First time visiting Hever Castle? This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, parking, accessibility, and how to get there.
A brief history of Hever Castle
The original Hever Castle, constructed as a medieval defensive stronghold complete with a gatehouse and walled bailey, received its licence to crenellate in 1383. It entered the hands of the influential Boleyn family in 1462 – notably becoming the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, whose marriage to Henry VIII catalysed the English Reformation by ending the king’s loyalty to the Roman Catholic Church.
Following her eventual downfall, the castle was transferred to Anne of Cleves and later passed through several hands, including the Waldegraves, Humphreys, and Meade Waldo families.
In 1903, American magnate William Waldorf Astor purchased Hever Castle, investing significantly in its restoration. He created the Tudor-style Astor Wing (formerly the Tudor Village), designed opulent interiors, and commissioned the sweeping formal gardens and lake that define its modern landscape.
Ownership later passed to the Guthrie family (owners since 1983), who have remained dedicated stewards of the estate, preserving its historical integrity while enhancing the visitor experience.
How to get to Hever Castle
By car: Use postcode TN8 7NG to reach Hever Castle. Free parking is available on-site, with ample accessible parking spaces. On arrival, you’ll be directed to the best car park.
By train: The nearest station is Hever, about a 25-minute walk from the castle. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Edenbridge Town Station, which is approximately 3 miles away.
Hever Castle opening hours
Opening hours (typical)
- Daily: 10:30 to 18:00 (last entry 16:30). These are the times from late March to late-October.
- Autumn hours: For the last few days of October and in early November, the castle closes at 16:30, with the last entry at 15:00. In November, Hever Castle is only open Wednesday to Sunday.
- Winter closure: Hever Castle is usually closed between late November and late March.
- Castle entry: Timed tickets available from 12:00 to 16:30. Entry to the castle is not possible before this, although you can explore the grounds.
Hever Castle ticket prices
- Adult (Castle & Gardens): £24.65
- Senior (60+)/Student: £21.85
- Child (5–17 years): £10.25
- Child under 5: Free
- Family (2 adults + 2 children): £44.90
- Gardens Only (Adult): £15.55
- Gardens Only (Senior/Student): £14.75
- Gardens Only (Child): £10.25
These are online-only prices. Pay on-site, and it’ll cost you slightly more. Pre-booking is recommended, especially for castle entry.
Tickets are available on the day from the Visitor Centre on a first-come, first-served basis. Some afternoon castle tickets (12:00–15:00) are available to book in advance.
Parking at Hever Castle
Free parking is available on-site at Hever Castle, with ample accessible parking spaces. On arrival, you’ll be directed to the best car park.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
- Of the three floors of the castle, only the ground floor is wheelchair accessible.
- For detailed accessibility information, visit the Hever Castle website.
- Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Dutch, Chinese and Russian.
- A brief guide to the history of the castle in Braille is available at the entrance.
- The castle has two mazes – a yew maze and a water maze – plus three playgrounds. The Tudor Towers Adventure Playground is the best of these.
Nearby attractions to combine in a day
- Chartwell: The home of Sir Winston Churchill.
- Knole House: A historic house and deer park in Sevenoaks.
- Emmetts Garden: A National Trust property with stunning views and gardens.
- The Pooh Sticks Bridge, Heffalump Trap and other Winnie the Pooh sites in Ashdown Forest.
Other attractions in Kent worth considering include Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Chartwell and the Chatham Historic Dockyard.
