Hever Castle Gardens

This is a view of Hever Castle in Spring from the estate entrance.

Hever Castle is located in Edenbridge Kent, west of Tonbridge. Hever owes much of its current splendor to Lord Astor, who spent large sums from his personal fortune restoring it in the early part of the 20th century and filling it with treasures.


The rhododendrons and azaleas look stunning especially along the Spring Bank in May.

The immaculate castle which dates back to the 13th century, is more like a large manor house and in Tudor times was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and her family. The gardens at Hever Castle were laid out between 1904 and 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son.

The magnificent Italian Garden was designed to display William Astors collection of Italian sculpture and the 35 acre lake at the far end of the garden took 800 men two years to create. The gardens are being continually improved, including the additions of a 110 metre herbaceous border, a period herb garden, yew hedge maze and a water maze. The gardens are planned to provide a display at any season of the year. It Is an ideal location for a picnic.



These beautiful lilac coloured tulips were growing in the Hever rock garden

Since 1983, the castle has been owned by Broadland Properties Limited and open to the public. The castle has a homely atmosphere and houses historic 16th century portraits, furniture and tapestries.


This shows the Rock Garden at Hever, t.he rose garden is through the archway.

In May tulips, wallflowers and pansies form a carpet of colour along the Pompeian Wall. The rhododendrons and azaleas look stunning especially along the Spring Bank. The oldest part of Hever Castle dates back to 1270 and consisted of the gatehouse and a walled bailey, it was not until the 1500's that the Bullen family bought the castle and added a Tudor dwelling, which became the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

More Pictures of Hever Castle