visitors of all ages. Please check for open open dates and times at hevercastle.co.uk dates and times at hevercastle.co.uk or telephone +44 (0)1732 861701. or telephone +44 (0)1732 861701. Miniature Model Houses The lake walk The exhibition of Miniature Model Houses AUTUMN Visitors are able to take an hour long adjacent to the Hever Shop takes visitors nature walk around the lake and view the through the history of English country waterfall and weir at the bottom of the houses from Tudor to Victorian times. lake. Walkers are encouraged to look out for a variety of waterfowl and birds on the Shopping way, and see the three World War II pill Browse and be inspired in the Hever Shops boxes built to defend a key crossing point offering a wide selection of exclusive and on the river Eden. bespoke gifts, books, gardening products and plants.
As summer progresses and begins to fade, more than 400 dahlias create a dazzling display of colour at Two Sisters’ Lawn. Striking autumn colour can be found on the Castle walls, through the Italian Gardens and round the lake.
* Open April-October, weather permitting
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ADMISSION OPENING HOW TO HOW TO PAY RATES TIMES BOOK AND COLLECT Group rates (for groups of 15 or more Gardens open 10.30am To save time on arrival it is recommended YOUR TICKETS persons). The total must be paid in one Castle opens 12 noon that groups pre-book their visits with the amount. Group rates can be applied only if Group Visits Coordinator. the group arrives in the grounds together. 15th February - 24th December 2014
15 February - 24 December EARLY SPRING SEASON Telephone On arrival at the coach park, the group will 15th - 23rd February: Daily +44 (0)1732 861701 be met by a member of the Hever Castle Castle and Gardens Gardens Only staff who will direct the organiser to the 26th February - 30th March: Wed - Sun Email ticket office at the main gate to confirm Adult £12.25 £10.25 Last admission 4pm numbers and collect tickets on behalf of Senior £11.25 £9.75 Final exit 5pm [email protected] the group. Student (16-19) £9.90 £8.50 MAIN SEASON Fax Child (5-15) £6.90 £6.60 31st March - 24th October: Daily +44 (0)1732 866796 Payment should be made in one amount on Last admission 4.30pm the day of the visit. Individual rates Final exit 6pm Post (for groups of less than 15 persons) 25th October - 2nd November: Daily Hever Castle We accept all major credit cards (not Amex or Diners) Castle and Gardens Gardens Only Last admission 4pm Near Edenbridge Final exit 5pm Kent TN8 7NG Cheques Adult £15.50 £13.00 (payable to Hever Castle Limited) WINTER SEASON Senior £13.25 £11.25 Office hours Cash 5th November - 28th November: Wed - Sun Child (5-15) £8.70 £8.20 (euros not accepted) Last admission 3pm Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.30pm Family £39.70 £34.20 Final exit 4pm Vouchers are accepted and invoicing can be (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) 29th November - 1st January: arranged if required - please request at the See website for opening times TIMING time of booking. All prices include VAT. Information accurate at the time of YOUR VISIT Each visitor will be issued with an individual printing. Hever Castle reserves the right to ticket at the appropriate rate on the day of The following are suggested times for a visit: close all or part of the castle and grounds the visit. and to change or cancel events. In the Castle 1 hr event of adverse weather please check Gardens & Grounds 1½ hrs before travelling hevercastle.co.uk Miniature Model Houses Exhibition ½ hr or telephone information line Shopping & Eating 1 hr +44 (0)1732 865224 for updates. Rowing and/or a walk around the lake 1-2 hrs
Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk
SPECIAL PACKAGES CONFERENCE FOR GROUPS & BANQUETING In the Footsteps of the Tudors Penshurst Place
Hever Castle & Gardens and Penshurst repeatedly during her long courtship with GROUP ACCOMMODATION Hever Castle offers a choice of venues which Place & Gardens. Visit two historic estates Henry VIII. Here you’ll enjoy a leisurely can be booked on an ‘exclusive use’ basis for in Kent brought together by the Tudors. free flow visit through the intimate castle Group accommodation in The Astor Wing corporate and private celebrations. Whether and magnificent grounds. Take in one of of Hever Castle. For further information your event is for 10 or 200, our Conference £20.50 (min. of 15 persons) the best collections of Tudor portraits please contact the events office on & Banqueting Team will provide the perfect outside London and then marvel at the +44 (0)1732 861 800 or email solution to meet your requirements. Only a half day’s horse ride from London, quintessential English gardens. [email protected] Hever Castle was the childhood home of Both the historic Castle Dining Hall and Inner Henry VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn. For just £20.50 this offer includes Hall are available to hire when the Castle is closed to the public. The adjoining Astor Wing Following Anne’s execution and the entrance to Penshurst Place & Gardens has a superb range of meeting and dining rooms, disgrace of the Boleyn family, Hever with a House or Garden tour, followed and 18 luxurious bedrooms with en-suite passed to Henry VIII’s fourth wife, by freeflow entrance to Hever Castle and facilities. All are individually designed and Anne of Cleves - as did Penshurst Place, Grounds. Valid for 2014. furnished to a high standard combining which had become the property of contemporary and period style. Henry VIII following the execution of Only 20 minutes off the A21, via M25 its previous owner. Junction 5, M20 Junction 2A and the Situated in the award winning gardens A264, this special joint ticket offer is overlooking the 38-acre lake, the Guthrie Learn more of the history of these two available just for groups. Pavilion, offers a light and airy venue for estates and their royal connections with corporate bookings and private celebrations. this special joint offer. First, a house tour Both Hever and Penshurst Place offer of Penshurst Place to discover the Place’s catering facilities. To book this offer or find There are a number of packages that can be rich medieval and Tudor history. Find out out more, please contact, Head of Visitor tailored to suit each client’s requirements why the Sidney family, who still own it to Services at Penshurst Place & Gardens including a range of exciting team building this day, were gifted the property in 1552 on +44 (0)1892 870307, activities that can be organised on the Hever by Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI. Then do email [email protected] Castle estate. The award winning 27-hole take time to wander the unique historic or visit penshurstplace.com. Hever Castle Golf Club is also available for Baroque gardens with records dating back use by all guests. to the 14th century. Please note: House Tours of Penshurst Place need to take place before the house opens to the public at For further information please visit 12 noon and take approximately 45 minutes. You will then travel just a few miles west hevercastle.co.uk or telephone the to romantic Hever Castle, the childhood Conference & Banqueting Team home of Anne Boleyn to which she returned on +44 (0)1732 861800.
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EVENTS CALENDAR 2014
Visit hevercastle.co.uk for latest event details
The Snowdrop Trail at Half Term Edwardian Life FA NEW Summer Jousting Tournament Country Life at the Castle February 15th - 28th (weather dependent) May ½ Term 24th - June 1st July 19th & 20th, 26th & 27th, September 12th, 13th & 14th Follow a trail of thousands of delicate snowdrops Experience life in a grand country residence August 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th, 23rd, Celebrate the very best of rural living in the heart starting to emerge from their winter hibernation - in the early 20th century with fun for all the 24th & 25th, 30th & 31st of the glorious Kent countryside. Demonstrations the first sign that spring is just around the corner. family. Meet characters from the Edwardian era The summer season of jousting tournaments from skilled craftspeople, Patchwork and Living with Birds FA NEW with activities for children and traditional games begins. The brave Knights of Royal England Quilting Exhibition, including children’s Sit and to enjoy. Come along in Edwardian costume, return to battle it out at the annual Jousting Sew and Adult Beginner’s workshops. Local craft February ½ Term 15th - 23rd there is a prize for the best dressed. Tournament. Witness spectacular displays of and food stalls and art and photography displays. Come and learn about birds and nesting as we Hever’s Home Front FA NEW action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic Halloween FA give birds a home during National Nest Box arena complete with Royal Box. Week. Various activities including bird box June 21st - 22nd October ½ Term 25th - November 2nd Medieval Weekend with Jousting FA NEW building*, bird spotting trail around the grounds Step back to the 1940’s as re-enactors show what Treat the children to a spine-tingling programme and a bird craft workshop. it would have been like to live and work in the July 26th - 27th of entertainment this Half Term with prizes for Mother’s Day FA NEW country during the Second World War. Workshops Come along and try on a suit of armour, dress the best Halloween costume. Halloween themed & activities show children what it would have up as a knight or princess, then witness the craft workshops, activities and a spooky trail to March 30th been like as a child at the time. Visit the tea spectacular jousting tournament where the real follow in the grounds. Bring a torch and nerves Spoil Mum on Mother’s Day with a memorable dance tent, where traditional afternoon tea will knights will entertain you. of steel. family day out. Craft workshop and cupcake be served alongside swing dance displays, and Knights & Princess School FA NEW Christmas FA decorating* for young visitors to make that classes for all ages. Enjoy displays of period model - School Holiday Fun November 29th - December 24th special gift to take home. Celebration menu in aircraft, including a grounded life-size spitfire. July 28th - September 3rd the restaurant. Peruse the vintage stalls & get your hair done Capture the spirit of Christmas with a day that casts Easter FA 1940’s style! So why not come along in 1940’s Learn what it was like to be a knight or a a magic spell on all the family. Decorated Castle princess, children of all ages may take part in rooms, welcoming log fires and twinkling Christmas April 5th - 21st style dress and really enter the spirit of the era. a series of hands-on activities and learn about trees. Father Christmas will be visiting again, relaxed Hever in Bloom Family entertainment throughout the Easter what life was really like in medieval times. Christmas shopping in the gift shops and delicious holidays with a host of activities including an June 23rd - 29th Paws at the Castle FA festive food in the restaurants. As dusk falls, the gardens Easter hunt, craft workshop and Easter bonnet A celebration of our quintessential English gardens are magically lit creating stunning illuminated displays. competition. Spring bulbs and blossom burst into August 2nd - 3rd bursting with one of the finest displays of roses Dates for the Diary: life in the gardens, plus seasonal home cooked and summer blooms in the Garden of England. Following the success of our first Dog Show, this Aston Martin Car Club - June 29th food and hot cross buns in the restaurant. Event The rooms of the castle will have an abundance of year we’re going bigger and better. This year supported by Lindt chocolate. flowers and floral displays with tours of the gardens it’s all about dogs with jobs and how our canine A display of modern and classic Aston Martins. Long Bow Archery Display for visitors wishing to learn more about the history friends help us today. Displays and entertainment Veteran Car’s - July 23rd from all types of working dogs, including a water April 12th - 13th of our award winning gardens. Lovingly restored veteran and vintage cars for event in the lake and of course the fun dog show Hever Bastion - Castle Triathlon Iron man distance visitors to view up close. Bow archery displays from The Fraternity of St competitions with awards for the winning dogs. George with techniques dating back to medieval Sunday July 13th Festival Theatre* - located on Two Sisters’ Lawn Tudor Living and Jousting times. There will be practice displays, traditional The ultimate triathlon challenge and what The 2014 Summer Season runs from late May August 23rd - 25th morning musters and speed shooting at marks could well become known as the toughest long until the end of August, and is packed with shows around the Hever Estate. course in the UK. See website for further details Tudor encampment, re-enactments, and stalls for all the family and to suit all tastes. May Day Festival FA NEW castletriathlonseries.co.uk with more thrills and spills from our brave Anne Boleyn by Howard Brenton knights competing in this year’s Jousting May 3rd - 5th George’s Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl Tournament over the Bank Holiday. The Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert and Sullivan Traditional celebrations to welcome in the *Please note that some activities are chargeable. For further details on all the Events at Hever Castle The Annual Hever Triathlon Alice in Wonderland spring. Join the Lord and Lady of the May please check the website. Event information is accurate The Masters of the House Sing the Musicals as they dance around the Maypole, meet the September 27th - 28th at the time of printing. Please check details before Last Night of the Hever Proms mythical Green Man from folklore, and follow travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or Open to all; See website for further details For full details and to book tickets visit Jack-in-the-Green in a customary May Day part of the Castle and grounds and to change or cancel castletriathlonseries.co.uk events. In the event of adverse weather, please check heverfestival.co.uk or call +44 (0)1732 866114. procession through the grounds as he wakes up for the latest update on +44 (0)1732 865224 the gardens. or go to hevercastle.co.uk. For accessibility information please visit our website hevercastle.co.uk FA FAMILY ACTIVITY
Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk
GUIDED TOURS DISABILITY ACCESS
Private Castle tours Garden tours Audio tours We welcome visitors with disabilities and Private guided tours of the Castle need to The beautiful Gardens for all seasons at Audio guides bringing 700 years of Hever offer discounted rates for groups who be pre-booked and commence between Hever Castle were laid out between 1904 Castle to life are available in English, French, have a special need. Minibuses and small 10am and 10.30am. and 1908 by Joseph Cheal & Son. The German and Dutch. Other languages may coaches can be offered accessible parking magnificent Italian Gardens were designed become available during the season. A by prior arrangement. We have a limited number of manual wheelchairs for loan A tour lasts approximately 1 hr and can be to display William Waldorf Astor’s Children’s audio guide is also available. given in English, French, German, Dutch, on a refundable deposit basis, subject collection of classical Italian statuary, and Spanish or Italian. to availability. These can be reserved in form a backdrop for spectacular displays of Special rate for group entry advance so please enquire when booking. interest and colour all year round. to Castle and Gardens incl. audio guide Tours are not available on special event weekends and Bank Holidays. Adult £15.50 Seniors £14.50 The Castle is an ancient building with Garden Tours with members of the Hever Student (16-19) £13.15 Child (5-15) £10.15 narrow spiral stone stairs making Castle Gardening Team are available during Adults/Seniors £18.60 wheelchair access limited to the ground weekdays or at weekends for smaller Audio tours only floor. The steps into the Castle forecourt Student (16-19) £14.00 are not possible to ramp and electric groups by special arrangement. Tours last Individual £3.75 Group £3.25 Child (5-15) £9.90 approximately one hour. wheelchairs are not permitted in the Castle. Light levels are low in some Visitors are guided through the rooms as These prices are per person and are based areas to protect the collection. The main Standard tour with the Gardeners the narrator, with the aid of characters, on groups of 20 or more. Entry to the pathways in the Gardens are paved or £15.00 (min. 15 persons) music and sound effects, provides a lively Gardens is included, but a return visit to tarmac with main steps ramped. The insight into how life might have been the Castle is not permitted. Standard tour including Castle exhibition of Miniature Model Houses, during Tudor Times when Henry VIII came the restaurants and shops as well as the £17.00 (min. 15 persons) courting Anne Boleyn at her family home. In the event of the tour being cancelled on the day or Water Maze and Tower Maze, are accessible late arrival preventing the tour from taking place, a In the event of the tour being cancelled on the day or to wheelchair users. Disabled toilets charge for the guides booked will be made. Discover more about the fine collection of late arrival preventing the tour from taking place, a are located near the Main Entrance, the charge for the gardeners booked will be made. portraits, paintings, tapestries and artefacts Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant and inside and learn how William Waldorf Astor, the the Moat Restaurant. American millionaire, restored the Castle to how it is today.
Guidebooks A 84-page souvenir guidebook is available from the Main Gate, Information Centre, Shops and Castle (English only).
Call: +44 (0)1732 861701 Fax: +44 (0)1732 866796 Email: [email protected] Travel Trade & Group Organisers Information 2014 hevercastle.co.uk
FOOD AND DRINK HOW TO GET TO HEVER CASTLE
There are two restaurants in the castle Kiosks† Road TN8 7NG Rail grounds and gardens where a warm Offering locally sourced ice cream and cold Hever Castle is located 30 miles from London/Victoria/London Bridge to welcome awaits. Groups can pre-book drinks. Situated at the Water Maze, Loggia central London, three miles SE of Edenbridge Town morning coffee on arrival or following and Crossroads (opposite the information Edenbridge between Sevenoaks and East (3 miles - taxis available) or a guided tour, as well as afternoon tea. centre) Grinstead. It can be reached via junction Hever Station Set lunches offering a choice of freshly 10 of the M23, and is signposted from (1 mile rural walk - no taxis) prepared meals can be arranged. Our junctions 5 and 6 of the M25 and the Call 08457 484950 head chef uses seasonal, locally sourced Hildenborough (B245) exit from the A21. or visit nationalrail.co.uk ingredients where possible. Both Eurotunnel Ebbsfleet Terminal 45 minutes restaurants are licensed and open from Coach drivers and tour guides/organisers 10.30am - 5.30pm during the main season. are advised to check the route to Hever Air Castle as there are a number of low Heathrow 60 minutes The Moat Restaurant bridges in the surrounding area. Gatwick 30 minutes Is situated next to the Hever Shop with If you are travelling in a double-decker comfortable modern seating inside and an coach please ring us for alternative Sea extensive outside patio area with views of directions. Parking in the large coach park Dover 90 minutes the orchard and castle. opposite the Main Entrance is free. Coach Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel Folkestone drivers and tour leaders (maximum of one Terminal 90 minutes The Guthrie Pavilion Restaurant each per coach) will be offered a free entry voucher and one refreshment voucher for Is located at the far end of the award exchange at either self-service restaurants. winning gardens overlooking the lake. It A1(M) M11 complements the Palladian feel of the A12 Other Facilities M1 M25 Italian Gardens with its stylish furnishing A127 and classic interior design. There is also First Aid supplies can be found at the M40 Southend-on-Sea extensive seating outside. Information Centre, the Castle and both LONDON A13 restaurants. There is a first aid room M4 Sheerness Rochester alongside the Hever Shop. Heathrow Airport A20 Margate A2 A21 M20 M3 A249 Toilets are located near the Main Gate and M26 M2 Ramsgate M23 M25 inside both restaurants. The Lavender Loos A25 Sevenoaks Maidstone A252 Canterbury Edenbridge A26 A2 can be found next to the Guthrie Pavilion. M20 Gatwick Airport Tonbridge There are no toilets in the Coach Park or A264 Crawley Ashford Dover Hever Village. East Tunbridge A21
A24 Folkestone A2 Wells Hever Castle GrinsteadA2
3 2 A259 †Open during busy times and are weather dependent.
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