Today I want to share my guide to taking a day trip to Hever Castle from London. This is a great place to spend a day taking in the fortress and its gardens in Kent.
Day Trip to Hever Castle
There’s something magical about a castle. Fairy-tale romances, gallant chivalry, and courtly intrigues pervade the thick stone walls.
It’s particularly true of a castle that was home to a wife of Henry VIII, one of the most famous kings of England.
I’ve been meaning to take a day trip to Hever Castle for years, and I’ve finally traveled to Kent to see Anne Boleyn’s childhood home in all its regal splendor.
How to Get from London to Hever Castle
I’m a big fan of taking day trips from London, not least because they’re great ways to escape the city and immerse myself in a different part of England.
Hever Castle is an easy one, too. A short train ride from central London, the nearest stations are a quick taxi trip or—even better—a nice country walk away through the local fields.
Visiting Hever Castle on a Day Trip
Now that I’m here, I find myself in exactly the fairy tale I hoped for. This is one of the best castles near London for a lot of reasons, and I soon discover them.
A moat hugs the stately stone structure of Hever Castle, and whimsical deer-shaped trees surround it.
A life-size yew maze and topiary chess set add an Alice-in-Wonderland ambiance, and suddenly I’m five years old and seriously in awe of something spectacular again.
Hever Castle Tour
Inside Hever Castle, I tour the rooms where Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII once frequented.
Many of them feature a mix of historical styles from the 16th century and the 20th, when the famous Astor family bought this English castle and made it their home.
Hever Castle Gardens
But for me the real magic lies outside the castle walls. The gardens are the highlight, and no day trip to Hever Castle would be complete without seeing them. They make this place one of the best garden day trips from London.
Beyond the hedges and topiary deer sit picture-pretty bridges and a larger-than-life water maze where children of all ages run across floating blocks that send geysers shooting into the air as they pick their way to the tower in the center.
Then there’s the Italian Garden. Of everything on the 125 acres surrounding Hever Castle, it’s by far the most beautiful.
Tulips of every shade line expansive landscaped lawns while giant urns overflow with the excesses of spring. This is one of the best spring travel destinations and top spring day trips from London for good reason.
Hedges surround secret reflecting pools, and at the very end of the garden a loggia overlooks a placid lake. It’s straight out of a fairy tale, only this time I’m in it.
Hever Castle Day Trip
And maybe that’s the best part about taking a day trip to Hever Castle. Sure, it’s nice to imagine the intrigues of Anne and Henry all those centuries ago. But it’s even more fun to live the dream myself.
Have you taken a day trip to Hever Castle? What did you like best?
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29 Comments on Lady’s Day Trip to Hever Castle Guide
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This looks amazing – I’m a bit of a Boleyn fan so have wanted to visit here for ages. Thanks for the reminder!
You’re welcome! If you’re a Boleyn fan, you’ll love it there!
I do love English castles!:) nice photos as ever!:)
Thanks!
This was one of the very first castle’s I ever went to in England almost 40 years ago and it still holds a very special place in my heart. It was and is the best. We were in London this past December and if we had had more time I would have made sure I got there. Another special place to stop by and maybe visit is Gravetye Manor in East Grinstead. It would be right up your alley!
That’s great! I can see why you like Hever Castle so much. Funny you mention Gravetye Manor, too. I went a few years ago and loved it. You know me well!
I’m kinda sad I went to school for a semester in London and I never explored half of these places! So much like a fairytale, I need to go back 🙂
Aw, yeah! I hope you can come back and see more!
Loved reading this! I’m a big fan of day trips too and have always wanted to visit Hever Castle! It looks like spring is a beautiful time to go. Thanks for sharing, Julie 🙂
You’re welcome! I hope you’re able to visit someday!
On my last two trips to England, I’ve thought about taking a day trip to Hever Castle, but it just hasn’t worked out. I really need to make it a priority next time!
Yeah! I hope you can go next time.
Look at those flowers! What a picturesque castle.
I so want to go there as I’m a big fan of Anne Boleyn 🙂
Nice! You’ll really enjoy it then.
These pictures look beautiful! I’ll definitely keep this in mind the next time I’m travelling to London!
Thanks! Hope you can make it out there!
Hello, when I went there last June, it was very hot.
I saw one of Henly 8th’s wives ghost ! She was outside and smiled at me!
She was very pritty lady though( Anne Boleyn).
I also saw Kalmia latifoli flower first time.
I enjoyed your blogs, thank you very much(^^) and sorry for my poor english.
Wow, seeing a ghost must have been quite an experience! I’m glad you enjoy the blog!
I am reading “The Secret Diary of Anne Boyeln” now, so would love to visit Hever. Your pictures are beautiful.
Yeah, you would love it. I hope you can go sometime!
Looks gorgeous – perfect timing as I’m hoping to visit this month!
Nice! I hope you have a good time!
Beautiful place to spend a day outside London, especially during the Spring. I’m totally in love with those tulips! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I love the tulips, too!
Love those tulips 🙂
Same here!
Perfect. I’m adding it to my itinerary for late April. Along with your Hampstead, south of Westminister Abbey, and some mews walks! Thanks so much!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad to hear that. Have fun!